I Did It My Way

 

A Little Bit Of Light Reading

 

 

I was born at Goulburn NSW on 20th September 1946, the first of 4 children to Cecil and Vera Lyons. My Mother had been previously married to George Sheather who was tragically killed in a limestone cave-in at Marulan. Consequently, when I was born I already had 5 wonderful step brothers and sisters.

From my early childhood to this present day my life has been based on country living, country music and a loving family. My early years of Schooling at Tallong Public School and further education at Coolamon played an important part of my childhood adventures.

After leaving School, I worked as a carpenters labourer, before turning to what most young men in the Coolamon District were employed in. Hay carting, chaff cutting, general farmhand work and a little bit of rouseabouting in the local shearing sheds. I even tried my hand at making pick handles at a saw mill in Laurel Hill near Batlow. Following in my Fathers footsteps I decided to apply for the NSW Railways, and successfully became a Station Assistant assigned firstly, to Ganmain and then to Junee. However, as a young man I needed something more exciting than the Railway, so I moved to Wollongong and began digging trenches and sewerage lines for the Water Board,,,, before it was suggested by my soon to be Father in-law, to join the Army. It was during my early Army service that I became interested in Poetry writing.

My service with the Australian Regular Army from 1964 to 1984 gave me many inspirations and subjects to write about, and my service in particular with the Fifth Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (The Tigers ) both in Australia and Vietnam presented many moments that I will never forget.

My Military Career spanned a little over 20 years and my service included Operational duties in Vietnam with D Coy 5 RAR 1966/67. At age 19, I participated in the clean up at Long Tan after D Coy 6 RAR bravely and successfully fought "Thebattle Of Long Tan"on 18 August 1966.

Participation in the aftermath of this major battle is something that I will never forget, nor will I forget the mass grave we used to bury the enemy s dead, the bodies strewn around the battle ground,and the brave actions of Delta Coy 6 RAR.

The 18th August became a significant day in my life again because it was on this day in 1970 whilst serving as a drill and weapons instructor at 1 RTB Kapooka that my second child Teresa was born at Wagga Wagga.

A large portrion of my military career was served with 5 RAR and 5/7 RAR. However, I also served a short time with 7 RAR, 1RTB, 1/19RNSWR, 2 Army Recruiting Unit, 1 Cadet Group, 1 Trg Gp and 8/9 RAR.

After completing a little over twenty years with the Army, it was time to make the move back to civilian life, and so I became, what most ex Servicemen become.... a Security Officer. Firstly employed for Wormald Security and then Group 4 Security, where I remained until ill health caused my early retirement on 17 September 2000.

During my employment with Wormald, at the Mack Trucks Guard site, I met a lot of interesting people, but in particular I met Sam Parker. Sam and I became good mates, and him being a Poet of renown, we often communicated to each other in verse.

Throughout my life, I have been blessed with a loving family, Mother.. Vera, Father..Cecil, Grandfather.. George, Grandmother..Lillian all of whom are now deceased, but all gave me tremendous love and guidance in the relatively short time that I had with them.

My Step family, Brothers Clarry (Deceased), Len and Ken and Sisters Lee and Val. My sister Norelle and Brothers Gregory (Deceased) and Jeffery all combine to make a wonderful family.

I met Rhonda Beattie in early 1964 and she became my wife on 1 January 1966 just prior to my departure for Vietnam. She has been my true inspiration and gave me tremendous support and encouragement throughout my tour of Vietnam and in all my other ventures. She is a truly loving wife and I will always love her more than any thing in the world. Together, Rhonda and I have raised two wonderful children, Shane born 3 March, 1968 and Teresa born 18 August, 1970. Both are truly loving children who we are very proud of.

We are now the very proud Grand Parents of Twins, Teagan and Tynelle, born 12 March, 1992 to Shane and Janelle. Stephanie, born 10 October,1997 to Shane and Kalee,...Lily, Born 19 May, 2001 to Teresa and Karl And Caitlyn Born 14 July 2003 to Shane and Kalee.

I have been lucky enough to have, what I consider, to be the best “In-laws” in the World. Father and Mother in-law, Stan and Sybil Beattie (both deceased), accepted me into their family and treated me as their own. It was Stan who encouraged me to join the Army which helped me to get to where I am today.

Lorraine Bowden, Wife of Clarry Sheather. Lillian Lyons, Wife of Len Sheather. Pat Maher, Husband of Lee Sheather. Colin Barlow, Husband of Val Sheather. Marjorie Carey, Wife of Ken Sheather. Jack Screen, Husband of Norelle Lyons. Janice Holton, Wife of Jeff Lyons. Janelle McCarthy (deceased), Fiancee of Shane Lyons. Kalee Donaldson, Wife of Shane Lyons. Karl Pacey, Husband of Teresa Lyons. Michael Beattie, and his Wife Michelle Suddick.

I have numerous Uncles, Aunts, Nephews and Nieces, too many to list here. However, they have all been and still are, an important part of my life. I have indeed been honored to be part of this great family, and for their love and friendship I will always be truly grateful.

Web Site Created and Maintained By Mal Lyons

Thanks To Karl Pacey For his Instructions

Back To Home Page