Bob a legend in Goondiwindi community
Born: November 26, 1921
Died: September 4, 2002
Bob Mann was regarded as a legend of Goondiwindi; a man whose life was spent in the service of others and who was honoured with an OBE for his community efforts.
Born in Chinchilla, Robert Francis Bowden was the eldest of six children to dairy farmers Frank and Olive Mann. Bob was educated at Goombi and worked at various rural occupations until enlisting in the RAAF at the age of 18, with initial training in Australia then Canada under the Empire Air Training Scheme. He was posted to England, where he served before postings to Africa, Italy, Sardinia, Corsica, Egypt and Palestine as bomber aircrew. Bob held the rank of Flying Officer, and was a specialist Radar Operator before his discharge. Upon return to Australia, Bob formed the company Cooper and Mann in Goondiwindi in 1948, which eventually became Mann's Transport, and began an association with the community which would last his whole life.
In 1980, Bob was awarded an OBE in recognition of his dedicated services to the community, which he followed up with stints on the Goondiwindi Town Council from 1985 to 1988 and 1991 to 1993. Some of Bob's community endeavours included the RSL (as sub-branch president from 1953-1955 and life member, ultimately receiving a meritorious award for his overall contribution), foundation president of the RSL Diggers Swimming Club, Legacy, and the Rotary Club (as both a charter member and District Governor from 1988 to 1989.) Bob also led a Group Study Exchange team to the USA in 1972, and his services to the Rotary Club later earned him a Paul Harris Fellowship.
Bob's interests were varied, and he was also strongly involved in both the Presbyterian and Uniting Churches, and was a member of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, attaining the senior rank of Knight of Justice. He was a board member of the DDIAE, a member of the Masonic Lodge, and a life member of both the P and A Association and the Goondiwindi Rifle Club. Bob's greatest pleasures in were his family, friends and horses and his generosity of spirit made him a popular and respected member of the Goondiwindi district. Bob Mann died in Goondiwindi aged 80 following a series of strokes. He is survived by his wife Lola, daughter Dianne and grandson Alexander living in England, brothers James and William, sisters Alison, Gwynneth and Vivienne, nephew John and niece Leneve.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 8th November 2002.
Charles Kempson Maxwell
Former Winton Shire chairman and respected grazier Mr Charles Kempson Maxwell died on Friday. Mr Maxwell, 83, who served a record 12-and-a half years as shire chairman, retired to Toowoomba in 1978 with his wife Pat. Mr and Mrs Maxwell moved to Glenfield Grange Retirement Village in 1994, after spending 16 years at their Curzon Street residence. During World War II, Mr Maxwell served in the 26th Infantry Division during the Bougainville campaign. He was promoted to staff captain in the llth Infantry Division in the Pacific and finally battalion adjutant. He was mentioned in dispatches and awarded an MBE. In his retirement Mr Maxwell was a keen gardener, being an organiser of Green Week and was convener of the Toowoomba Flower Show. He was a Legacy Club executive member, a member of the Probus Club, the Range branch of the National Party, Toowoomba Home Gardens Club, the Darling Downs Succulent Society and St James's Church choir. He is survived by Mrs Maxwell and their four children, Susan, David, Margaret and Cam. His funeral service will be held at St James's Anglican Church, Mort Street, on Thursday at 2pm.
Published in "The Chronicle," Toowoomba, 6th November 2001
Civic leader, grazier left his mark on land
Kempson Maxwell,
(1917 - 2001)
There are some people who really make a difference in their community by their initiative and hard work. Kempson Maxwell was one such man. Born in Victoria on November 20, 1917, Charles Kempson Maxwell was the eldest of five children of Hal and Eileen Maxwell, who had purchased "Boorooma", McKinlay, in the early 1920s. Kempson attended boarding school in Melbourne from the age of six. Returning home at age nine, he then went to All Souls School, Charters Towers, until 12. Drought and the Depression ended any further schooling.
While still a teenager, Kemp drove wagonettes accompanying flocks of 600 sheep to the markets, sheared, mustered, helped to maintain an orchard and vegetable garden, and ran 10,500 hectares of desert grazing land. Kempson was still only 17 when he successfully balloted for land in the Winton district. The improvement of this property, which he named "Luckham", took place over 43 years, to make it one of the show properties of the district.
Kempson trained with the Winton Militia and was called up to war in 1939. Leaving "Luckham" in the hands of trusted friends and family, he joined the 26th Australian Infantry Battalion AIF serving in the defence of Cape York, Dutch New Guinea and he saw active combat in Bougainville. Kempson was awarded the Military Division of the MBE, and mentioned in despatches (MD).
