Family statement regarding Able Seaman Boatswains Mate Ewan McDonald

Defence releases the following statement written by the family of ABBM Ewan McDonald. ABBM McDonald died aboard HMAS Toowoomba on 23 October.

The unexpected loss of Ewan McDonald has saddened his family and close network of friends.

Ewan’s love for his close-knit family was very apparent; particularly for his nieces and nephews whom he adored. He treasured his partner whom he created a life with in Perth and was looking forward to sharing his future with her. The welfare of his family and friends was paramount to Ewan and he constantly put others before himself.

Ewan joined the Navy eight years ago, and loved every minute of it. He faced many challenges and overcame them with grace and dignity. The Navy definitely brought out the best in Ewan; he joined as a boy and left as a true gentleman.

Ewan had a wide circle of friends both in Victoria and WA, enjoying his free time 4-wheel driving and sailing model boats. We will always remember the love and support his friends gave him, so much so they became his second family.

We know that the pain and grief we feel is shared by Ewan’s many friends, his colleagues at HMAS Stirling and of course his shipmates on board HMAS Toowoomba.

Finally, we ask that the media respect our privacy and we will not be issuing any further statements at this time.

A family picture of ABBM McDonald is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/fotoweb/Grid.fwx?archiveId=5003=&search=11121056

Media contact: Defence Media Operations 02 6127 1999