Original source (on modern site)
There was a greater sense of loss than usual during the Anzac Day Dawn Service in the small Wheatbelt town of Merredin in Western Australia. It was the first dawn service since the loss of the town's last RSL member, Jim Willcox. Residents said the 75-year-old Vietnam War veteran, who died in February from cancer, was missed. "Jim was always there, always helping," friend and police officer, Mark Sita, said. "Anything with veterans affairs he was always there and helping." Jim Willcox served in Vietnam as part of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Australian Army Regiment.(Supplied) Shire of Merredin president Mark McKenzie, who gave a tribute to Mr Wilcox at Thursday's service, said he held a special place in the town. "A veteran but also a great bloke, our last RSL president, he just brought people together," he said. Merredin's Anzac Day Dawn Service honoured the legacy of Jim Willcox.(ABC Great Southern: Mark Bennett) "He's from a lovely family and you could see the emotion on their faces today as we remembered him." Allan James "Jim" Willcox spent nearly a year serving in the Vietnam War. He was called up for national service in 1969, joining the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Australian Army Regiment. In a statement, his family said Mr Willcox was always very proud of his military service, he viewed it as an honour and privilege to be trusted to serve his country. Merredin's Jim Willcox served in the Vietnam War.(Supplied) After moving to Merredin, Mr Willcox was instrumental in the town's RSL, helping to create a stunning reflection pool and taking part in decades of commemorative services. His neighbour Kerry Kretschmer attended the memorial and paid tribute to Mr Willcox, describing him as a genuine legend. Kerry Kreschmer shared fond memories of Jim Willcox. (ABC Great Southern: Mark Bennett) "He helped anybody who needed help," she said. "Today was a special moment for him and his family." Ms Krestchmer said Mr Willcox would often take people to Perth for health treatment, a 500-kilometre return trip. Mr Willcox received an RSL Long Service Award — an honour for a member who has given more than 50 years of cumulative service to the league. Sadly, the award did not make it to Mr Willcox before his death. The RSL presented the award posthumously to his family at his funeral. Jim Willcox at a previous service in Merredin.(Supplied) "[The award] was very important to Jim," his family said. "It signified his ongoing, continuous commitment and support of the RSL and what is signified for — mateship that stands the test of time." Get our local newsletter, delivered free each Thursday Posted 25 Apr 202425 Apr 2024Thu 25 Apr 2024 at 5:09am, updated 25 Apr 202425 Apr 2024Thu 25 Apr 2024 at 9:35amLoss to community
Awards for dedication