In 1948, he married Pat Walker, and they settled into country life on "Luckham" with their four children Susan, David, Margaret, and Cam. Kempson was able to enlarge his landholdings over the years to a total of nearly 46,000 acres, and a further 50,000 acres in partnership.
Possibly the greatest public impact Kempson made was during the years he served on the Winton Shire Council. During his 18 years as a councillor (including a record 12 1/2 years as chairman), he instigated many projects, including the building of a new pool, rebuilding the shire hall, upgrading the aerodrome, establishing median strips of lawn on the major streets, and installing sewerage throughout the town. During Kempson's years on council, he kept all those cards and invitations sent to him, and on retirement presented them bound in a large album to the Winton Historical Museum.
As well as his work on the council, Kempson was also actively involved in the United Graziers Association, the Winton Club, the Show Society, the Race Club, the Pony Club, and St Paul's Church.
After all this activity, the only challenge Kempson had left to face was retirement, which took place in 1978, when he and Pat moved to Toowoomba.
Gardening, which had long been a passion, now became more of a full-time pursuit. He became involved in the Green Week committee, which led to his organising six of the annual Carnival Flower Shows. Kempson also spent much of his time restoring and maintaining St James's garden, and was a member of the National Seniors Association, the Legacy Club, the Range branch of the National Party, the Darling Downs Succulent Society, the Toowoomba Home Gardens Club, the Toowoomba Probus Club, and the U3A Investors Group. He enjoyed music, and took much pleasure in singing with the St James and U3A choirs.
Kempson Maxwell died in Toowoomba on November 2, 2001, aged 83. He is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Pat, and their four children.
Published in "The Chronicle," Toowoomba, 28th December, 2001
Toowoomba mourns a good sport
Dawn Maker (nee Morris)
0n Saturday, February 14 more than 250 people, many from Downs sporting organisations, gathered at the Toowoomba Crematorium Chapel to pay tribute to Dawn Maker. Mrs Maker died after a short illness. Born Vivienne Dawn Morris at Allora on June 21, 1929, she lived on the family farm at Goomburra and attended Goomburra State School until her family moved to Toowoomba in the mid-1940s. Soon after she met Stanley John Maker, who used to travel on the same bus from Middle Ridge, and later worked for Stan's mother doing general house duties. On February 15, 1950, they were married in St Stephen's Presbyterian Church, a union that produced four children - Morris, Howard, Lester and Leanne. Mrs Maker with Stan was responsible for founding many committees in the Toowoomba region including the Harlaxton State School tuckshop, the Newtown National Fitness Club and St Albans Soccer Club. She was also involved with Easts Cricket Club, often acting as official scorer. Dawn Maker loved the fun and friendship of sport and played tennis with the Parkview Club for 30 years. She also enjoyed tenpin bowling and a round of golf now and then. Her genuine love for children and God inspired her to teach in the All Age Sunday School at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church for more than 20 years. In 1998, she and Stan retired to Palm Beach where, until her recent illness, she continued her sporting and charitable interests. Mrs Maker is survived by Stan, the children and seven grandchildren.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 25th February 1998
Many of Toowoomba's electrical tradesmen owe their start to former electrical contractor Mr Keith Mercer, who died on Sunday. With Mr Keith Luck, Mr Mercer co-founded the Mercer & Luck electrical contracting business in 1959. Former apprentice Mr Barry Cooper took over the business seven years ago when Mr Mercer retired. Two years ago the business was sold on to Mr John (Henry) Crighton and Mr Daryl Gampe, both of whom got their start in the trade under Mr Mercer. He is survived by wife Doreen and children John, Janice and Sandra and their families. Mr Mercer's funeral will leave St Patrick's Cathedral after a Requiem Mass from 10am today.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 22 August 2001.
