Outback adventurer takes his final journey
Born: 27 October 1917
Died: 4 July 2002
Gordon Gant was a pioneer of the Australian outback, a man whose thirst for adventure could not even be quenched by his exploits during World War II in the Light Horse Brigade.
Born in Toowoomba, Charles Gordon Gant was the second of four children to William Cook Gant and Annie Mary Leifels. Gordon lived in Toowoomba until he was 12, and was one of the original students at Newtown State School, attending their Anzac Day service without fail each year. Gordon's family moved to a dairy farm at Geham for four years, after which time Gordon worked on his uncle's dairy farm for a further four years. When his family relocated to Springside near Pittsworth, Gordon rejoined them to help run the property. In 1939 Gordon enlisted in the 1lth Light Horse Darling Downs Regiment, Pittsworth troop, which was at that stage part of the militia established principally for home defence.
When Japanese invasion appeared imminent, Gordon then joined the Australian Imperial Forces as a member of the First Armoured Division. Until his discharge he was responsible for patrolling the coastline of Western Australia, and lost 50% of his hearing during a shell explosion in his tank. Following a stint on the family farm and a period living at Hervey Bay, Gordon moved back to Toowoomba to work as a switchboard operator for Yellow cabs. His real adventures however, were as a navigator with Ian McDonald and his safari business touring the Australian outback.
In 1969 Ian, Gordon and their party made pioneering history by being the first to cross Australia from east to west via the treacherous Simpson Desert. One of Gordon's proudest moments during his outback adventures involved searching for and finding the grave of the Page family, who had perished through lack of water in the Central Australian desert. Gordon and Ian placed a cross to mark their resting place. Gordon was a proud and loyal Australian, and he enjoyed verse, poetry and stories. He maintained a close involvement with the Light Horse Association and the RSL, and was an old-fashioned gentleman who loved the opportunity for a cuppa and a chat. In later years Gordon developed an interest in faceting gemstones, sharing this passion with family members and long-time friend Heather Logan. Gordon Gant died in Toowoomba aged 84. He is survived by many friends, relatives and war companions.
Published in “The Chronicle”, Toowoomba 2nd October, 2002.
By Merryl Miller
1921 - 2001
Godfrey (Goff) Leonard Gapp was a doctor, a sportsman, an intellectual, and a devoted husband and father. Above all else, however, he was a humanitarian, and he will long be remembered for his efforts in supporting worthy causes. Born in Bondi, Sydney, in 1921, Goff was one of two children in the somewhat eclectic Gapp household. His English father was a commercial artist who inspired in Goff a life-long love and talent for art, while his Welsh mother Laura was a progressive thinker of the day, active in the Women's Socialist Movement of New South Wales in the early 1900s. It is little wonder Goff grew up challenging the status quo, and it was often said that his thinking was always 10 years ahead. As a young man Goff was sports-mad. He was captain of the NSW water polo team, won Open grade swimming and diving championships at State level, played first. grade rugby union, and was always actively involved in the surf lifesaving movement. As a junior lifesaver Goff was part of the rescue team during the "Black Sunday" surfing disaster in which 13 swimmers lost their lives on Bondi Beach. Goff also began scuba diving as a boy, and later in life formed the Underwater Research Group. After leaving school Goff became a fitter and turner before joining the RAAF as a mechanic during World War II. He then went to medical school at Sydney University. Goff married Mary McReddie and they moved to Queensland in1959. The two medicos set up practice in Clifton, where they lived and raised their children for 13 years. It was during this time that Goff first became interested in "Project Concern", a US and Pacific-based initiative calling on professionals to volunteer their services to under-developed countries. One of the primary goals of Project Concern was to teach the locals in poorer nations how best to care for themselves. Clinics were established, wells built, and villagers were shown how to ensure fresh, clean water and improve hygiene standards. Volunteers worked, slept and ate with the locals, often in primitive and occasionally dangerous conditions. Goff's first mission for the group was to Hong Kong and Vietnam in 1964, leaving Mary at home to run the practice and care for their children. Although the floating clinic among the junks in Hong Kong Harbour was undoubtedly a new experience for Goff, setting up base in South Vietnam in the middle of the war was not for the faint-hearted. The battle-lines were never far away, and no person was denied medical treatment. While Goff would never have used a gun to defend his clinic, the rapport he quickly established with the locals in the area afforded him some protection during this unsettled time. Goff returned to Vietnam in 1967 for another mission. During this time he built an X-ray facility and laboratory at the medical clinic, and left a legacy in teaching first aid practices to the locals. Last year Goff was awarded the Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal for his work in the 1960s in Vietnam and Hong Kong. Other tours of duty followed six weeks in Papua New Guinea in 1970, and four months in Indonesia, where his great strength in befriending people came to the fore. Goff genuinely cared for the welfare of others, and in displaying that compassion received trust, friendship and love in return.As well as a commitment to under-developed nations, Goff had an abiding interest in the issues facing Australian Aboriginal communities, and took the time to heed their concerns in his role as a doctor.Goff and Mary left Clifton in 1972 and established a practice in Toowoomba. His involvement in humanitarian concerns did not abate, and even after his retirement from medicine in 1990 he remained active in working for causes such as the Grameen Bank, established in Bangladesh in the late 1970s as a vehicle for micro-economic reform in under-developed countries.With Dr Goff Gapp's death on June 11 this year, the world lost a true humanitarian a man who served beyond the call of duty. Printed in "the Chronicle", Toowoomba Wednesday 27th June 2001.
