Statement on Behalf of the Family of Craftsman Beau Pridue

Our family is devastated at the tragic loss of our son, Beau, in East Timor.
Growing up in Newcastle Beau always strived to be the best he could be, he loved his family, he loved his mates and he loved the Army.
He was a qualified Fitter Armament with 111 Workshop Company, 8th Combat Service Support Battalion and very proud to be a soldier and to be doing his duty. In his civilian job, Beau was a Fitter Machinist with Griffiths Computer Engineering.
We are extremely proud of our boy and we know that we lost him doing a job he was trained for and loved doing.

When he was growing up, we would never have thought of Beau as a soldier, but he loved the Army, its discipline, training and spirit. Beau had strength of mind, body, character and will.
Beau was much admired by his Army colleagues and was seen by his superiors as a quiet achiever who always got the job done.

Our son chose to serve in the Army and he was happy and, as fate would have it, he paid the ultimate sacrifice. His decision to serve his country was a true indication of his character. Beau always wanted to help and be of assistance, and he had this opportunity during his deployment to East Timor.
Beau leaves behind a loving mother and father, a sister and a brother-in-law and a large extended family who all adored him.
We’re a private family and would like that privacy to be respected at this difficult time, but we have issued these words because we want people to think of Beau the way we think of him.
We wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all those who have shown support at this very difficult time.
Most importantly, we ask to be left in peace in order to grieve in private.

ENDS

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