LIONEL Brownley was an officer by virtue of his commission in the Royal Australian Air Force, and a gentleman by his whole manner of living.

He was a 'gentle man' totally devoted to his lifetime partner and best mate - his wife, May, whom he loved deeply.

He was remembered and honoured by a large gathering at his funeral service at the Centenary Memorial Gardens on May 30.

At the ceremony, a special segment provided by the Centenary RSL highlighted Lionel's contribution on active duty as a Wireless Air Gunner in World War II, serving both in the Royal Air Force as well as Royal Australian Air Force, from December 1940.

He served with the No. 62SQN RAF and 100SQN RAF in Singapore until its fall. In 1944 he was assigned to No. 53SQN USAAF.

The aircraft Lionel flew in were DC2, Fairey Battle, Blenheim, Hudson, Beaufort, Anson, Vildebeste and Liberator. These are indicative of the wide experience he had during those years.

He married Frances May Butterworth in Sutherland, Sydney, on March 27, 1943.

After the war, Lionel worked for a short time for Ampol before re-enlisting in the Air Force as an Equipment Officer.

While engaged for 10 years in the initial work of evaluation and procurement of the General Dynamics F-111 multipurpose strike aircraft, he and May spent four years in the United States.

Lionel and May moved to RAAF Base Amberley in 1968.

He discharged in 1973 and lived at Jindalee, where he was held in high esteem by many friends and acquaintances.

He then worked for a few years for Stevens, a local building contractor, as office manager and then retired permanently.

He was meticulous in documentation and record keeping and was an avid golfer.

He enjoyed challenges and became immersed in modern technology, learning computer skills and using a digital camera

Rest in peace, Lionel Brownley (February 17, 1920, to May 26, 2002) a good and gentle man.