Vale Fred, son of the soil
Fred MATHIESON
1/9/1908- 31/10/1999
Fred Mathieson was born in Brisbane on January 9, 1908, living for the first seven years in West End with his brothers Les, Ernest and Ted, and sisters Jean and Lil. The family moved to a share farm at Anduramba until Fred turned 11. Fred Mathieson worked in and around the Crows Nest district until he married Irene Lau, in September 1932, in the Crows Nest Uniting Church. The couple worked a share farm in the district until they bought a farm near Goombungee. As they were building up the farm, Fred continued to work as a drover and contractor. Their children Del, Keith and Ian were born during this time. In 1945 they moved to Goombungee. Inspired by his good friend Ray White, who had an auctioneer's and commission agent's business in Crows Nest before shifting to Brisbane and moving into real estate, Fred established a business in Goombungee. The family prospered there, with in the loving and caring atmosphere created by Irene and Fred. Irene passed away in 1989. Six years later Fred returned to Crows Nest where he met, courted and married Merle Crispe, who remains a special part of the family. Fred was passionate in his belief that everyone should contribute to and support the community. He was dedicated to his work with the Show Society, the hall committee, Lodge, Church, and the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, of which he was a life member. Fred was also a quiet helper in the community, providing financial and other assistance to many people. He also was a fine storyteller and poet, which began when he was droving. He remarked that the herd of cattle was the perfect audience on which he could practice. These skills stood him in good stead as an auctioneer. He was honoured by the Stockman's Hall of Fame in Longreach and was invited there several times a year to recite poems and tell yarns. Fred passed away in his sleep on Sunday, October 31.
Printed in the "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 14th December 1999
Vale for Cowboys patron
Tony Maroon
Hundreds of friends will pay tribute to Warwick Cowboys Rugby League patron Tony Maroon at his funeral at St Mary's Catholic Church at llam today. Mr Maroon died on Friday morning, three weeks before his 70th birthday. In the first 14 seasons of the Warwick Cowboys, Mr Maroon only missed two Cowboys games in the Toowoomba Rugby League competition. He was born in Warwick and attended the Warwick Christian Brothers College before working for the railways. For a short time he worked in the family's drapery business before operating a meat delivery business to Darling Downs, northern New South Wales and the Gold Coast. Mr Maroon managed the Royal Hotel (which later became the Mayfair) on the corner of Palmerin and Grafton streets before he and his brother Jake bought the Langham Hotel. He operated the Langham Hotel for three decades before leasing the building to the Condamine Sports Club. Family friend Mr Les Lane said Mr Maroon was a generous and helpful man and a true friend. "When you made a friend with Tony, you were a friend for life," Mr Lane said. "He had a passion for rugby league and it was because of him that Collegians was such a great club. Tony played A-grade rugby league with Railways and Eastern Suburbs and started a long association with Collegians after he bought the Langham Hotel." He was a life member of both Collegians and the Cowboys and strapped hundreds of players before games. Mr Maroon is survived by his wife Marcelle, daughters Jumana and Rosemary, and three grandchildren. After today's Requiem Mass at llam, Mr Maroon's funeral cortege will proceed to the Warwick Council Cemetery.
Printed in "the Chronicle", Toowoomba 10 October 2000
JACK MAYNE 1895-2000
One of Australia's last World War I heroes passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Toowoomba on October 20. Jack Mayne had celebrated his 105th birthday with his family in September. Jack saw service on the Western Front as an artillery gunner. He hated the futility of war and could not wait to resume his career on the land which had started pre-war as a jackaroo on Banget in western NSW. When he bought his first selection in the Gayndah district in 1926 he felt he had started on his boyhood dream and ambition of owning and running his own property. This dream culminated when he bought Wealwandangie, a top property in the Springsure district which is still in the family. Jack and his wife Kitty (nee McDiarmid) had four sons, and he was immensely proud that he was able to start each one on properties in the Springsure/ Rolleston area. Jack retired to Toowoomba with his second wife Kathleen (Kitty passed away in 1955). He continued his constructive role with his advice and knowledge on all the family properties. He set high standards, in particular his commitment to leaving the land more productive than when he acquired it and, importantly, environmentally safe. This dedication to the land and care for the well-being of future generations is the legacy he would most like to leave. Jack was a very private person who shunned publicity. He described his greatest achievement in life to be the respect and love of his family, his friends, his love of the land and abiding love and faith in the future of Australia. His sons said the following passage described Jack to a tee:
"There is no failure except in no longer trying,
There is no defeat except from within,
No really insurmountable barrier
Save our own inherent weakness of purpose."
He lived by this belief in himself, strengthened by self-discipline and commitment to excellence.
Printed in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 7 November 2000.
