The recent death of Frank Faulkner
Kevin Trueman, Mary Shirley, Wayne Heathcote, Robyn and Frank Faulkner, Angoram Club, late 1960s
(Photo provided by Ella Lucas)
It is sad, Frank was a really nice bloke, very unruffled, very easy going, very modest. Also kind to younger kiaps ! Peter Johnson
Frank, was a congenial, good-natured man and an excellent kiap! It is indeed sad to hear about his death. David Wall
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Frank FAULKNER (22nd December 2012 aged 75 years)
Frank first went to Papuan New Guinea in 1957 as a cadet patrol officer. He
was initially assigned to the Milne Bay District with later postings to the
Madang Sepik, and Central Districts. He finally left the service in 1975 with
the rank of District Officer.
In subsequent years Frank returned to Papua New Guinea and worked in
community liaison roles for mining companies at Lihir and Porgera. He was
also latterly employed as a camp manager by Oilmin Field Services Pty Ltd
which serviced international petroleum exploration companies operating in
the Southern Highlands and Gulf Provinces.
In betwixt field assignments Frank liked to frequent the ski resorts in Colorado
and Europe, or scuba dive in the Mediterranean and the Bahamas.
In retirement Frank resided in Angeles City in the Philippines.
Frank Faulkner was a genial, well informed and interesting person. He will be
missed by his many friends.
Harry Redmond
Source: Una Voce 2013,No 1 – March
Wayne Cross said,
February 26, 2013 at 6:11 am
26 February 2013
I could write a whole f*cking book but I won’t do that.
I am deeply saddened by Frank’s passing and pass on my condolences to his family. He was my first mentor as a Cadet Patrol Officer. In appreciation of that and the challenges he gave me including the opportunity of capturing Yauma and Yimbang that eluded several Patrol officers(taken from Chief Justice Mann’s commendation) we reminisced over that and other days at Angoram. I had taken a purpose trip to go see and thank him in person in Angeles City. He was very grateful for that. He was cool under fire. I always recall Frank sending me to Dr Manasse Saott to get a bottle of ether and a roll of cotton wall to start the stubborn hospital gen set. In another feat he donned a Scuba tank and brought up a motor off the Sepik Floor.
See you on the next Patrol Frank.
Wayne Cross
The Far East
Dianne Williams nee Cross said,
February 26, 2013 at 8:39 pm
Fascinating men. Love reading the stories on here and hearing of the adventurous souls of the early Sepik era and seeing David Wall’s adventures back and forth to the Sepik today. Thank you for the great perspectives. It’s really nice to see how things were and how things are today and to be able to share the history with our children. They dont make men like these guys anymore, at least not in my generation. :) Our prayers are with Frank’s family during their time of loss.
deberigny said,
February 26, 2013 at 9:26 pm
Dianne, it’s really great to hear from you – I think I remember you as a little one when you were with your father & mother in Sydney in 1974.
Keep in touch, Dave
Debra Zeller said,
February 27, 2013 at 7:15 am
I was fortunate to have taken a trip with Frank in September, 1990 to KarKar, then we drove from Madang to Porgera. He was a terrific host and a most gracious man. Those of us who knew him will always remember him fondly.
deberigny said,
February 27, 2013 at 8:36 am
Yes, Debra, a fine man! David
Bill Barclay said,
February 27, 2013 at 7:16 am
Sad indeed to note Frank’s passing. I first met him on the chow line at ASOPA in February 1958. We teamed up and were posted to Milne Bay together – he to Esa-ala and myselt to the Trobs. Flatted together with Alan Johnston in Manly on the Long Course in 1960, and envied his MGA, and B. Kept up a relationship at a distance (as one does!) over a very long period. Last spoke to him when he was working on a huge olive development in Westerrn Victoria God knows how many years ago – just the same sanguine, laid back easy going gentlemen that I had known. Frank was was top guy, and excellent raconteur, and bloody good colleague in the field and on the ran-tan. Does anyone know what happened to him – Angeles City???
deberigny said,
February 27, 2013 at 8:34 am
Bill, I don’t know any details about his death – he certainly was liked and respected by many people. David