Laurieton War Widows president Lyn Bye helping to fight ‘horrible’ loneliness felt by those who lose veteran partner

Bonny Hills grandmother Lyn Bye says the social isolation she felt after losing her lost her husband of 35 years was “horrible”. Now, she’s helping combat loneliness felt by other war widows.

Rob and Lyn Bye pictured on their wedding day in 1973.

War widows face “lonely and nuanced” sorrow different to other widows as they struggle to survive the grief of losing their veteran partners.

Bonny Hills war widow and grandmother Lyn Bye, 70, said the social isolation she felt when she lost her husband Rob suddenly after 35 years of marriage was “horrible”.

“We both went to the gym one day and within the hour he’d passed away,” she said.

Mrs Bye said she was unprepared and still struggles with loneliness.

Her husband was a war veteran who served in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971, as a dog trainer and infantry soldier.

Rob Bye during his time as a dog trainer.

Mr Bye became permanently incapacitated by post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after he left the army in 1974.

Laurieton War Widows president Mrs Bye is one of 32,000 war widows registered across the nation – many of whom got together for War Widows Day on October 19.

In the greater Port Macquarie area, there are 275 war registered widows, while 223 are in Coffs Harbour and 161 in the Clarence Valley.

Bonny Hills grandmother Lyn Bye is a war widow and president of the Laurieton War Widows.

Renee Wilson, chief executive officer of the Families of Veterans Guild, explained why grief can be felt differently by war widows.

“Being a war widow can often be a lonely and nuanced experience due to the complexities of a life tied to the defence and service of Australia,” she said.

“We saw time and time again during the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide that war widows and veteran families have been the silent pillars of strength for our country, often sacrificing their own wellbeing in the wake of their loved one’s service.”

Ms Wilson’s comments come as the guild focused on raising awareness about social isolation on this year’s War Widows Day.

“It is both our privilege and responsibility to honour their sacrifices and ensure no war widow ever feels alone,” she said.

Rob Bye was a dog trainer and tracker in the Royal Australian Regiment.

“As Australians it’s our duty to stand by them.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns commended the guild for helping to combat the loneliness felt by war widows.

“The challenges the families of veterans face, including grief and isolation, impact in different ways,” Mr Minns said.

“We honour their resilience in the face of losing loved ones.”

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Originally published as Laurieton War Widows president Lyn Bye helping to fight ‘horrible’ loneliness felt by those who lose veteran partner