It is with deep regret that I advise that 1732683 Dennis Brian Coffey – AAAvn Corps passed away peacefully
on 14 September 2013.
Dennis was born on 28 March 1945 in Brisbane.
For those who may not remember Dennis Coffey he was a fixed wing pilot with 161 (Indep) Recce Flt from
29 April 1970 until 01 May 1971. From Vietnam he was posted to 171 Air Cav Flt at Holsworthy until June 1972.
Dennis flew in excess of 1200 hours whilst posted to 161 in Vietnam. Dennis had the honour of flying Cessna 180
A98-045 on its last flight in Vietnam on 14 February 1971. The 161 Cessna’s were subsequently returned to Australia.
Dennis ended up at Oakey for a number of years before he got out of the Army serving at 173 Gen Spt Sqn and
the School of Army Aviation.
I think it was in the late 70’s (1976) that Dennis flew one of our Pilatus Porter across Australia to win the Benson
& Hedges Air Race.
Many will remember Dennis’s involvement in sport both in the Army and after he got out of the Army where he became
involved internationally with Touch football.
Dennis Coffey’s involvement within the sport spanned over three decades, being the inaugural National Coaching Director
of the organisation and the National Coaching Director between the years of 2000-2010.
He was previously an Australian Touch Football representative, playing in the 1988 World Cup as well as against New Zealand in 1991.
Dennis had been battling some major health issues since mid to late 2012 after being diagnosed with cancer however, whilst on a trip
to the Middle East in May/June of this year he became very ill and was subsequently diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
He was hospitalised in Abu Dhabi until he was well enough to be medevac’d back to Australia where he was admitted to the Wesley
hospital in Brisbane. During the past week Dennis was moved to the Buderim Private Hospital so that he could be closer to his family.
Unfortunately his condition continued to deteriorated and he passed away peacefully on 14th September 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with Carol, Son Andrew, daughter Emma and their extended families.
Dennis will be dearly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
