Family will stop at nothing to find missing Cleveland man

The heartbroken family of missing 69-year-old Anthony Roper, last seen in Cleveland over three weeks ago, say they will bring him home “one way or the other”.

SES sift through dense bushland for Anthony Roper. Picture: John Gass

Last seen three weeks ago and feared missing in dense bushland, Anthony Roper will be found “either one way or the other”, say his heartbroken family.

The search for the missing 69-year-old, who suffers from dementia, ramped up on Sunday, as about 70 SES personnel and multiple police officers scoured bushland and waterways in Anthony’s home suburb of Cleveland and nearby Redland Bay and Thornlands.

His son, Joel Roper, will stop at nothing for closure.

“We’re hopeful we’re going to find him either one way or the other, and have some closure,” Mr Roper said.

“We’re just trying to come together to see what’s happening as far as the searching goes.”

Joel Roper will stop at nothing to find his dad, feared missing in dense bushland. Photo: John Gass

Anthony, who had been an officer in the Royal Australian Navy Reserve before retiring, was last seen on March 19 outside the Shell service station at the intersection of Princess and Bloomfield streets. 

He was wearing blue jeans, thongs and a shirt with dark stripes when he went missing.

Only one week before his disappearance, Anthony had been approved to receive additional medical care after he went missing for about 24 hours last September.

Mr Roper said the family were looking to have a GPS tracker fitted to Anthony as his dementia continues to take hold of his once brilliant mind.

“He has a good physical ability but his military background probably wouldn’t be in his mindset anymore,” Mr Roper said.

“He doesn’t know the bushland like he does the streets.

“I’m pretty sure he would have been disorientated and not know what street to turn down. If someone hasn’t seen him up on his feet, that means he’s probably just down where he laid down the night (he went missing) or the night after.”

Police are appealing for urgent assistance to locate a 69-year-old man reported missing from Cleveland, Anthony Roper.

Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Tom Nelson said there had initially been a number of sightings of Anthony, who is described as caucasian, around 180cm tall, of a large build, is bald, has blue eyes and a slightly grey beard.

“He’s been missing for about three weeks and in that time we’ve had a number of sightings in relation to him, but those sightings are sometimes not reported as soon as possible,” Snr Sgnt Nelson said.

“Someone will see him and tell us two, three, four days later. We really want to reinforce that if he is seen, it should be reported straight away. Call PoliceLink (131 444) or go to your local police station. Give us an up to date sighting so it can be acted on straight away.”

About 70 members of the SES searched for the missing 69-year-old. Picture: John Gass

The last reported sighting of Anthony came in about two weeks ago in bushland, Snr Sgnt Nelson said. 

“We are very concerned for his health and safety, it’s been three weeks (since his disappearance),” Snr Sgnt Nelson said.

“But we are continuing to search, we’re still holding out hope … If anyone sees anything suspicious or if there’s something out of the ordinary, give us a call.”

Anthony has lived in Cleveland for the last two decades with his wife of 50 years.

“They have been a part of the community,” said Mr Roper.

“I’m glad the community has come together. A lot of people keep to themselves but when things like this come out they really do come together, it’s amazing.”

Police are appealing for anyone that has any information on the whereabouts of Mr Roper to come forward.

POLICELINK: 131 444