Pineapple Express community bands together to farewell retired NSW veteran estranged from his family
When retired soldier Glenn Sutton died, staff in his care home in central-western New South Wales did not want his death to go unnoticed.
Key points:
- A funeral is held for a lone ex-serviceman, estranged from his family
- Glenn Sutton died alone at a care home in Orange, NSW
- Dozens gather to remember his life and career
A phone call to the Orange RSL Sub Branch quickly saw the region's military community swing into action to organise a funeral for the veteran who was estranged from his family.
"He's a veteran. We should never forget any of our veterans," Orange Sub Branch president Chris Colvin said.
"We should not forget them and leave them behind."
The coffin of retired soldier Glenn Sutton draped in the Australian flag with poppies scattered across it.(ABC Central West: Joanna Woodburn)
A social media group, The Pineapple Express, had also heard that no-one may have attended Mr Sutton's funeral because of his personal situation.
It urged other veterans to go "so he's not alone".
On Monday morning, more than 50 former servicemen and women gathered for his service.
The NSW Central West military community did not want the funeral of retired soldier Glenn Sutton to be unattended.(ABC Central West: Joanna Woodburn)
Barry Parsons served with Mr Sutton, or 'Sutto' as they knew him, and told the gathering that his friend had a cheeky side.
"I believe he lived up to one of the finest traditions of Australian soldiers by going AWOL for four days," Mr Parsons said.
"Glenn didn't mind a beer and subsequently he was placed under house arrest for his offence.
"I think he eventually got out of it but Glenn was a character, enjoyed a beer … thanks, mate."
Mr Sutton was a member of the Lyndhurst RSL Sub Branch and its president Charles Jensen delivered the eulogy.
"He was one of the fittest men I've ever seen, he was quite a character," Mr Jensen told the funeral gathering.
Previous article
