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BRIGADIER DAMIAN STANLEY JAMES MALIPHANT "DOLLY" ROCHE
BRIGADIER DAMIAN STANLEY JAMES MALIPHANT "DOLLY" ROCHE
Obituary
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BRIGADIER ROCHE Obituary
Brigadier Damian (Dolly) Stanley James Maliphant Roche
Suddenly on 3 January 2014.
Adored husband and father to Tess and Bede.
Much loved son of Jim and Mary (both dec).
Brother to Larry, Di and Julia.
Son-in-law to Tess and Peter Devitt (dec).
Brother-in-law to Colleen, Geoff and Regina, Judi and Peter, Steve and Marie Jose and treasured uncle to their children.
A good man...adored by all his family,
ever loyal to his diggers,
legendary host to his legion of friends.
Requiem Mass to celebrate Damian's life will take place at St Christopher's Cathedral, Franklin Street, Forrest on Friday,
10 January 2014, commencing at 1.30pm.
Military Guests - Dress order 1B Ceremonial Service Dress (Less Sword).
Private cremation.
Vale...our rock
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Damian's favourite charity
The Salvation Army.
74 Entries
John Eiby
February 6, 2014
Brigadier Roche was a terrific man. Firm, fair, friendly and genuine. He took a genuine interest in people and cared about them. He had a very good sense of humour and enjoyed talking about music and other topics outside Defence issues. He was also passionate about the RAINF and the RAR. He should have been a General! People truly loved and respected him. Rest in Peace Sir.
January 20, 2014
Dear Tess, Paul told me yesterday of the tragic early loss of Dolly. We only met a few times, back in the days of being Duntroon fiancees, but I remember you and Dolly well. After we were all married, it was such good news when we learned that you had your beautiful Bede. Many years have passed, and I am sure they have been wonderful cherished times that you had together as a married couple, and as parents, both sharing the joy and pride that we all do, in our children. It must be a solace to have received the countless tributes to Dolly, but how your heart must ache. Sending you many thoughts and blessings. x Penny Commerford
January 20, 2014
So sorry to hear of Damian's passing our thoughts and prayers are with you all Paul & Patriia Crowe
Paul Roney
January 17, 2014
Sympathy to Tess, Bede and your extended family on your loss. Dolly was highly regarded by all who knew him and left a positive impact on many with whom he worked. He will be missed.
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Dave Simmons
January 15, 2014
So sorry to read of his passing. May he rest in peace. A fine Infantry Officer and person.
Ian and Debbie Lillie
January 14, 2014
Dear Tess and Bede, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We were deeply saddened by Dolly's sudden passing. He was great company at Staff College and at the Defence College and a good friend. Above all, he was a dedicated and professional officer with a no-nonsense approach to everything he did. He had a great impact on everyone and he will be missed but not forgotten.
John (JJ) Lewis
January 13, 2014
I was very saddened to hear the news about Dolly. Dolly was an instructor at Duntroon when I was a cadet, and my Company Commander at 8/9RAR (A Coy). He was a great man, was very good to me personally, and I loved working for him. He had an outstanding rapport with his soldiers, and was so highly liked and respected. Dolly and Tess were also very generous and extremely friendly and hospitable - as a young officer they made your life in the Army so much more enjoyable and rewarding. My thoughts are with Tess and the family on this most difficult time. I will miss him very much.
Annette Nelson
January 13, 2014
It was a rare privilege to be the staff officer to such a wonderful man and such an inspirational leader.
Farewell Sir
Tim Pickford
January 13, 2014
Dolly instructed me at RMC and from then on we run into each other often. Always the gentleman and a great soldier. The Class of 84 will miss him.
Kerry Martin
January 12, 2014
Dear Tess
Our paths haven't crossed for a long time but I was so very sad to hear about Dolly. My overwhelming memories are of the enormous love you had for each other and the great joy when Bede joined you. Dolly was a wonderful person in every way. I hope that over time the wonderful memories you must surely have will give you some comfort. My thoughts are with you and your family and friends xx
January 11, 2014
Dear Tess and Bede, our thoughts and proayers are with you. Damien was a 'shining light'. He will be deeply missed but always remembered as a great soldier and leader.
David Shields, Kabul, Afghanistan
Bill Sowry
January 11, 2014
Dear Tess and Bede, Dolly was such a big sould and he leaves a bigger hole. Stay strong and our thoughts and prayers are with you . The Sowry Family London
John Hutcheson
January 11, 2014
Our thoughts are with Tess and the family, Dolly was a very good leader and mentor to many junior Officers. He will not be forgotten.
January 10, 2014
Dear Tess and Bede,
Our sincere condolences for the tragic loss of Dolly. He had a profound effect on our whole family, our time in Darwin together provided great memories, we will always remember him and miss him very much.