A life of humour and hard work
Stanley John Garrett
Those who knew him will always remember Stan Garrett's pleasant demeanour and sparkling sense of humour. "He used to come home each day with a different story," wife of 54 years Maureen fondly recalled. "Life was fun with Stan." Stan passed away aged 83 on August 29 after a long illness. Stanley John Garrett was born to Annie and Ralph Garrett at a private hospital in Herries Street, Toowoomba, on August 23, 1917 -- two months before his father was killed in the Polygon Woods Battle near Ypres, Belgium, in the First World War, not knowing he had a son. Educated at Holy Name Primary, St Mary's College, St John's Convent, Roma, and St Columba's, Dalby, Stan's first job was as office worker, cleaner and delivery boy at Knox and Co Auctioneers for which he was paid 10/-,($1) per week -- though he did have exclusive use of the company bicycle. However, a working life in accounting started when Stan accepted a position with Symington & Fowler Accountants in Toowoomba in May 1935. Around the same time Stan also acted as ticket seller at the Empire Theatre. He often recalled the night when the 2400-seat theatre was packed to capacity for the movie "The Awful Truth" starring Cary Grant. "Unfortunately, I sold a ticket to a young man and his girlfriend --putting one either side of the aisle -- and got firmly abused by the 'Romeo'," Stan wrote in an autobiography penned for his family in the latter part of his life. Called up for military service at the outbreak of World War II, Stan's boss Mr Symington was not fussed on losing one of his accountants to the conflict. "Garrett, you cannot go, we are in the middle of the (Toowoomba) Foundry audit," Stan wrote of his boss's words. He nearly didn't go! Told to wait with two friends and fellow servicemen Vince Hannay and Los Johnson at Toowoomba Railway Station for a truck to transport them to Cabarlah, the truck never arrived and Stan and his mates retired to a nearby pub. "We decided seeing the army did not keep their appointment, we were not going to war," Stan later quipped. An original member of the 25th Battalion, for which he acted as treasurer for 52 years, Start rose to the rank of Sergeant and saw action in New Guinea, including Milne Bay, before transferring to the army pay office. It was there he met wife-to-be Maureen, who worked for the same office in Brisbane. The couple were married in Toowoomba's Holy Name Church on April 27, 1946, and had three children - Kathleen, Michael and Patrick. After the war, Stan held accountant's positions with The Electric Shop, Austral Motors (later Len Patti) and his final job -- 12 yeas as accountant and office manager of The Chronicle where he often claimed he had spent his happiest working days. Stan was well known as an efficient and hard-working accountant who would often walk the different departments of The Chronicle, saying hello to staff -- all of whom he knew by name -- and never missing an opportunity to share a joke or two. He was also Manager of the Tote at the Toowoomba Turf Club for 25 years. Stan continued to play his favoured game of tennis, in particular with the Holy Name "Has Beens", well into his retirement years. He was also a keen gardener and kept the family home in abundant supply of roses and friends and neighbours with chokos. Stan Garrett is survived by his wife Maureen, three children and their families. Printed in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 23 Seeptember 2000.
