In recent days, communities across Australia have come together to mourn the loss of several cherished individuals whose lives touched family, friends, and neighbors in profound ways. The latest death notices, as published in the Geelong Advertiser and The Mercury, pay tribute to Margaret 'June' Carlyon, Barry (Bro) Callan, Marlene Dawn Kelly, Jim Garrigan, Kerry Ross Bentley, and Barbara Betty Jones (Nee Hyland). Their stories, though varied, share a common thread of love, dedication, and the indelible marks they leave behind.
Margaret 'June' Carlyon, known affectionately as June, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the remarkable age of 98. Her family, as noted in the Geelong Advertiser, expressed their gratitude for a life "full of love." June was the adored wife of the late William 'Bill' Carlyon, a loving mother to Pam and Steve Carlyon, and a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother. The tribute from her loved ones reads, "We are so grateful for her life, a life full of love. Forever in our hearts. Now dancing with the love of her life." Her passing marks the end of an era for her family, but her memory will continue to shine brightly in their hearts.
Another loss felt deeply in the community is that of Barry (Bro) Callan, a member of the Christian Brothers for an extraordinary 68 years. Barry was the son of Owen and Irene, both now deceased, and the brother and brother-in-law of Graham and Pat Callan, Jack and Jennifer Dalton (all deceased), and Jeff and Chris Callan. He was uncle to 12 nephews and nieces and grand uncle to many more. The Geelong Advertiser described him as "loved by all who were privileged to know him," a sentiment echoed by those whose lives he touched through decades of service and kindness.
Marlene Dawn Kelly’s passing on August 20, 2025, after a long illness, was met with heartfelt tributes from her family and friends. She was an adored grandmother to Cowan and Hunter Laidlaw, and a beloved sister and sister-in-law to Garry, Raelene and John, and Leanne. Known as "Aunty Marls" to Jason and Ann, and great-aunt to Addi and Lincoln, Marlene’s warmth and care left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her family’s message, published in the Geelong Advertiser, simply reads: "Rest In Peace." For those wishing to pay their respects or learn more about her funeral details, information is available at the JH Funerals website.
Meanwhile, in Tasmania, the passing of Jim Garrigan has left the New Town Cricket Club and the wider sporting community mourning a beloved figure. As reported in The Mercury, Jim was not only the Patron and a Life Member of the club but also its "No 1 supporter." The club’s tribute poignantly captures the depth of their loss: "The members of the New Town Cricket Club are deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Garrigan – our Patron, Life Member and No 1 supporter. Reunited with Margaret. Never forgotten." Jim’s unwavering support and dedication to the club will be remembered for generations to come.
Kerry Ross Bentley, affectionately known as "Gently," passed away suddenly at the Royal Hobart Hospital on August 16, 2025. Born on June 23, 1953, Kerry was the loved son of the late Jim and Marjorie Bentley, and a devoted brother to Pam, Michael (deceased), Colin, Robin (deceased), and Jayne, as well as their families. The tribute published in The Mercury reads, "Rest In Peace. Forever Loved." Kerry’s sudden passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew him, but his memory will be treasured always.
Barbara Betty Jones (Nee Hyland) passed away on August 18, 2025, at the age of 59. She was the much-loved wife of Graeme (Jonesy) and, in her family’s words, the "Wicked Stepmother" of Anna and Rob, Reg and Bec, David and Michelle, and their families. Barbara was also the beloved daughter of the late Eric Thomas and Betty Fay Hyland, and a loved sister to Chris, Terry, Robert, David, Michael, Greg, Larry, and their families. Special thanks and gratitude were extended to Ambulance Tasmania and the North-West Regional Hospital Emergency Department staff, recognizing the compassion and care provided during Barbara’s final moments. Her family’s public acknowledgment in The Mercury highlights the importance of community and support in times of loss.
These recent deaths, though unique in circumstance, underscore the enduring bonds of family, friendship, and community. The tributes published in local newspapers serve not only as announcements but as heartfelt memorials—snapshots of lives well-lived and loved. They also remind us of the unspoken rituals that help communities grieve and honor their own, from the simple act of reading a notice to attending a funeral or sharing a memory.
In the digital age, the role of newspapers and online platforms like My Tributes has taken on renewed significance. For many, these spaces are where the stories of loved ones are preserved, shared, and celebrated. As noted in both the Geelong Advertiser and The Mercury, readers are encouraged to view recent death and funeral notices, tributes, and eulogies online—a testament to the evolving ways in which we commemorate those who have passed. For families wishing to place a death notice, funeral notice, or tribute notice, the process has become more accessible, ensuring that memories endure and stories are told.
It is also worth noting the gratitude expressed by families toward healthcare workers and support staff. In Barbara Betty Jones’s notice, special thanks were given to Ambulance Tasmania and the North-West Regional Hospital Emergency Department staff, highlighting the crucial role these professionals play not only in caring for the ill but also in supporting grieving families. Such acknowledgments remind us of the many unsung heroes who provide comfort and dignity at life’s end.
For those left behind, the pain of loss is often tempered by the comfort of shared memories and the knowledge that their loved ones are remembered fondly. Whether it’s June Carlyon’s "life full of love," Barry Callan’s legacy of service, Marlene Kelly’s devotion to family, Jim Garrigan’s unwavering support for his cricket club, Kerry Bentley’s place in a close-knit family, or Barbara Jones’s warmth and humor, each story adds a thread to the rich tapestry of community life.
As communities gather to remember and celebrate these lives, the words of their families and friends echo a universal truth: those we love never truly leave us. Their stories, kindness, and spirit live on—woven into the fabric of the places and people they touched.
