The Canberra region’s last World War II veteran, Jack Sealey AFSM OAM, of Queanbeyan, has died. He was 99.

“Jack was a community icon,” says family friend Nichole Overall.

“For years he’s been front and centre at Anzac and Remembrance services, he was a long-serving Legacy president and chair – and for 60 years he was an active member of the RFS!”

Jack signed up for the air force on his 18th birthday. Exactly a year later he was a radio operator and gunner with the No. 10 RAAF Squadron that patrolled the British coast in pursuit of German U-boats.

After the war, Jack put his training to use with the RFS. This would include manning the radio during the devastating 2003 bushfires in Canberra. 

Jack was also the recipient of numerous community awards.

“Among the honours Jack received, Tim Overall as mayor was delighted to present him with Queanbeyan’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year in 2012,” says Nichole. 

The veteran’s significant contribution to Legacy from the time he returned from the war was also acknowledged in his involvement in the Queanbeyan leg of the Centenary Torch Relay in August, 2023.

In robust health well into his 90s, over the last few years Jack was confined to a wheelchair having suffered a number of strokes. He had also recently been diagnosed with cancer. 

“It didn’t matter how tough things were for him, he never lost that twinkle in his eye and a smile for everyone,” says Nichole.

“Our thoughts are with Jack’s family – while he lost his beloved wife Grace in 1998, it’s a large and close clan for whom he was the loving and generous patriarch.

“I know the community will give our Digger the fitting farewell he deserves, where we can all acknowledge his service and remember him for the humble, dedicated man that he was.”