Toowoomba farewells a centenarian - by Merryl Miller
George Griinke
(1900-2001)
Becoming a centenarian was one of many milestones enjoyed by George Stephen Griinke in his long and fruitful lifetime. Born in Middle Ridge in 1900; George was one of a family of eight children who attended the Douglas School. In 1930 he married Rose Garske and the couple took on the hard life of dairy farming at Silverleigh, where they raised 12 children. George was a dedicated worker, never giving less than 100% effort to any endeavour he took on, be it feeding the dairy herd, working the cultivation with his horse team, husking the corn, or winning competitions in the local shows. Drought, however, was a constant concern, and few could doubt that the road George chose to travel was a tough one. Retirement in 1971 brought George and Rose to Toowoomba, where they filled their days with new challenges. Their garden was always showcased during the annual Carnival of Flowers, and George loved having a chat to the many visitors who came to admire the couple's handiwork. He also enjoyed chasing bargains at flea markets, being especially interested in doing up old tools in order to turn a profit. It wasn't unusual to see George up at 4.30am, intent on finding himself some treasure hidden in someone else's trash. The other pursuit which gave him as much pleasure as this was giving a worthy opponent a good hiding in euchre. George may well hold some sort of local record, having 119 living descendants at the time of his death in May. His grandchildren hold special memories of him taking them yabby fishing, giving them piggyback rides and cutting their hair so short they would refuse to go to school the following day. George was blessed to have shared 71 years of marriage with his wife Rose, and one of his dearest wishes was fulfilled when he was able to help her celebrate her 90th birthday in April this year. George's family will remember him as a soft and gentle man, yet with a mischievous sense of humour which endeared him to all.
Dorothy Jean King (nee Goodsall)
Dorothy (Dorrie) was born at Stanthorpe on May 25, 1913. As a small child, she was into everything. Unfortunately this meant eating the paint that was peeling off the house next door. In those days paints had a high lead content and Dorrie developed lead poisoning at the age of two. The after-effects were to stay with her for the rest of her life. When the family moved to Red Hill, Brisbane, her mother, in an effort to help her speak, sent her to school at the age of four with her elder brother, Teddy. In 1919, Dorrie and Teddy were pupils at Ballandean State School. Dorrie then went to Wooloowin State School with her brother and sister. After the death of her brother, both girls artended Wooloowin Convent. Bccause of her illness, she left school in 1927, having just turned 14. These were the depression years and jobs were not easy to get. She held a number of jobs on a relief basis, then began as an apprentice seamstress with Mrs Aimer at Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, where she stayed for two years . She moved to Toowoomba to live with her cousin, Ivy, and soon met their boarder, Wally King, who was working on Cooby Creek Dam with Ivy's husband, Les Ashton. War broke out and on June 10, 1940, Wal joined the Army. Dorrie and Wal were married on November 30, 1940. They had two children, Marie Ann and Robert Edward. Wal died in 1982. By the time her great grandchild, Ashleigh, was born, Dorrie's mental health was failing badly. She lived at Haig Street until May last year, with her granddaughter, Julie, visiting and taking her meals to her each day. She then moved into Mylo Hostel, where she died on March 4. Printed in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 7 April 1993. (re-edited 5th March 2011)
Elsie's life guided by Christian principles
Elsie Mary Guard
1907 - 2000
Born to George and Eva Lithgow, pioneers in the Chinchilla area, Elsie was the eighth of their nine children. Elsie walked with her sisters Eva and Edna through paddocks infested with prickly pear to the Chinchilla Primary School. The practical Christianity that shone through her entire life she learned in her home and in the Chinchilla Methodist Church. For secondary education Elsie came to Toowoomba and was one of the early enrolments at the Toowoomba State High School and Technical College. A two-year junior commercial course led to a career of 16 years in the Commonwealth Bank. Her first appointment was in Dalby, then she transferred to Brisbane City. In Brisbane, Elsie took lessons in elocution. Her dramatic presentations of poetry amused, delighted and inspired various audiences till her life's end. This year in the Erowal Retirement Village, Maleny, her home from 1996, she gave memorable renditions of Colour by Dorothea McKellar and the comic piece, Mrs Newly Wed. In 1939, Elsie married Frank Guard, a farmer