We have been advised of the death of Robert (Bob) Bryce on Saturday 3rd December 2022.

He paid off as a Chief Writer in 1969 after 20 years’ service having spent a lot of time in all three RAN carriers and at Albatross.  He fell straight into a job as the Albatross Canteen Manager and was allocated a house in the ‘Patch’ directly opposite the house in Walrus Crescent.

Bob managed the Canteen for a good number of years and was generally well liked by the Ship’s Company and respected by the long stream of CMDR ‘S’s for whom he worked.

The funeral for Bob will be held on Monday 12th December 2022 in the Uniting Church, Elanora, Gold Coast, at 2pm.  The live streaming link to the Service is here. 

Some memories of Bob are attached below, from his sons, Richard and Phillip.

Many thanks for communicating the death of my dad to the Fleet Air Arm Association after contact form my brother. Dad spent many happy years looking after the ‘birdies’ at HMAS Albatross and one of his many contributions was operating the canteen and all kinds of food, drink; ‘gofers’ and others,  newsagency, fuel, mechanical and other services to the base during a historically busy time for the Fleet Air Arm. One of his proudest initiatives, I believe, was the operation of the famous blue ‘Roach Coach’ which provided sterling food and drink services to every part of the base for many years. I had the privilege of doing some school holiday work in the coach and got to travel around the base with a great crew enjoying lots of convivial conversations along the way.SIn addition, I can’t let pass the opportunity to sing dad’s praises for the many Naval Air Shows that he supported that were such an important fixture of life at Albatross for many years. In the days leading upto the Air Shows I remember being surrounded by copious quantities of dry ice, ice creams, chocolates, pies, sausage rolls and other tempting specialities, that I couldn’t touch on pain of getting ‘up close and personal’ to said ice! Dad thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Navy, both in uniform and as a civvie manager of the canteen. I’m sure that many of your members will have memories of him. He and mum had a close friendship with a few salty people, especially Bob and Edna Cronin who’ve both sadly passed away. There was also our neighbours at Walrus Crescent, Graeme and Janelle Price, who are now living amongst the sand dunes of West Perth, which is appropriate for them as they love their beach life near Scarborough.  Richard Bryce.

I am able to supply a few details of dad’s life post navy. His length of service in the RAN was from 01/03/1949  to 17/03/69. Post 1969 Dad’s duties were civilianised and he worked in the area of managing the Dry, Wet Canteens and Garage at HMAS Albatross. He retired in 1991 moving to the Gold Coast and living in Currumbin Waters.

Dad and Mum were married for over 70 years and lived happily in their family home for about 30 years. 

Dad was active during his retirement enjoying the local coast, overseas travel and visiting family. He was a serious bowls player competing in local and inter-club games. He also volunteered at the local version of Men’s Shed in Elanora, helping boys learn woodworking skills. Dad remained active with the Currumbin RSL and Naval Association and at times assisted with the organization of major reunions on the Gold Coast. He loved his garden, was always ‘pottering’ with odd jobs and he loved reading. Any scrap of paper or mail that came into the house, Dad would pour over it as a typical ex-navy writer would. 

Dad recently hit rough seas with his health and he passed away on Saturday, 3rd December in John Flynn Hospital at the age of 93 years. He will be sadly missed by: his wife Marjorie, sons – Richard & Phil, Grandchildren – Lucy & (Aries), Frances & (Daniel), Vivien & (Philip), Laura, Elle, Jacinda, Simeon & Ebony and Great Grandchildren – Anaise, Milla, Elina, Owen, Arlo, Remi, Payton, Callie & Hudson.   Philip Bryce