Obituary: Bruce Chamberlin Eaton
After more than a century of love, learning and service, Bruce Chamberlin Eaton passed away peacefully on Sunday, 2 March 2025, at the remarkable age of 101.
A proud Manly Vale resident for nearly 60 years, Bruce was not just a war veteran, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather – he was the backbone of a family that spanned generations and was a pillar of his local community.
Bruce’s life was one of deep commitment to his family, his country, his community and his passions. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy – seven children, 28 grandchildren and 54 great-grandchildren (with two more on the way).
Born in Chatswood on 26 December 1923, Bruce was just 18 years old when he answered the call to serve in World War II. Enlisting in the Militia (CMF) in February 1942, he became a gunner in the Royal Australian Artillery, defending Sydney’s shores at Hornby Battery, South Head. Later, he was deployed to Port Moresby, New Guinea, serving in the Moresby Coastal Artillery from 1944 to 1946.
Despite being blind in one eye – a result of an accident when he was eight years old – Bruce forged ahead with his military service and was known as the “one-eyed gunner,” a nickname that reflected his resilience and his sense of humour. He was last attached to the Moresby Fixed Defences when he was discharged in January 1946.
Returning to civilian life, Bruce built a career as an accountant and in a twist of fate, met his future wife Jessie while working at a telephone exchange. They married in March 1947 before moving to Tasmania in 1948 where they lived for 17 years. Jessie passed away in 2007, but Bruce continued to embrace life with the same enthusiasm and warmth that would come to define him.
Bruce was never one to sit still. He was a lifelong learner, a storyteller and an active community member. He spent 53 years as a dedicated member of the Lions Club, where he and Jessie shared many memorable trips and friendships. He was also a life member of Balgowlah Golf Club, where he played until the age of 84. His contribution to the club lives on through the Bruce Eaton Perpetual Diggers Day Trophy, awarded each year in his honour.
Even in his later years, Bruce found joy in feeding the magpies, playing the ukulele, listening to audiobooks and, of course, placing a bet on the horse races every Saturday with his mates. His love for history, travel and good conversation never faded.
Bruce’s secret to longevity was simple: “Have a big family and keep moving.” And move, he did – through war and peace, through generations of family, through decades of community service. Even on his 101st birthday, he remained engaged and full of life, connecting with his friends, family and neighbours who he loved to share a wine with on any given Sunday afternoon.
He was humble, kind and fiercely independent – not one for self-importance, but one whose impact will be felt for generations.
As we say goodbye to Bruce, we celebrate a life well-lived, well-loved and never wasted. His memory will live on in the stories we shared around the family table, in the community he helped build and in the generations of Eaton’s who will carry forward his values of love, service and family strength.
Rest in peace, pop. Your legacy will always live on.