at Junabee, east of Warwick. Four children were born. In 1956, the family moved to Toowoomba and bought the historic "Rosevale" farm which John Finnie had set up south of Drayton. The daughters Edith, Nancy and Frances went on to tertiary education and fulfilling careers. However, Elsie and Frank's son Peter was stricken with encephalitis when three years old. Permanent brain damage resulted and Peter was taken into care in Baillie Henderson Hospital as a teenager. Elsie and Frank Guard's Toowoomba years included much enthusiastic work in the Neil Street Methodist Church (which became the Wesley Uniting Church), new ventures in farming and gardening, open- hearted hospitality, and the births of eight grand-children. Both Frank and Elsie were chosen to be Church Elders. Elsie's special role was leader of the Endeavourers. The teenagers she trained in this group remembered gratefully her encouragement and warmth and reliance on Biblical principles. Elsie and Frank loved to travel. They took six months to go round the world in 1963. Later they made many shorter trips in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and other, overseas places. In 1973, they sold the farm at Finnie and set up a new home, garden and orchard in Volker Street. Widowed in 1980, Elsie Guard stayed on in Volker street, welcoming visitors and boarders. Osteoporosis led to falls and fractures and forced her to slow down. In 1991, Elsie moved to Maleny to live with her daughter Dr Frances Guard. Five years later she became a resident of the Erowal Retirement Village. She made new friends, set up another garden, enjoyed all social activities and recited poems whenever she could. Elsie died on July 11. A large crowd of friends and relatives spanning four generations gathered for the service in the Maleny Uniting Church where she'd been an enthusiastic member for nine years. Her ashes will be buried beside her husband Frank's in Toowoomba. Printed in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 8 August 2000.
OBITUARY
Mr JAMES GREEN
"Ben Bolt" writes:- When James Green, erstwhile of Drayton, crossed over the Great Divide on Friday last, another link with the dawning years of the Darling Downs was snapped. The deceased gentleman, who passed peacefully away at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. Adam Cathcart, was born in Warrenstown, County Down, Ireland, on the 23rd November, 1828, and had reached the ripe old age of 94 years. With his wife he emigrated to Queensland (then Moreton Bay) in the James Fairney in 1856, and coming straight to the Downs on his arrival entered the service of Messrs. Hodgson and Watts, of Eton Vale. After eight years of station work he purchased a snug little farm on the Cemetery Road on which he resided, and reared a family of highly respected lads and lasses. The carrying trade was in those olden days one of the most lucrative businesses, and the sixties saw "Jimmie" as we knew and addressed him, with two teams plying from Ipswich (then the head of navigation) to Drayton, Toowoomba and the surrounding stations. On the death of his wife in 1898 Mr. Green sold his farm and retired from active life, alternately residing with two of his daughters - Mrs. Adam Cathcart, of Toowoomba, and Mrs. T. Jobst (South Brisbane). Six of Mr. Green's children died in infancy, and one daughter, Mrs Adams, predeceased him. At the time of his death he was survived by two sons - William (Stanthorpe) and Joseph (Goondiwindi), and four daughters, Mrs. J. Smyth (Graceville), Mrs. T. Jobst (South Brisbane), Mrs. D.J. Huey (Geham), and Mrs. Adam Cathcart (Toowoomba); 31 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren. Two of Mr. Green's grandsons served in the Great War. Robert Adams died at Fremantle on the journey home, and Hugh is at present a resident of Toowoomba. The funeral, which took place on Saturday, was attended by a large concourse of friends and sympathisers, testifying in no uncertain manner to the high esteem in which the grand old pioneer was held. The Rev. Eglinton (St. James's) performed the last sad rites at the graveside.
Above Obituary supplied to me by descendant, James Huey, email: james@silverwoodcorp.com
(and on the same date, immediately after the above)
MARY ANN HUEY
Passed peacefully to rest within 26 hours of her father, Mr. James Green, Mary Ann, widow of the late D.J. Huey, of Geham. The deceased lady was born in Drayton on December 16, 1867, and was married to Mr. Huey in 1895. For the last two years she had been suffering from paralysis, which she bore with Christian fortitude until released by Death's kindly hand from pain and suffering. She is survived by one son (William), and one daughter (Lillian), who mourn the loss of a loving and devoted mother. A large concourse of mourners followed the mortal remains to their last sad resting place. The Rev. Flood (Crow's Nest) officiated at the graveside."
