Plaque unveiled in honour of veterans’ champion Bob Crisp

MEMBERS of the Nambucca Valley veterans community gathered in remembrance on Tuesday afternoon as a plaque was unveiled at the Nambucca Heads War Memorial to honour the late Robert ‘Bob’ Crisp, who passed away in 2022 after a long battle with a complex medical condition.

A former soldier who later worked with the Electricity Commission and as a farm hand, Bob devoted his retirement to the wellbeing of fellow veterans.

As the Welfare Officer of the Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch, he offered unwavering support to sick, hospitalised and elderly veterans across the region.

Known for his warm heart, no-nonsense approach and quiet dedication, Bob was a pillar of care and compassion in the Nambucca Valley for more than 16 years.

As Welfare Officer, he became a trusted friend and source of comfort, often going far beyond the call of duty.

He regularly visited veterans at home, in hospital and in aged care facilities, offering practical advice, welfare checks, and often simply the company of a friendly face and a listening ear.

Such was Bob’s dedication that he even travelled to Sydney to accompany veterans undergoing surgery, just so they wouldn’t have to go through it alone.

“Brian Duncan OAM and I visited Bob at Macksville hospital during his last days and I hope our visit gave him comfort in the way Bob had given comfort to so many veterans over the years,” Nambucca Heads RSL sub-Branch President Denis Lane told the gathering.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bob’s ability to carry out face-to-face visits was severely curtailed, a situation that deeply affected him.

He often spoke of the pain he felt knowing that veterans he had regularly comforted were now isolated.

The plaque unveiled this week is a tribute not only to his years of volunteer service but to the deeply human connections he forged and the legacy of kindness he leaves behind.

By Mick BIRTLES