Val was incredibly beautiful - tall and tanned with legs that went on for ever and that bewitching long blond hair. She was also clever and funny and very witty and we had a lot of fun.

In the Solomons, we met Australians for the first time and both fell in love with Australia and all things Australian, a love that was to change both our lives. Yes it was me who introduced Paul to Val -something which they would laughingly remind me of many times in the years to come - "It's all your fault!!"…………Marion (friend, 40 years)

South Africa 2008

Please give our love to everybody and thank you all for being such good friends to Val and Paul.

Val was forever saying she couldn't believe how many friends she had and how wonderful you all are. Lots of Love ……………….Mag and Alec

With Pete O'Brien

“She was a GREAT NURSE...one of the old guard …….from the RBH…... One of the INCREDIBLY STRONG women who carried the ROYAL BRISBANE on their back for years.” Peter Giles

…….one of our favourite snaps which Chris took of Val and Paul, looking very happy, at the Solomon Island Reunion Picnic at New Farm Park in May last year. If only we could wind back the clock!! …… Chris and John Holloway

I have lived in Jakarta now for close to 30 years and sincerely regret thatfrom this distance there is little I can do to comfort Paul during thisgrievous period he is going through but I do want him to know just how muchI wish I could.

Paul Brown, Jakarta

19/2/10

VAL…….

Gratitude is the memory of the heart……

We love you!

You can shed tears Val is gone Or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her Or you can be full of the love and friendship that you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she is gone Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, Or you can do what she would want:

smile, open your eyes, LOVE and GO.