Above Obituary supplied to me by descendant, James Huey, email: james@silverwoodcorp.com
John a devoted family man and oil, gas industry leader
Born: February 18, 1955
- Died: June 5, 2002
For more than 20 years, John Girle was involved in the Australian oil and gas industry, establishing a reputation for his experience, innovation, and talent as a respected leader.
Born in Roma, John was the second youngest of five children to Ivy and Sep Girle, and spent his early years on the family property "Euroa", near Injune.
It was during these formative years, which were often tough, that John developed his affinity with the land and all things rural. One of the happiest periods of John's life was as a boarder at Toowoomba Grammar School, where he completed his secondary education. Many lifelong friendships were forged during these years. John proved that success doesn't always come from lessons learned behind a desk. In his years in the oil and gas industry, he became one of Australia's leading experts in the areas of land, cultural heritage, and environmental management.
John worked with many companies, including Santos, Rio Tinto, AGL, Chevron, Epic Energy, and the Queensland Government, his work taking him across Australia and the world. He was the consummate professional, down to earth and never forgot his rural roots. John was passionate about his work, and during his career he achieved many significant milestones. He was responsible for developing the Australian pipeline industry's first cultural heritage plan, which became the blueprint for all pipeline companies in managing negotiations with traditional owners and Aboriginal groups. John worked on the construction of many significant pipeline projects, two of which received industry recognition in recent years. The Burrup extension project in Western Australia was awarded the high-profile Golden Gecko Award for Environmental Excellence in 1999, and the Moomba-to-Adelaide looping project received the Australian Gas Association Environment Award last year. Another award claimed by John was the Australian Gas Association Technology Award in 2000, for his development of the Geographical Information System, a unique traceability system regarded as leading-edge technology in the gas pipeline industry. Just as important to John as his work was his family. He was immensely proud of his wife Gillian, and their daughter Harriet, and passionate about the 40-acre home and property they shared in Toowoomba.
John didn't mix work and family. He supported his wife's career achievements, yet was quiet about his own. While he was often away from home on business, he remained in frequent contact with his family, and ensured that the time they did spend together was special. John particularly enjoyed "secret Johnny time" with his seven-year-old daughter, where the pair developed their own close relationship. When John Girle was killed in a tragic accident last month, a large number of colleagues and friends attended the funeral to pay their respects to a man who made a significant contribution to the industry he loved. Aged 47, John is survived by his wife Gillian, daughter Harriet, mother Ivy, and siblings Graham, Albert, Meridy, and Philip, and their families.
Published in “The Chronicle”, Toowoomba, 5th July, 2002.
Renee devoted herself to Crows Nest community
Born: September 9, 1917
Died: June 27, 2002
Although she was born in England and spent most of her life there, it didn't take long for Irene (Renee) Glyn to be regarded as a local in Crows Nest. Active in community affairs, Renee made many friends in the area during her years of retirement.
Born in London, Irene Mary Hodsdon was the eldest of three children to Ernest and Mary (nee Taylor). She began work as an office junior at ICI soon after her 14th birthday, and her talent earned her the position of office supervisor by the time she was 17. During World War II, Renee was an Air Raid Precautions Warden in London, and experienced first hand the hardships of the Blitz and the Battle of Britain. In 1942 she met Ted Glyn, who was serving in the Polish squadron with the British Air Force, and the pair were married in 1945. A nomadic lifestyle followed after the war, with Ted transferred to British posts in England and abroad between 1950 and 1960. The couple's first daughter, Barbara, was born in 1949 and was just a toddler when the family relocated to Bulawao in South Africa.
A second daughter, Vanda, was born in 1953 and her early years were spent on the move between Germany and England. When Ted left the Air Force the family settled in Cambridge so the girls could complete their education. Renee loved social activities - a tendency that remained with her throughout her life -- but also became involved with the Red Cross, the CWL, and the Polish Wives Group (an association assisting displaced persons after the war). She was also a blood donor in England for more than 30 years.
Renee worked outside the home for a number of years, but when her mother became ill she took on the responsibility of nursing her until her death in 1973. She was sustained in times of difficulty by her faith, and travelled to Lourdes twice. Family was the focus of Renee's life, and she was close to her children and grandchildren. When daughter Barbara relocated to Australia, Renee and Ted decided to follow after a couple of visits, and eventually made their home in Crows Nest.
