By
LCDR Mick Rigby
Sadly,
I was recently informed that ex-LSMS Jonathan “Johnny” Noel Gageler
had passed away, at the age of 32, in Tokyo, Japan, whilst on
a photographic assignment.
I came to know him when he served with me in HMAS Shepparton where
he was the Buffer. Johnny transferred branch to Photographer in
1995 to follow his passion on a professional basis.
He left the Navy in May 2000 to pursue his career as a professional
photographer.
His outlook and views were the product of his honesty, his tolerant
understanding of human weaknesses, and his exceptional mind.
He was witty in the best sense: he combined the happiest knack
of phrase with a warmth and a generosity that put malice out of
bounds.
His remarks were freely quoted, but were never made for that purpose.
Indeed, so poor, from the standpoint of the professional wit,
was his delivery, so grave and unassuming his manner, that it
was often with a shock of surprise that you realised that you
had heard, but barely heard, an observation at once breath-takingly
honest and brilliantly funny.
The same delicious and distinctive quality pervaded his photography.
He is survived by his wife, Janet.
Farewell shipmate.
