He was a double life member of the 105th Battery RAA Association and active in reunions and activities of that association.
Pte Hanlon is one of two Vietnam War veterans who will be honoured at a special memorial service at the Finley cemetery on August 3, at 11am.
It forms part of a national Vietnam Veterans’ Vigil initiative, to mark 60 years since the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV) arrived in Vietnam and 50 years since the withdrawal of combat troops in 1972.
The Finley RSL Sub-branch service will begin at 11am at the grave site of Pte Matthew Loughman, and will then move to Pte Hanlon’s grave.
Pte Hanlon was born in Hamilton, Victoria, on July 2, 1947 to Neville (Tom) and Verna Hanlon. Sisters Patricia, Lesley and Terri made up the family unit.
Upon leaving school he went into the position of stock and station agent.
It was an occupation he sustained both before serving in the Defence Force and after discharge, working until his death earlier this year on June 20.
Pte Hanlon spent some time in Bendigo, Sea Lake, and Swan Hill after leaving Hamilton, and eventually arrived in Finley in 1973.
He and his wife Helen were married that same year.
The couple welcomed their daughter Michelle and eventually celebrated 50 years of marriage in Finley.
Pte Hanlon, like so many returning Vietnam Veterans, found it difficult to return to civilian life after experiencing the horror of war.
He will be remembered for his service to his country.
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