A life of farming and sport for Agnes
Agnes Lilian Mason
1900-1999
Mrs Agnes Lilian Mason passed away at the Dalby General Hospital on March 30, 1999. She was born at Jondaryan on June 20, 1900 as Agnes Lilian Wilson, daughter of John and Eliza, and educated at Lagoon Creek State School. She spent all her young life round Acland and Plainview. She met a soldier Arthur Parkinson and married him in Oakey in 1919. In 1923, she and husband and young family bought a farm at upper Koondai in the Bell district. She joined the tennis club and played matches all around the district as well as rearing four children. In 1942, her husband passed away. She remained on the farm until 1946 when she went to Toowoomba and took up tennis again and indoor bowls and later cards. In 1951, she remarried to Oliver Mason. The two of them went on trips, playing cards and indoor bowls. Oliver passed away in 1993 but Agnes remained at home for two years when she became unwell and moved to her daughter's place at Walkers Creek, Bell where she lived till her death. She is survived by two daughters Lilian and Beatrice. She had 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren. Her two sons predeceased her.
Printed in 'The Chronicle", Toowoomba 29 June 1999.
Love of land an enduring memory
Born: Sept 12, 1906
Died: Oct 14, 2002
Queenie Milne was a true woman of the land, born and bred on farms, the tending of which was the undying passion in her long life. Born in Cambooya, Queenie was the youngest of eight children to Sidney and Jane Perrin (nee Benn), her name given in honour of being the only family member to be born in Queensland.
Queenie's family settled on a dairy farm at Cambooya after moving from Gippsland, Victoria, and she attended the local school and Sunday School, able to recall in detail the day a cyclone flattened the town's original Anglican church. Although Queenie's parents would not allow her to work for a living, she helped milk cows, cart hay during drought, and make dresses for the ladies in the district for a few shillings. This love of sewing continued throughout Queenie's lifetime.
Social activities in the early 1900s for Queenie and her compatriots included attending local dances, playing table tennis, and riding out to watch her brothers and future husband practise their rifle shooting. In 1934, Queenie married Scotsman Jim Milne in Brisbane, and came to live at "Glen Brae", part of the original property owned by the Milne family. The pair attended the Presbyterian Church in Cambooya, and Queenie was a member of the Ladies Guild, with her first means of transport a one ton Chevrolet truck which had to be cranked by hand. Queenie's main interest in life lay in the land, and she was always particularly fond of all sorts of animals, often tending them by lantern light at night. She also cared for her aged parents and older sister later in life, and even took a young boy who had lost his mother into her home for an extended period. Other interests included gardening, cooking, and travelling, including a visit back to Jim's homeland in 1965. Jim and Queenie retired to Toowoomba in 1973, leaving their daughter and son-in-law to manage the property, but Queenie was soon required to care for Jim as he suffered declining health. When he died in 1983, Queenie took great pleasure in the company of her grand-children, until she suffered a small stroke in 1995, and later required a pacemaker in her heart at the age of 91. This necessitated a move back to "Glen Brae" to live with her daughter, where she stayed until further heart problems and illnesses saw her move to the Kingswood Nursing Home. Queenie Milne died earlier this year just having celebrated her 96th birthday, and is survived by her daughter Joyce, son-in-law Ron Hopkinson, four grandchildren, and four great-grand-children.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 26th December, 2002.
Gordon Morrison
A man who cut railway sleepers at the age of 12, worked as a shearer, and released the first cactoblastis insect to destroy prickly pear in the Goondiwindi district, died on August 8 at the age of 79. Although born in Brisbane, Gordon Morrison preferred a more adventurous life working as a farmhand, drover, fencer, ringbarker, canecutter, and shearer's cook. Following service in the Army he did a rehabilitation course as a boot repairer and established his own business in Yandina. Ill-health forced him to sell the business and he made Toowoomba his home base, from where he travelled to shearing sheds in Queensland, NSW and the ACT. One of the sheds Gordon worked was at Yarralumla, next door to the Governor General's residence in the ACT. The shearers handled his sheep and Gordon recalled one Governor General bringing a carton of beer to the sheds and joining them for a drink. He also worked with the Toowoomba City Council sewerage department, sorted all for Australia Post, and his last job was as a security guard at a satellite tracking station once installed near Cooby Creek Dam, north of Toowoomba. Gordon collected interesting bush stories, some of which are to be recorded in the Stockman's Hall of Fame at Longreach. He married Myrtle (Jo) Gray in 1934 and they had five children, subsequently 13 grandchildren, and, at last count, five great-grandchildren. In 1989, aged 75, he married Grace Crowley and inherited seven more children, 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren -- a grand total of 12 children, 30 grandchildren and 10 great-grand- children. Ever active, Gordon grew orchids, was a member of the Senior Citizens Club and the Over 30s Club. He spent as much time as possible at another favourite pastime, dancing. He was a Justice of the Peace and a Past Master of the Toowoomba Masonic Lodge. Gordon Morrison was cremated at the Toowoomba Crematorium chapel on August 9.