- Love from Lewis, Elizabeth, Kristina, James, Victoria and Tiffany Coyle.
January 10, 2014
Tess and Bede, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I have fond memories of our time spent with you in Darwin. Damien was always showing that lovely smile, and he loved a funny incident happening like when we were sitting outside your home having dinner and Damo forgot about the automatic sprinklers. He just rolled with laughter while we all got soaking wet. I have many funny, fond memories like that which I will treasure. Liz, Michael, Matt. Andrew and Will Tucker
Michael, Matthew, Andrew and William Tucker
January 10, 2014
Dear Tess and Bede, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dolly was a great boss mentor and friend.
Jack Affleck
January 10, 2014
Deeply saddened by the loss of Dolly. A great bloke, true gentleman and a fine officer. My deepest condolences to family and friends
Jack Affleck
Bryan Roche
January 10, 2014
My condolences to Tess and Bede. Dolly and I 'bumped' into each other on many occasions during our Service. An officer held in the highest regard and respect by all who knew him. Cheers, Dolly, rest in peace. Roachie, RAAC
James and Clare Edwards
January 10, 2014
Dolly, what can we say? I, James, have known you all my life and Clare has known you for the last 2 years. Simply put you are a great man. Even though we live on the other side of the world, you never failed to write on birthdays, promotions and Christmas's and made my commissioning parade and our wedding exceptionally special with your presence. We wish we could be there tomorrow, we are in spirit. All our love, thoughts and prayers are with Tess, Bede and your family. Rest peacefully Brigadier and we will all meet again one day.
January 9, 2014
A duty well done. Rest in peace sir. Dan (Ned) Kelly, Rwanda 1995.
Steve Holz
January 9, 2014
A great CO when I was at 8/9 RAR and a nice bloke.
Andrew & Jillian Smith
January 9, 2014
Tess and Bede,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We all have great memories of Dolly, you more than anyone, they're a gift to treasure forever.
Matthew Graham
January 9, 2014
Our sincere condolences to Tess and Bede. Dolly had a big impact on many people and has left great memories with so many. He won't be forgotten.
Eric Guttridgr
January 9, 2014
Sorry to hear of your passing Boss. I served under you as a digger in 8/9 RAR and with you as a Sgt on ASC2 Rwanda-Your were a great man-thank you for your service.
Kym MacMillan
January 9, 2014
Tess and family, my deepest sympathy to you in this time of loss. I knew Dolly as a fellow officer - a sheer pleasure to work with and a thorough professional at all times.
The only solice I can offer is the knowledge that Dolly was loved, admired and respected by so many, and perhaps that will help you, just a little, through this difficult time,
Happy Family
REGINA DEVITT
January 9, 2014
Our darling brother-in-law Damian has left us so suddenly. We are all shocked and devastated by his sudden death. We have so many wonderful, great memories of the fun times we had with Therese and Damian. The many jokes we shared, bubblies and reds we drank, laughter we shared will remain with us forever. He was a wonderful fun loving man. He served his country with pride. We will miss him dearly. R.I.P.
Barry McManus
January 9, 2014
Very sad news. A great man and great leader. Missed by all here in Washington DC where he made many a friend.
Wheels Whelan
January 9, 2014
Damian, I never served with you, but remember having a beer or 3 at an 8/9 RAR Association reunion at the old Rams Retreat, when from nowhere you appeared out of the scrub while attending a TWET at Gallipoli Barracks. Rest in peace.
Dale McNeill
January 9, 2014
Damian was a teacher, a friend, a confidant. Always the first to help and to think of others. Loved his family, sports and 60s rock tragic. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Tess and Bede our love and best wishes are with you. Dale and Ria
Joe and Annette Culligan
January 9, 2014
Dear Tess and Bede,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Dolly's death. We just want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. A good man, taken too soon.
All our love,
Annette and Joe
Jason Richardson
January 9, 2014
I was sad to hear of this news. You once suggested to me as a soldier that a career as an officer might be something to think about. It took a while but the advise was taken and I thank you for it.
Palitha Fernando
January 9, 2014
Deepest sympathies . Palitha and Malee
Sri lanka
Steve Larkins
January 8, 2014
I served on Dolly's HQ in Rwanda and shared a yarn with him many a time over many a brew on the verandah. My defining memory apart from his excellent execution of his command was his encyclopeadic knowledge of 60s / 70s music. A great operator and a pleasure to have known him and worked with him. My sincere condolences to all of his family and immediate friends.
