Always a gentleman who lived humbly
Lt-Col Graham Tippetts

Lt-Col Graham Tippetts passed away at the Duntroon Military Hospital on November 9 last year after the sudden relapse of a previously treated but aggressive brain tumour. Graham served in the RAA for 28 years and is survived by his wife Pat and son Edward. A funeral service was held in Canberra on November 11.

After graduating from OCS in 1975, Graham served in a variety of units including 8/12 Mdm Regt, 4 Fd Regt, 1RAR, 1RTB, 1 Fd Regt and 5/11 Fd Regt before beginning a series of staff postings in Canberra.

Graham will be remembered as one of nature’s perfect gentlemen. He was always kind and courteous, and exemplified a life of honest, hard working toil. The hallmark of his life was simple, even humble living, unadorned by the materiel possessions that are attractive to so many of us.

Graham always showed a genuine and deep interest for others and was always on hand to help a friend in need – nothing was too much trouble.

Recently, when asked about his own dire illness, his answer would be circumspect before turning to what for him were more important matters – the health and wellbeing of those in his company.

His last and possibly most challenging posting was as the Project Director for the HQ Australian Theatre project. Graham’s gritty determination and excellent project management skills progressed this complex and sensitive project to the successful stage that it is in today.

From all of us, farewell old son. You remain, always, always a gentleman.
– Lt-Col Dale Cooper