Gordon and I met when we were absorbed into National Service 39 years ago. Although assigned to differenct Corps: Armour v Transport, we crossed paths at various postings including Scheyville, Puckapunyal, Sydney and Queenscliff.
Thoughts and prayers are offerred with his passing. He was a very much respected professional. He will be remembered fondly and am fortunate to have met him. God bless from Sydney Australia.

Gordon 'gunner' Barwell and I graduated Scheyville in December 69 and spent many happy days in the dust of Puckapunyal until the army happily refused my offer of continued service and I returned to WA. That did not stop me thinking of my mate 'Gunner' who I last saw in Pucka on top of one of the tanks he loved at that time. He obviously found someone to love much more than the armour and I am sad you have had to say 'au revoir' so early. I will always remember him as he was - young, funny, competent, supportive. My condolences to you and your family.

Mrs Felicia Barwell and Family.
I have only just recently heard of Gordon's untimely passing and wish to offer you my condolences. We served together some 37 years ago as young, fearless, subalterns in Vietnam. It was a privilege and a pleasure to work with Gordon...he had that combination that some may say is unusual in an Army Officer, competence and a sense of humour. "We will remember Him"
Terry Hayes Gold Coast Australia

Dear Felicia, Gerard and Airlie,

On behalh of the President, Secretary and members of 161 Reconnaissance Association may I extend our sincere condolences to you and your extended family for your great loss.

Gordon served with 161 (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight in Vietnam from 07 July 1971 until 21 December 1971 as the Unit Admin Officer and I am certain that those who served with Gordon will be deeply saden to learn of his passing.

It was only within the last 12 months that we re-established contact with Gordon and I am deeply sadden to hear that he had passed away.

Unfortunately we were not aware of Gordon's ongoing battle with cancer however, he is now at peace and he will suffer no more.

I can assure you that he will be remembered by those who had the honour and pleasure of serving with him.

If there is anything I can do for you or the family please do not hesitate to contact me through the 161 Recce Assoc Web Site at or by email at .

Regards Len Avery

Dear Barwell Family,

On behalf of the American Red Cross of Southeastern Virginia, we wish to express our deepest sympathy to you.

We just read the note in the VDEM newsletter about Gordon. To put it plain and simple, he was a great man.

May time be healing and bring you peace.

My wife, Gayle and I wish to extend our deepest condolences to you Felicia and her family for the loss of such a down to earth person. He touched so many hearts with his charismatic style, his sense of humour and overwhelming friendship.

I will never forget his career guidance and fatherly chats to me personally in some pretty daunting periods of my life when the officer commanding. As one of the senior soldiers of his beloved B Squadron, I can say without comparison, that he was one of the most respected human beings. For that I thank him sincerely. It was such a pleasure to serve and know "the man".

May he rest in peace and I'm sure he will be telling great stories above! Paratus

Felicia,

It is with fond memories that I recall my time serving under Gordon's command. Although we were not Armoured Corps members, Gordon treated all his RAEME staff with as much proffesionalism and courtesty as his Armoured brethren.

I will always remember the assistance both you and Gordon provided to my family during a 1st Armd Regt open day when my child had a serious nose bleed and you both stepped in to help Helen and I out. This act of kindness epitomises the kind of person Gordon was.

You and yours are in our thoughts during this time of great sadness.

Jim Lewicki

Dear Felicia,
Rhonda and I send our very sincere condolences to you and your family following Gordon's untimely death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
I will remember Gordon as someone who was dedicated to his profession, compassionate about those who he loved and cared for, and someone who you could rely on when you were most in need. He could cut to the chase and make things happen and always with a sense of humour that endeared him to his friends and colleagues.
He served others throughout his life with distinction and is now at peace.
Sincere best wishes.
Roger

Roger Powell
Major General (Retd)
Honorary Colonel
1st Armoured Regiment
Patron
1st Armoured Regiment Association

The members of the 4th/19th Prince Wales's Light Horse Regiment Association are saddened to hear of the loss of a former Adjutant, Gordon Barwell.Our condolences to Gordon's family.
Maj (rtd) Tom James RFD, President.

Mrs. Felicia Barwell and Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in Gordons passing. Over the years he touched many lives....The Virginia Association of Hazardous Materials Response Specialists always appreciated his Support, his Professionalism and most of all....his Friendship!

My Hidden Valley neighborhood smoking buddy is in a better place. Gordon and I had great talks during our smokes. I will always remember him fondly. We shared many war stories.

To the family, please accept sincere condolences from Spencer and myself during this difficult time of loss.

Rhonda Mitchell

Felecia, Airlie and Gerard,

Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of Gordon.

My deepest sympathy and prayer is with you.
The loss of friend and colleague like Gordon is such a sorrow and grief.
Many fond memories of this friendship will long live with me.