Steve Carter
January 8, 2014
Vale BRIG Roche. An amazing, distinguished career, a life lived too short. Sympathy to your family and friends. Respectfully, CPL Steve Carter, Band of the Royal Military College, Duntroon
Ian Botfield
January 8, 2014
My Condolences to Dolly's family. He left an indelible mark on everyone he had contact with; including me. He the Adjutant and me the Chief Clerk of 4 RNSWR, he made life so much more bearable under the circumstances. Dolly and I shared a room on the annual camp at Gan Gan one year. I confess to nick naming him the 'Pin Ball Wizard' when one night he came into the room and bounced off every piece of furniture and finally made it to his bed after trying to compete with those seasoned Reserve officers on their annual camp! RIP young fellow.....your duty is done and that was 'Duty First'
Bill Whitburn. OAM. Ex RSM 1 Armoured Regt
January 8, 2014
My sincere condolences to Tess and Bede at this harrowing time. Dolly was such a gentleman and it was an honour to serve under his command at 1 Bde early 2000. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten. RIP mate. You went too early!
Heinz Tietz
January 8, 2014
Mr Roche, SIR, as my old Company Commander you always lead by example and looked after your diggers. I have always held you in the greatest of esteem and it was a pleasure serving with you. You have put your hootchie up for the last time so make sure there is room for the rest of us when we get there. To your family my deepest condolences. We will always remember you. Cpl(ex)H. Tietz 179842
Kevin Lynch
January 8, 2014
Our deepest condolences to family and friends, on behalf of 9RAR Association (Qld ), Kevin Lynch President
January 8, 2014
Dolly was my Company Commander in Alpha Company 8/9 RAR. He was a great leader of men and his words were full of wisdom. I feel for your lose. RIP Dolly. Dean [Dinga] Bell
Haydn Neal
January 8, 2014
My condolences - A great officer and a great bloke with it.
Neil Churches
January 8, 2014
All the best Dolly wherever you may now be. Respectfully, Neil Churches.
Neville Warwick
January 8, 2014
I was fortunate enough to serve with Dolly twice in 8/9 RAR. He was an exceptional Leader and role model for all men who served with him. My condolences to his family and friends - RIP.
Deb Rolfe
January 8, 2014
Dear Tess and Bede, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this extraordinarily difficult time,
Richard, Deb and Zach Rolfe
Fergus McLachlan
January 8, 2014
Our thoughts are with Tess and Bede after the news of the sudden loss of Damian. Damian's leadership will remain an example and we will miss his warmth and friendship. Gus and Maree McLachlan
Steve Dickens
January 8, 2014
Our Deepest Sympathies to Tess and Bede on your loss. We fondly remember our days at Puckapunyal and consider ourselves lucky to have known Damian.
Steve, Robyn, Ben and Sam Dickens
Phil Hodges
January 8, 2014
My sincere condolences to Tess and Bede. Lovely bloke gone too soon.
Fr Mick Taylor
January 8, 2014
Gday Dolly,
I was going to bring you flowers, but I couldn't help it and I brought a six-pack instead.
What makes these days so hard is that none of us had a chance to say Goodbye to you. We all thought there were still plenty of todays and tomorrows to come! Tess and Bede are very brave, but it's very, very tough -- they love you so much, and we'll all do our best to reach out to them in these days.
As one of your Padres at HQ 1 Bde, let me say you were a fantastic Commander. You had this great and brilliant knack of immediately putting people at ease. Your brought out the very best in people, and it seems you did that everywhere you went.
Dolly, when we do catch up again in that Big Bar In the Sky, you will have a lot of explaining to do, and it will also be your shout. Until that happy moment comes in God's own dominions, we will continue to miss you -- and we will continue to keep your legend alive. Goodbye, old mate, goodbye!!!
Ron Bossink
January 8, 2014
Vale Dolly - a true gentleman and an outstanding officer. My condolences to his family.
Jeremy Hanson
January 8, 2014
A great leader and a great bloke who was both liked and respected by all who served with him. My condolences to all of Dolly's family and many friends for your tragic loss.
peter jones
January 8, 2014
SIR MAY YOU NOW REST WITH YOUR MATES I HOPE THE BOOZER IS OPEN WHEN YOU GET THERE - DUTY FIRST
M Jones
January 8, 2014
My deepest condolences. I was fortunate enough to serve under you in Rwanda. A sad day. Jones 187232
January 8, 2014
My deepest condolences. I was fortunate enough to serve under you in Rwanda. A sad day. Jones 187232
Jeff Mudge
January 8, 2014
My condolences to the family and friends of Dolly. A good man sadly lost prematurely .
January 8, 2014
Dolly was an officer and gentleman of the highest calibre. A sad loss for all who knew him. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Ross Boyd
Ray Martin
January 8, 2014
Dear Tess and family..... A 'good man' indeed. One of the very best. My heartfelt condolences.
