Vale John Meers, long serving Murray Bridge RSL member
A Murray Bridge RSL life member and veteran is being remembered for his boundless energy and commitment to the community.
This story was personal reflection contributed by David Laing.
Since I joined the Murray Bridge RSL committee in 2012, John Meers was always
there to assist at all times and supported the committee and members with his
knowledge, boundless energy and vigour.
He joined the RSL in 1968, was a member of the Murray Bridge RSL committee since 1997 and president from 2017 to 2018, but remained on the committee up until his passing.
He was born in Terowie, in South Australia’s mid north, and left home to join the Army at an early age.
John served with the Royal Australian Engineers in Malaya and Borneo during the Communist Insurgency of the 1960’s and was a regular army soldier since the age of 19.
Adrian Pederick awarding Mr Meers with RSL life membership. Photo: Peri Strathearn and David Laing.
John’s late wife Maureen was a florist and supplied all the flowers and wreaths for
Minge Funeral Directors and the Murray Bridge RSL for many years until her death in 2022.
John and Maureen made themselves available for every function and event at the RSL and helped set up the function room, dining tables and more, and sold raffle tickets on the door at most RSL Annual Dinners.
John was awarded RSL Life Membership four years ago by Member for Hammond Adrian Pederick MP for his service to veterans and the veteran community.
He was a good friend to many in the Murraylands and will leave many fond memories of his time with the RSL and as a member of the Murray Bridge Soldiers Memorial Hospital Advisory Board, a position he had held for many years.
I will miss his smile and his friendship forever.
Rest in peace old mate. Duty Done!
- John Meers funeral service will be held at the Murray Bridge RSL on Friday July 25, 10.30am.