Helping others in the hour of their need, he has secured a place with his good deeds forever.

I am grateful for our friendship.

Omid Amiri,
Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency

I wish to express my sadness on the death of Gordon Barwell. We served together in the First Armoured Regiment and Gordon was an outstanding officer who rose to command that Regiment. Would the family please accept my heartfelt condolences on their loss.

Neville Modystack

Gordon's grandfather served in France during WW1, his father served in WW2 and was a "rat of Tobruk". As a child he always saw himself as an Army Officer to follow in their footsteps. He began with Army Cadets while in High School and achieved his career aim of Commanding Officer of the 1st Armoured Regiment. Tanks were his passion. He loved the old Centurions and he enjoyed the thrills of the Leopard Tanks. The 1st Armoured Regiment Association is restoring a Centurion and a Leopard Tank. A donation will be made in his name towards these projects.

All of us who loved him in his lifetime received wonderful gifts from him and gave in return...

Felicia - you gave him the love he needed.
Gerard - you were his precious son and "mate".
Airlie - you were the daughter he needed to realize the unlimited capacity of love.

His love gave me value; his leaving gave me strength.

We will all miss him greatly. His spirit lives on within our hearts.

Felecia, Airlie and Gerard,

Gordon and I served together for a number of years as "young" officers with 1st Armoured Regiment and became very good friends. Gordon was Best Man at our wedding, in Brisbane in 1973. We also served in Vietnam in 1971, Gordon with the Aviation Flight and myself with C Squadron (Tanks). However, we were able to visit each other and had some fun times together.

Sadly over the years, due to service reasons, we lost personal contact. I did visit you and Gordon whilst you were in Melbourne and again enjoyed his company.

There are many fond memories that I will cherish for my remaining days but one of the most humorous was during the 1st Armoured Regiment reunion at Puckapunyal when Gordon was Commanding Officer. We were sitting in the CO's Office having a chat and Gordon said "Mate, do you believe this?" "Here we are sitting in the office where we had been some years ago under circumstances that neither of us enjoyed".

Oh, young officers naturally had to be fronted to the CO for minor misdemeanours.

There are many more stories and memories that only those who knew Gordon as an affable, cheeky and quick-witted person will hold forever. Please accept our heartfelt condolances for the loss of a wonderful man.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them."

LEST WE FORGET

I remember Gordon in many Regimental appointments while serving with the 1st Armoured Regiment of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps.
Gordon was one of those officers who always had time for his soldiers and maintained a 'can do' attitude regardless of how tough things got.

Lest we Forget.

Dear Felicia and Family

Kaye and I wish to extend our deepest condolences to you all at this time of your loss.

I'll always have memories of Gordon as a great Officer Commanding (B Sqn 1AR) who inspired and was respected by all of those who worked with him. The stories that could be told will leave a ever lasting memory with me.

Though time and distance mean we are unable to be with you our thoughts and wishes are with you all.

Bob and Kaye Sheppard

Felicia,
Please accept our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I was proud to work with Gordon in the Australian Army and particularly remember the good times we had together at Staff College in Queenscliff. Gordon made a significant and lasting contribution to the Australian Army and was great fun to be around where his infectious sense of humour and care and concern for people made him a standout leader.
As Chief of the Australian Army may I also express my formal condolences on behalf of the Australian Army. He served his Nation and Army with dignity, compassion and above all bravery. In the words of the ode said over fallen Australian warriors, "We will remember him."
Peter Leahy, Lieutenant General, Chief of Army, Australia

Dear Felicia and Gerard, our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. We remember with great fondness your friendship during our short but wonderful time at Puckapunyal together. Gordon was a generous soul and may you find comfort in all the memories of the times your shared together. God bless.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Gordon Barwell. In the few months that I worked with him, I knew what a good man he was. He was extremely proud of his family. May you find comfort in the memories.

Gerard -

Your father was a wonderful man. Honor him by continuing to love and support your mother and striving to reach the goals he had for you. He often spoke about your education. Make him proud by reaching your dreams and being a strong man like he was. He was very dedicated to our agency and always stood up for the staff in his division. He was not afraid to stand up for what he believed.

Gordon fought a courageous battle until the end. I'm sure it was the love and support of you and your mother that gave him the strength to fight this battle.

May you find comfort in knowing that your father is now at peace. I can imagine that he's walking around right now, with that big smile on his face, telling his "Aussie" stories and jokes to any and everyone who will listen, because that's the kind of guy he was.

May God Bless You and Your Family!

Bertha Fegans, VDEM

Dear Felicia, Gerard and Family

Gordon has always been a very special friend to us. We surely will miss him deeply.
Our sympathy and thoughts will be with you.