Printed in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba 4th September 1993
Betty devoted to family, community
Born: September 21,1918
Died: March 9, 2002
Elizabeth Morrison will be remembered by those who knew her as a wonderful baker of shortbread, a tremendous knitter of woolly slippers (complete with retreads), and a non-stop talker. She was also a woman devoted to her family, and concerned with the needs of those less fortunate in the community. Born in Glasgow, Elizabeth (known by all as Betty) Forbes and her older brother David were raised by their grandmother and aunt, following abandonment by their mother as toddlers.
Betty did not even become aware of her true birth date until she was a teenager, but despite a somewhat unconventional upbringing, she retained happy memories of her childhood.
In 1934, Betty met her life partner, Andrew Morrison, although the pair didn't marry until she was 21. Andrew served overseas during Britain's involvement in World War II, and during these years, Betty also took an active role as a volunteer air raid warden. This job entailed going out into the streets during bombing raids, putting out fires, administering first-aid, and assisting people in the bomb shelters.
Andrew and Betty welcomed their only child into the world in 1944, and when Moira was still only young, the family decided to try for a new life in Australia. Travelling by ship, a journey which took 42 days, Betty formed many lifelong friendships with other settlers to this country.
Both Betty and Andrew loved Australia, and one of the greatest pleasures in their life together was travelling around the country, often with overseas visitors in tow. Betty had a rare talent with babies and animals, able to tune into their needs effortlessly, and she endeared herself to those she met with a healthy sense of humour and optimism.
While she abided by old fashioned morals, Betty was able to move with the times, even passing her driver's licence test on her 60th birthday -- on the first attempt. One of Betty's many talents was sewing, and she was famous in the Scottish Highland dancing circles for the wonderful costumes she could conjure up without a pattern. She also enjoyed teaching this dance to others, and took great enjoyment from Moira's involvement in the dance for 16 years.
When her husband Andrew died in 1996, Betty was lonely, but determined to remain positive and active. At the age of 78, she started volunteer work for Meals on Wheels, appreciative of the opportunity to work in the community for those less fortunate. She once remarked how much she enjoyed helping the elderly, not realising perhaps that many of the people she helped were in fact 20 years younger than herseif. Betty remained close to her grand-daughters Tracey and Debbie, and her four great grandchildren during the last years of her life. She died last month, aged 83.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba on 20th April 2002
Alec worked hard and played hard
Born: September 14, 1918
Died: May 12, 2002
Alec Myers was a farmer; a war veteran,and a brewer of fine home-made beer. His life involved a lot of hard work, together with as much fun and adventure as he could find.
Born in the Kaimkillenbum area, between Dalby and the Bunya Mountains, Alexander George was the tenth of 14 children to Henry and Katherine (nee Ross) Myers. Alec, or "Lack" (as he was always known) attended the local schools, before leaving to help out on the family's dairy property. When World War II encroached on to the Pacific region, Alec joined the Citizen Military Forces in a full-time capacity, serving with a supply battalion in the Northern Territory. In May 1943, he became a member of the 14th Supply Unit in the Australian Infantry Forces, spending the last part of the war as a guard with the Japanese POWs. Alec was discharged from the services in 1946, and while he did not like to discuss his experiences during war time, he remained an active member of the Helidon RSL Club, and enjoyed taking part in Anzac Day activities. As part of a government scheme to assist returned soldiers, Alec drew 300 acres in a land draw upon his return to Australia. He established a property at St Ruth on the Condamine River, growing wheat, droving cattle, and milking cows.
In 1954, Alec married Norma Spratt, a Brisbane girl who found farm life quite different from the city. Alec also became a step dad to Dorothy and Greg upon marriage, who he raised along with the three children he had with Norma Alan, Helen, and Lynette. Alec and Norma shifted to Cooroy after a few years, where they did small crop and dairy farming.
Work as a ganger with Queensland Railways in the mid-1960s required the family relocate to Helidon. Until he retired at 65, Alec worked at Spring Bluff, while Norma created the home in which they would live for the rest of their lives. Alec's true calling as a brewer of beer did not become evident until after his retirement. Using the beer as an excuse to have a party, Alec discovered a love of entertaining at his home, or camping with friends. He was always looking for fun, and generally managed to find some. Alec Myers died aged 83, and is survived by his wife Norma, his five children, 13 grandchildren, eight great grand children, two brothers, and two sisters.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 1st June 2002.
