'STAND down soldier, your duty is done'.
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Whether it was dignitaries, loved ones, soldiers or footy mates, there was hardly a dry eye as Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon was farewelled at a packed funeral service that almost spilled out the doors of St Joseph's Catholic Church at Cessnock on Monday.
Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon was remembered in emotional tributes from his father, mother Dianne, sisters Caitlin and Grace and his commanding officer as 'unique', an 'enigma' and without a doubt a 'gold standard' soldier.
"March 6 was the worst day of my life, our hearts broke that night and we took great comfort in the fact that Jack died doing something he loved and in service to his country," Mr Fitzgibbon said in his eulogy.
"We are so very proud of him."
Yellow roses adorned the top of Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon's coffin, carried in on the shoulders of his fellow platoon members he served alongside in the 2nd Commando Regiment.
Among those who came to pay their respects were Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, senior MPs and army leaders.
Commanding Officer 2nd Commando Regiment Lieutenant Colonel G, who cannot be named, thanked Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon for his decade of service to the ADF, enlisting in the army the day after his 23rd birthday.
He acknowledged the swift actions of his teammates, platoon and medical staff who went "above and beyond" to give him a fighting chance.
"The nature of a soldier's profession is inherently dangerous and not without risk or consequence, however we must take comfort in the fact that Jack died serving his nation," he said.
"As a special forces communicator, Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon was an enigma; confident yet modest, charismatic yet humble, compassionate yet ruthless.
"He was a larrikin and a professional - he was a soldier."
Lieutenant Colonel G praised Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon as a competent, highly-skilled soldier who did not seek promotion or recognition.
"He leaves an irreplaceable void in his platoon, his company, his squadron, along with the entirety of the 2nd Commando Regiment," he said.
"Although taken too soon, we take comfort in the fact that Jack departed this world doing what he loved, side-by-side with his team mates and of course in the final moments surrounded by the family who loved him dearly."
Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon enlisted January 30, 2014 and became a special forces soldier in 2020, completing some of the most difficult tests and courses in the ADF.
He was recognised with awards during his service and was a respected member of his team.
But to his family and loved ones, 'Jack' was funny, he was a 'romantic at heart', a resilient optimist and a grounding force who they could rely on to help them weather any storm.
His sister Caitlin said that life would never be the same without him.
"If our roles were reversed you'd say, 'it's sub-optimal, but we've just got to get on with it' - and that's how you viewed life, black and white, calm, practical," she said.
"You found a light side to everything."
Caitlin said she always admired her brother's ability to think clearly in any situation, to simplify things where others would over-complicate them.
"I've loved you since day one and I'll love you forever brother, I hope I told you enough, but regardless I know you knew it," she said.
"I'll leave you with some words of Jack Fitzgibbon in the hope you find some comfort in them, as I do - 'It's just one of those things sister, don't think too much about it'."
His other sister, Grace, said anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him would instantly fall in love with his charisma and energy.
"I cannot possibly imagine my life without you brother, but I know in my bones that you will always be with me, right beside me, watch over me and protect me as you always did," she said.
"I love you more than you will ever know, and I promise to make you so proud every single day, just like you did me.
"Stand down soldier, your duty is done. Love always, sister."
His family and partner Kass held hands as they trailed behind a military procession outside the church.
Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon was seriously injured during what the ADF described as a routine Special Forces training activity at the RAAF Base in Richmond, about 50km northwest of Sydney.
The 33-year-old, who had served a decade in the army, was taken to hospital in a serious condition but later passed away.
Lance Corporal Fitzgibbon leaves behind partner Kass, parents Joel and Di and sisters Caitlin and Grace.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