Felicia,
May God keep and bless you in these times. Gordon had such a gentle and kind heart. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Sisterly yours...
Yvonne Burrell

Felicia, Gerard, and Family-
I am honored to have worked with Gordon at the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. He has truly left his mark on our agency and was a great inspiration to many in the emergency management field. He was truly an amazing person, and I admired him for how he handled his illness. In my spirit I believe he used that same bravery in handling it as he did while serving in the armed forces. I also feel that his wife was a great inspiration to him in handling it. I could tell during our conversations that Gordon had a very special love for his family and his home, Australia. Felicia, he talked about you a lot, especially while you were serving our country overseas and when he, Gerard, and your mother made the trip over to vacation with you. He was proud of your accomplishments. I will miss seeing his smile and hearing his pleasant hello as I passed his office each morning. Cherish the love and the memories that you have of him to get you through this season, as well as the realization that our Comforter is always with you. May you find peace in knowing that Gordon is resting in the arms of our Heavenly Father. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as I say farewell to a true "Aussie" friend. We will miss him dearly here at VDEM.

Dear Felicia,

You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of your loss. May the gentle sunshine of your memories be a light in your hour of darkness.
Although, I did not know Gordon, I can only imagine the pain for you and your son at this time.

I know God will continue to give you both the strength in this difficult journey that lies ahead.

God Bless (Darlene's Friend)!
Brenda

I have considered it a true honor and privilege to work for, and with, Gordon... He will always be remembered for his wit, intelligence, fairness, and steadfast support for us in the Local Support Services Division at VDEM. But most of all, I am going to miss just sitting down and talking to him about anything and everything. I have had many supervisors in my life, and Gordon is by far the best I have worked with. I take comfort in knowing that the angels in Heaven are laughing right now, listening to one of Gordon's stories! To Felicia and the family, I share your pain in his departure, but I will always treasure his time with us! God Bless All of You!

Michael and Adrianne Cocker

In memory of the 1st Armoured Regiment's 25th Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Richard Barwell (Retired)

The Commanding Officer, Regimental Officers, Soldiers and wider Regimental family of the 1st Armoured Regiment wish to extend our deepest condolences to Mrs Felicia Barwell and her family for the loss of her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Richard Barwell.

Lieutenant Colonel Barwell was called up for National Service in July 1969 and graduated from the Officer Cadet Training Unit Scheyville in December that year. He served with both the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and the 1st Armoured Regiment from 1970 to 1975, during which time he served on operations in Vietnam. His subsequent postings include service with the 4th/9th Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment as the Adjutant, Tactics Wing at the Armoured Centre, the NBC Training Centres in the USA, Canada and the UK and as a staff officer at Headquarters Training Command before returning to the 1st Armoured Regiment as the Officer Commanding B Squadron in 1982 for two years.

Lieutenant Colonel Barwell then attended Staff College before serving with the Malaysian Army as an Armoured Advisor. He once again returned to this Regiment as the Commanding Officer and led the Regiment between 1990 and 1992. He instructed at the Command and Staff College prior to discharging in 1994 and relocating to the United States.

He is fondly remembered by all who served with him for his great sense of humour, and the drive and flair that he brought with him to command.

Our prayers and thoughts are with Felicia and their family at this time.

To MS. Viola Lamb/Family

The Staff at the 500-504 Nostrand Ave. H & R Block Ofiice will like to extend their heartfelt condolences to to the Family of the belated Barnell, Gordon R. Words can not express our Feelings of sorrow, may God wrap his harms around you all at this time of lost of your love one.

Sincerely;
Office Staff
at H & R Block

Felicia and family,

Those who served with Gordon in the 1st Armoured Regiment and the Royal Australian Armoured Corps share your sad loss. Gordon was a great Commanding Officer, a terrific character, and built a stong family within the Tank Regiment; sharing humour and style on all occasions. Over many years the Barwell family were central figures and valued friends of the Officers' Mess at Puckapunyal. Gordon was a great Aussie larakin, with a sharp wit and a cunning mind for a prank; as many Subalterns can attest to. In my service life, there are few great characters that are as central to the enduring anacdotes that make service life what it is, as was Gordon Barwell. Remembered in high regard, he will be sadly missed.

Mrs. Barwell & Family-
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Gordon while he was at VDEM. He was always a joy to work with. I was very sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God comfort you with the memories you have of Gordon.

My prayers are with the enitre family. I meet Gordon several years ago whgile attending a coordinators briefing. He and I developed a friendship over the next few years that was unique. Gordon sense of humor and candor was always the brightest part of any meeting. His knowledge and devotion to VDEM was unmatched. I understand your sorrow and share your loss as we all will in the Emergency Management community. May God enrich your lives with his confort and ease your pain through His peace which passes all understanding.

