A Warrior Down

The news just came to me, A warrior's down. God called His servant home, From the battleground. His work on Earth is through, He gave his best. In love he served, And we've been blessed.

Warrior down, Lord he was brave. He fought a good fight, He kept the Faith. He served with honor, And he'll be missed. Warrior down, But his spirit lives.

A warrior's down, But it's not in vain. ‘Cause this ol' world's loss, well, it's Heaven's gain. We salute his memory, ‘til we meet again. Good-bye soldier, See ya later friend.

Warrior down, Lord he was brave. He fought a good fight, He kept the Faith. He served with honor, And he'll be missed. Warrior down, But his spirit lives.

Creation Songs by Buddy Davis

Owen Nannelli was elected in March 2004, having previously served between 1991 and 1999, including two years as Deputy Mayor (1996 and 1997).

Councillor Nannelli was a true gentleman with a passion for the community. He was active in church and community affairs, Cr Nannelli served as President of the Pennant Hills Civic Trust, Chairman of Council's Bicentennial Committee and President of the Hornsby Shire Historical Society. In recognition of his community work, he was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001.

As Councillor his achievements include:

•  the establishment and extension of the Pennant Hills Library

•  keeping the swimming pool at Dence Park , Epping open and solely maintained for community use

•  being instrumental in council's purchase of Edgeworth David House ensuring a valuable piece of local heritage was retained by the community.

•  setting up the Australia Day Committee which he chaired

•  introduction of the first Shire-wide heritage listing

•  chairing the Access Committee, and

•  strengthening controls on medium density developments

•  chair of council's Heritage Committee

•  chair of council's committee for the planning of the shire's centenary.

He has also campaigned for:

•  cleaning up Berowra Creek, the Hawkesbury River , and the Lane Cove River

•  protection of Pennant Hills Park

•  strengthening the Shire's tree preservation

•  preserving the western side of Hornsby as viable heritage conservation area, and

•  the construction of a civic centre and regional arts gallery.

I have only known Owen for two and a bit years while serving on Council together and in that time grew respect for a man with a passion to serve his fellow man to the fullest, though he be missed by family, friends and the Shire, it's certainly Heaven's gain.

Absent from the body, present with the Lord, we shall meet again.

Cllr Steve Evans