Renee enjoyed these years of retirement, establishing a new network of friends and becoming involved in Australian community life. Aged 84 when she died in Crows Nest, Irene Glyn is survived by her husband Ted, two daughters, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, (and another on the way), and her sister Joan.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 3rd August, 2002.
Well-respected Toowoomba orthopaedic surgeon Dr Bruce Geaney, FRCS, FRACS, died suddenly on Wednesday at the age of 75. Dr Geaney was a dedicated surgeon who touched many lives while serving the public health system as well as treating private patients during 40 years of practice in Toowoomba. The surgeon he was to assist on the day of his death, Dr Bob Ivers, said it was only last week that he and Dr Geaney had estimated "Bruce had operated on 20,000 to 25,000 patients during his career in Toowoomba". Although he retired in 1987, Dr Geaney was still seeing patients whom he would refer for surgery. Many a time, Dr Geaney would forego private elective surgery to operate on trauma patients for no remuneration. "He was one of those surgeons who did a huge community service and sacrificed his own financial wellbeing for the community. "That was the measure of the man," Dr Ivers said. Dr Geaney was also highly regarded for his training of junior surgeons and surgical trainees throughout his career. Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Anthony Wilson said he was the most honourable man you could meet whose wisdom was incredible. "He deserved an award, never got one and never expected one," Dr Wilson said. Born in Brisbane on November 1, 1926, Dr Geaney was educated at Slade Anglican Church Grammar School in Warwick, and graduated from Queensland University with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 1949. He was awarded the university sporting blue for hockey and was in the university swimming team. Around that time he volunteered as a surf lifesaver. He did his residency in Cairns, where he met Myrtle Furness, whom he married in Sydney. She passed away after a long and difficult illness in 1997. Dr Geaney completed his orthopaedic fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons in London in 1956. Returning to Australia, he took up the position of superintendent at the Toowoomba Hospital. He was appointed as part-time surgeon at the hospital in 1961, going into private practice. Four years ago he married Celie Wilkinson, with whom he spent some of the happiest years of his life. Dr Geaney is survived by sons Paul, Barry and David, daughters Jennifer, Lisa and Victoria, grandaughter Breanna, and his darling Celie. His funeral will be on Monday at noon at St Theresa's Church.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba October 2002.
People’s person until the very end
Born: February 12, 1909
Died: November 13, 2002
Edna Guard was a "people person", remembered both for her many years on the land, and in her role as helpmate to husband Bill, a prominent civic leader in both church and business life.
Born in Chinchilla, Edna Miriam Lithgow was the youngest of nine children to George and Eva, and grew up doing her fair share of tasks around the family farm. The Lithgow family was heavily involved in community affairs in Chinchilla, especially the Methodist church, and became even busier when they purchased "Kragra" 80 kilometres to the north, where they raised cattle. In 1923, Edna enrolled in a commercial course at the Toowoomba Technical College and High School, and following graduation, she worked as a secretary in a solicitor's office in Dalby.
When her elderly parents needed help on "Kragra", Edna cut short her legal career to return to the farm, where she remained for the next 10 years. Marrying William Guard in 1939, Edna became a wheat farmer's wife near Dalby, supporting her husband as he rose to leadership in the Methodist Church and the Graingrowers Association. Frequently the couple provided a home-away-from-home for other people's children, but there was no prouder moment for Bill and Edna than when their own son George arrived in 1949. After nearly 30 years of successful farming in the Dalby area, the Guards relocated to a mixed farm at Greenmount where they lived for nine years. George married Noelene Hill in 1973 and soon Bill and Edna became the doting grandparents of Damian and Angela. By then George had decided not to continue the farming tradition and had moved to Ipswich to start a transport business, so Bill and Edna sold the farm and retired to Toowoomba in 1976.
It was here they continued their involvement in the church and with family, but when Bill died in 1983, Edna was motivated to cultivate her social life even more and take comfort from friends.
Over the years, Edna's home was base for several USQ students, to whom she was like a mother figure, as she was for many people who knew her over the years. When health problems started to take their toll in 2001, Edna saw the move to Kingswood Aged People's Home as just another opportunity to make more new friends, following the pattern she had maintained throughout her long life. Edna's health however didn't really pick up after she broke her hip in August 2002, and she died in Toowoomba aged 93.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, two grandchildren and 22 nieces and nephews and their families.
Published in “the Chronicle”, Toowoomba, 4th January 2003.
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