Vale

The SAA is saddened to announce the passing of former member Warren Stewart on the 27th March this year, following a short battle with an aggressive form of liver cancer.

Warren was born in Newcastle, NSW, in February 1953. He joined the Royal Australian Navy on the 5th of October 1968 as a 15-year-old Junior Recruit at HMAS Leeuwin.

Graduating in October 1969, he joined the Daring-class destroyer HMAS Vampire the following month as an Ordinary Seaman. After completing his time in Vampire, he undertook marine engineering training at HMAS Cerberus before returning to sea aboard the transport ship HMAS Sydney.

While in Sydney, Warren completed no fewer than seven return voyages to Vietnam between February 1971 and March 1972, for which he was awarded the Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal and the Returned from Active Service Badge

In 1972, Warren volunteered for submarines. He completed his initial submarine training at HMS Dolphin before returning to Australia, where he qualified at sea in HMAS Onslow and was awarded his “Dolphins.” He served in Onslow in 1973 and 1974, then joined HMAS Otway in 1976, remaining on her until he returned to the United Kingdom in 1977 to stand by HMAS Otama, then under construction at Scott Lithgow Dockyard in Greenock, Scotland. A proud “plank owner,” he served in Otama until 1979.

After leaving the RAN, Warren began a long and distinguished career with the Australian Federal Police. He received the National Medal with Clasp, and in 2000 he was awarded the Police Overseas Service Medal for his deployment to East Timor as a Federal Agent.

Following his retirement, he lived in Glouster NSW, before returning to his hometown of Newcastle.

At Warren’s request no funeral will be held

The SAA extends its condolences to Warren’s wife Pam, his extended family, and his friends.

May He Rest In Peace