Neal Turner, Montgomery County ESC

Our thoughts and prayers are offerred from Australia to Fee and Gerard. Gordon will be sadly missed in two great countries. We served in the Australian Army together where Gordon was a very much respected professional.He took those skills to the Department of Emergency Management, a perfect job for an ex military man.He will be remembered fondly. We are all fortunate to have met him. God bless from Peter, Catherine, Ryan, Bryce and Audra Keane in Victoria, Australia.

felicia iwas sadded by the pass ing of gordon you know i talk to him alot when you were sick, and i found out that he was a very gentle person that love his family. if there is any thing i can do please call your in christ barbara harris posted by barbara harris march 4 2008

Gordon is one of the people in my life that I really learned to respect and considered him a valueable friend and allie. I will never forget his streight forward approach to any issue. Gordon will be missed. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all.

Sister,
I grieve with you during your time of sorrow.
In search of hope for a better tomorrw.
I ray of sun to shine upon your face,
A rainbow of colors to wrap you with a warm embrace.
An angel of grace to to ascend from heaven above,
To soothe your soul with with mercy and love.
A quiet place to hear His voice,
Whispering to you, go ahead rejoice.
I'm holding him now, he's safe you see.
No more hurt or pain up here with me.

My sympathies go out to Gordon's family. I met Gordon when he came to assist Wise County in 2005 with the declared water emergency for Big Stone Gap. As a new county administrator and someone who never had the opportunity to participate in an emergency operation, Gordon was very kind to personally assist me and help me navigate through some interesting times. Although our lives only crossed briefly I came to have great respect for the man. My prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

Mrs. Felicia Barwell and Family,

My condolences on the loss Of Gordon. As a Reservist to VDEM, I worked with Gordon only on occasion, yet that was enough time to know that Gordon was an amiable, gentle warrior with a great sense of humor. We will certainly miss his smile, his ever present joy of life. I will keep him in my prayers.

My deepest sympathies to Gordons family. I am a Reservist with VDEM and have been in Training Sessions with Gordon on numerous occasions. He was never without a smile and a kind word for all. He always had a positive outlook and was quick to inject humor in his daily life. He often spoke of his native Australia, always with his huge smile. May your wonderful memories of Gordon be of comfort to you. God Bless each of you.

Gordon and I met many years ago in Germany, where we first became friends. I have been honor that he continue being a friend until his home going. I can truly say that the "dash" in Gordon life has been one of touching other lives and they have been better afterward. Myprayers goes out to the family and may God's blessing, love and peace comfort you through Gordon's home going. may God continue to bless you all.

I have known Gordon since he began working for the Department of Emergency Management. Even though I work for the Department of Corrections I had the pleasure of seeing and working with Gordon during training exercises and during real life emergencies. We spent many hours discussing our experiences in Viet Nam and the service. I will miss him. May the Lord guide and watch over his family.

Felicia my prayers are with you and your family at this milestone in your life. I am blessed to have been a part of Gordon's "dash" while he lived. I am further blessed to have be called a friends, the memories that I have will keep his spirit alive in me until my home going. I know that the memories that you have will sustain you through this time. May God's love, blesing and peace comfort you through Gordon's home going.

Gordon provided me an opportunity to compare notes between what I had studied of World War II Pacific Theater history, and his personal experience as an Australian soldier. I had learned they were tough, direct, and without nonsense in the face of a challenge, but what the books left out Gordon provided: a wide smile and a twinkle in the eye that would say, "Bring it. I can do it." And he certainly did. A hard-charging "tanker" with a certain polish, his positive energy was infectious and hard to avoid. I am grateful to have enjoyed it working with him at the Department of Emergency Management. With it, I believe he faced this last challenge and passed "with his boots on" as one might say, at his most cherished post - with his family. May each of you enjoy safe travel as you gather, and find comfort in reflection of the blessings God brought all through Gordon's life.

I only had the chance to work with Gordon briefly when he came to our county for training exercises but he was a delightful person. He made a huge impression on our staff and is remembered fondly. Our prayers are with his family.

I worked with Gordon during 3 years at VDEM and it was always a pleasure to see him. I always had this big grin on my face when I saw him even before he said anything. I will continue to smile when I think of his cheerful, loving personality.

Gordon's presence could light up a room! He was always a friendly face to see and will be truly missed. My prayers are with your family.

My prayers are with you. Over the past four years I had worked with Gordon through VDEM and had come to respect him very much.
May you find comfort in the memories that you cherish.

My heartfelt sympathies go to Gordon's family during this most difficult time. His energy and perpetually positive attitude, even during his difficult fight with cancer, serves as a challenge and inspiration to us all!

My prayers to your family. I had the pleasure of working with Gordon for several years at the Department of Emergency Management. He was always so pleasant and kind. Many times he would talk about his family and how important they were to him. I hope that you will find some comfort in the many memories that you have and of the life that you shared. God Bless each of you.