Submarines

Association

Australia

Vale

Crest

In Memory of

ABMTSM Ethan (Olly) Ollington

It is with great sadness that the SAA advises of the passing of SAA member ABMTSM Ethan (Olly) Ollington Sunday15th June 2025 Ethan passed away following a rapid deterioration after a brief illness.
Ethan served in the Navy for nearly 8 years all on Collins class.
He was a respected and highly skilled Marine Technician in the submarine community.
He left the Navy to return home to Tasmania to raise his two boys with his wife.
Ethan is survived by his wife Khiana, and two young sons: Chayse and Riley 4.
On Monday, 23rd June, a private ceremony for family and close friends will take place where a celebration of Ethan’s life will be held. Khiana has expressed a wish for the few invited navy members attending Monday to express in their own words, some cherished memories, experiences and shared times with Ethan.
There is no expectation for any particular theme or type, the only request is to consider that these be written with Chayse (8) and Riley (4) in mind.
These memories will perform an important task - that is, help these two boys have an idea of who Ethan was.
His personality and character. His humour, his thoughts, his morals and tenacity.
Whatever you feel relevant and unique to Ethan will be treasured and examined by his two boys now and in the future.
Whilst this might seem to be a pressured task, please view it instead as an opportunity - help mould and shape the way our treasured Ethan is remembered.

The reality is that as Chayse and Riley grow, years pass, they will meet obstacles, hurdles and milestones; both challenging and wonderful times.
Ethan will not be in the position to be a dynamic resource offering sound fatherly guidance and share wins;
for the two boys to have a collection of memories will never replace or go close to filling the massive void left, but we hope it will present a collection of stories from different perspectives the boys can access.
Both now and in years to come, these bespoke words will provide access to their father whenever they need;
informing and guiding them by learning about their father.
Although this note has expressed a desire for those attending Monday to write some words; it is the family’s wish to not have a cut-off date nor limit the request to those attending Monday.
Should there be memories that require some more time to articulate or memories that do not instantly present themselves,
or from those members unable to attend Monday, please continue to send any anecdotes to the following P.O. Box and/or email address:

PO Box 483,
Smithton,
Tasmania,
7330
CR.Ollington@hotmail.com