On Sunday the 23rd of September at 1940 hours the world became a poorer place when Jack Baczyk left us for the Final Parade.
Jack enlisted on 19 March 1975 and at the completion of basic Training was allocated to RAinf and made his way to the Infantry Centre at Singleton where he would be forged into one of our finest soldiers. At the completion of his Initial Employment Training Jack was posted to 1 RAR and assigned to A Coy. Over the years as Jack progressed through the ranks he earned a reputation of a hard, tough, uncompromising, but fair soldier and leader. He also gained a reputation as a fearless and highly skilled AFL footballer, a key part of 1 RAR’s glory years in the sport. Jack had many promotions and postings within 1 RAR and served as an instructor at 1RTB, CSM A Coy 8/9 RAR, WO/SNCO Wing, LWC, Singleton and RSM 11/28 RWAR. One of Jack’s many great achievements was leading 1 RAR’s very successful Duke of Gloucester Cup Squad in 1985. Jack had always wished to be RSM of 1 RAR one day, but sadly for Jack this didn’t occur, however he has left an indelible mark on every soldier he served with, instructed and mentored…a legend among legends.
To his wife Debbie and his family, we offer our most sincere condolences and pray that you come through these sad times knowing the life and times of Jack have left a wonderful impression on us all. May he go with God and Rest in Peace for all eternity.