VALE
CMDR Matt Cawsey

BUGGER. The flags representing these six letters hung in Matt’s room for the last few weeks before he lost his long battle with cancer. I think the sentiment accurately describes how those of us who were privileged to know him feel about the situation.
Matt was farewelled by a large group of friends and family at the ANZAC Memorial Chapel of St Paul, and afterwards at HMAS Harman Wardroom, on May 5.

The military eulogy was delivered by long time family friend and colleague CMDR Andrew Jackman who said, ”to his family he was a loving son, husband, father, brother and sister. To his friends he was a great mate, someone you could rely upon always, and a non-handler on a run ashore.”

These types of sentiment describe the tone of the service, an event that really was a celebration of Matt’s life.

I was fortunate enough to serve with Matt when he was the CO HMAS Geelong – perhaps the highlight of his career. He was an excellent boss – the kind that is prepared to expend enough rope to almost let you hang yourself, but always be standing by to assist if required. It is fitting that his ashes were scattered in Darwin Harbour from Geelong on May 29.

The way Matt ran his ship demonstrates for me the type of person he was. The reshuffling of the bridge watchbill to ensure that the most hungover junior officer would be on watch for the longest after sailing, the early morning durry that was really an excuse to check up on the Mid’s astro.

I will remember both of these common events as examples of his love for the Navy, his desire to pass that on to others and his wicked sense of humour.

Many other former Geelong crew will also remember Matt’s bucket, the one he always seemed to have at ship’s functions... What they may not know, though, is that Matt was presented with a more durable chrome bucket for his 40th birthday (there’s something about Sambuca that ruins plastic).

While well used, the new bucket still has plenty of life in it. It is to be donated to the Duntroon hospital (together with a corkscrew) for use as an ice bucket. It will be made available to the families of future patients who may be in need of a bottle of wine with dinner and is also a lasting reminder of the exemplary assistance that the hospital staff provided to the Cawsey family during this very difficult time.

CMDR Jackman finished speaking with the words “at full brilliance is how I will always remember Matt.”
Many other members of the Navy family will also remember Matt that way.

Our thoughts are always with you, Monique, Sebastian and Heloise. We mourn your loss with you, but we also celebrate our opportunity to have known Matt. – LEUT Kate Ryan

 

.