12/09/2024
VALE
446591 SGT Rodney Beames
It is with extreme sadness and regret we advise of the passing of our good mate and Royal South Australia Regiment Association President, Rodney Beames after a long battle with cancer. Rod passed away in the Royal Adelaide Hospital in the company of his daughters Narelle, Kim and Julie and their families late on 12th September 2024.
Rod was a passionate member of the Association since joining in 2008 and became President in 2013, continuing to serve in that role until he was forced to step down due to ongoing ill health in late 2023. He remained in that position however, until he passed away.
He joined the Australian Citizens Military Forces as a Signaller in 1968 and transferred to the Infantry in 1970, reaching the rank of Sergeant and instructing on many recruit and promotions courses at Hampstead Barracks, El Alamein, Torrens Training Depot and Murray Bridge over the years. He served with 144 Sig Sqdn, 43 RSAR, 27 RSAR, 4 Training Group and 10 RSAR. He was well known for his loud bellowing voice when giving commands and was well respected by his soldiers and peers alike.
Rod was a member of many associations and a Chairman of the board of the West Beach Community Bendigo Bank, helping to set up that branch nearly 20 years ago. He was coordinator of the local chapter of Neighbourhood Watch, Secretary of the SA Shack Owners Association, President of the Kellidie Bay Shack Owners Association, a member of the Adelaide Airport Consultative Committee, Representative on the Defence Reserves Association of SA and a member RSAR Regimental Council, amongst other organisations and community groups. He was made an Honorary Member for Life by the RSAR Association in 2021 for his achievements and leadership of the group as its President.
Rod lost his dear wife and soul mate Cheryl to cancer in 2020, but soldiered on in his role as President, putting aside his grief and sorrow for the betterment of his friends and colleagues. He has been very ably supported by his family in the years since, and we send our most sincere condolences to them.
He was instrumental in strengthening the liaison between the Association and the Battalion to new heights, and was passionate in his love for the Regiment, its history, and especially for the Band of the 10th/27th Battalion RSAR, which he held in very high regard.
He was first diagnosed with cancer in 2019 just before COVID changed all our lives, and he was initially only given a few weeks to live, but battled on to prove the medicos wrong. Suffering through many bouts of chemotherapy and other invasive treatments he carried on until he could no longer maintain his momentum, and sadly his body succumbed more than 4 years later.
Rod Beames will be remembered as a good friend and colleague to many former and current serving soldiers, and a hard working President and Committee member whose ambition and fortitude ensured the good name of the Royal South Australia Regiment would be perpetuated for many years to come.
The Royal South Australia Regiment Association and the Regiment have lost one of their best supporters.
I have lost a good mate.
Stand down my friend. Your duty is done!
David Laing
Secretary
Royal South Australia Regiment Association Inc