Rest in peace Dolly.
Steve Goltz
January 8, 2014
To Tess and Bede. We all knew Dolly's friendship and guidance and also appreciated his wise counsel. We will pray for your support and we are all the poorer for his passing. Our heartfelt condolences from Steve, Denise and Amanda Goltz.
Ken Irving
January 7, 2014
Rest in Peace 'Dolly' Your work is done and we are all safe..'Stand Down'
January 7, 2014
Rest in Peach 'Dolly' Your work is done and we are all safe….'Stand Down'
January 7, 2014
Dearest Tess and Bede, Our heartfelt sympathy to you at this sad time. We are forever grateful to Damian for his help, advice and encouragement in Darwin when our Damien joined the Army. Damien appreciated this so much. Our love to you Tess, think of you so often, love Leonie and Ross Commons,
Darwin
Jo Harding
January 7, 2014
I encountered very few who were real leaders in my time, but you were one of them. RIP Boss
Brian Curren
January 7, 2014
I knew Damian ("Dolly") for a brief period of his career when we served together in Rwanda. In what were very difficult times, his leadership skills were obvious and he inspired confidence in all who worked with him. More recently I had the pleasure of catching up with him as a member of Federal Golf Club. My sincere condolences to his family at this sad time.
Mary Brandy
January 7, 2014
Your support, understanding, compassion and caring through our tenure in Rwanda will always be remembered.It was a privilege to work under your command. Your continued friendship since that time will never be forgotten.
Chris Appleton
January 7, 2014
Dolly set the standard as an officer and a gentleman, ever loyal to his family, his service and his faith. We miss him.
Jordo
January 7, 2014
My CO in Rwanda. He was well respected by all as an excellent commander, but more importantly he was bloody good bloke with a kind heart.
During the Kibeho incident we manage to evac a boy back to our hospital in kigali and then, when he'd recovered, to the orphanage down the road. Periodically we'd visit the orphanage and take the boy out for the day. On one occasion we took the boy to the HQ area and bumped into the CO. Of course he wanted to know who the kid was and we explained the connection the Kibeho teams and the hospital staff had to the boy. Satisfied, the CO left us only to return 10 minutes later with some a number of toys to give to the boy. The young lad was thrilled to get some presents and I guess the CO found it .... grounding. We certainly saw a different side to the Boss.
There are many who've gone before you Boss and I'm sure they've got a brew on for you.
Jordo
Kees Hulsman
January 7, 2014
Tess and Bede my deepest sympathy for you both on this sad phase of your life. You are in our prayers.
Kyle Coleman
January 7, 2014
To Therese and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you on this very sad occasion. Damian was a great commander and a great friend of the soldier. He will be sorely missed. RIP
Frank Smallwood
January 7, 2014
I will always remember the great time in November last year where I had the pleasure of partying hard with you. Unfortunately, although I knew of you, it would be the first and last time we would meet. Heartfelt condolences to Tess and Family.
HQJTF 633 October 2008
Mick Spring
January 7, 2014
To Therese and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you on this very tragic loss. Having served with Dolly on numerous occassions, he is man I will never forget and was the ultimate "diggers" friend and advocate. Vale mate, you will be sorely missed.
Roger Pell
January 7, 2014
Had the pleasure and honour to know Dolly at RMC. Even from those formative years, he treated everyone with dignity and respect...one of his core values.
Dolly will be missed greatly,
Roger Pell
January 7, 2014
My sincerest sympathies to Therese and family on the passing of "Dolly". Always a mate and the time as young men together in 1 RAR is always fondly remembered. Wayne New
Mick & Linda Martin
January 7, 2014
Our deepest condolences for your great loss.
Mick (Pudge)and Linda Martin
Peter Matthey
January 7, 2014
Our days in Rwanda were harrowing and we remember. Being Air Force in a sea of green you were a true gentleman that knew everyone in your contingent and by their first name and did not differentiate between service. We have kept in contact after all these years and you will be remembered as a friend and mate.
Alex Douglas
January 7, 2014
Whilst I knew you for a short time only, I will remember you forever.
In Rwanda you gave me the focus to see through the despair – you gave me the Sunny Sunday Afternoon.
To all, your service was selfless. You sacrificed personal time and energy - your compassion was the glue that united us.
Thank you
Carol Vaughan-Evans MG
Julie Peter Kate and Thomas Moloney
January 7, 2014
Your words are read with heart felt sorrow , Therese Bede and family..
Damian has left an incredible legacy as we all grieve the gap he leaves in our hearts.
We must remember those lovely qualities he shared with many.
Strength of character , loving and devoted- the list just goes on. All our love Julie Peter Kate and Thomas Moloney.
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