Born: June 25,1924
Died: March 23, 2002
Three distinct factors define the life of John Mott - his success as a grazier, the love of his family, and his role in the Navy during World War II. When he died earlier this year, the Navy ensign draped John's casket, and poppies of remembrance graced the church in recognition of his wartime service.
Born in Glenn Innes, John Clough was the elder of two sons of Guy and Maude (nee Clough). He grew up on the historic wool property "Glendon", on the New England tablelands, and it was this upbringing which shaped the character of John.
John attended local primary schools, before undertaking his secondary education at the Armidale Grammar School and The Armidale School. When World War 11 broke out, John was determined to serve his country, and lied about his age in order to enlist. Leaving school early despite the opposition of his family, the 16 year old John joined the Navy, and spent a number of years traversing many of the world's oceans. John's entire wartime service was aboard the minesweeper HMAS Lismore, usually undertaking the lonely and hazardous work of convoy escort. The men who served on the Lismore formed a strong bond during these years, and remained in close contact for the rest of their lives. Dispersed throughout Australia only a handful of this group of war veterans remain to reminisce about their experiences in the Navy. On Anzac Day in 2001, John was elected president of the Lismore Association, a term of office which he did not quite complete.
John returned to the land following his war service, and over subsequent years became something of a local expert on cattle. Although he had grown up around sheep, John developed a passion for cattle, and his opinion was frequently sought regarding the quality of a beast or mob. It was through cattle dealing that John's long-term relationship with the Australian stock firm Elders began and flourished, and the name John Mott became well-known and respected throughout the Elders company.
Life wasn't easy on the land, with drought a frequent curse. During times of drought, John would set off with his best stock, and camp out for weeks or months on the “long paddock", or on an agistment hundreds of miles away. While John tended the travelling stock, his wife Joy, whom he had married in Newcastle in 1959, would care for the stock left at home, and drive to John once a week with fresh supplies for the camp.
John and Joy (nee Dorothy Joyce Reynell) were married for more than 43 years, and John raised Joy's two children as his own. For many years, it was just the two of them, first at "Carinya", near Wallangra in northern NSW, then "Highview", near Miva on the Central Queensland coast to which they moved in 1980.
Their final 12 years together were spent in Toowoomba. John was close to his four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, and endeavoured to pass on his high moral and ethical standards to his family. John Mott was aged 77 when he died in Toowoomba earlier this year.
Published in “The Chronicle”, Toowoomba, Tuesday 18th June, 2002.
DONALD McLEOD
'Stumpy' active in sport, cattle circles
Born: June 28, 1930
Died: June 2, 2002
Donald McLeod (or "Stumpy" as he was affectionately nicknamed) was known throughout many areas of country Queensland and Toowoomba, both for his involvement in rugby league and show cattle judging.
Born in Longreach, Don was the youngest of three children to Angus and Ellen McLeod (nee Hardy), and spent his early years on properties in central western Queensland where his father was station manager. Don attended Charleville State School, and was a boarder at Rockhampton Grammar School, before studying for a Diploma of Animal Husbandry at the Queensland Agricultural College in 1948.
Don excelled both academically and in sporting endeavours while at college, taking out the Dux and Head Prefect awards, and being honoured with full pockets in boxing, swimming, cricket, and rugby union.
Following graduation, Don was employed by Borthwicks at Miles buying cattle, and was transferred to Toowoomba in 1950. It was here that he met talented singer Jean Gavin, and the pair married in November 1951 at St Stephen's.
Married life started at Retreat Station, Jundah, where Don was sub-manager, but the family moved to Kingaroy in 1953 following the birth of their first son. Working first for Swifts as a cattle buyer, and then Tancred Brothers, Kingaroy was home to the McLeods for 24 years, and where their three sons, Donald, Murray, and Bruce, were raised. Don and Jean eventually purchased a farm at Booie, "Brumurdon", where they constructed a piggery, an obligatory peanut crop, and a cattle stud. Don introduced Simmental and Limousin cattle to Queensland, and is reputed to have produced the first limousin cross heifer in the State. While in Kingaroy, Don was active in sport, playing both cricket, and his great love, rugby league. After hanging up his playing boots, Don continued his involvement with the game as a referee, becoming one of the most-respected referees in the Wide Bay region and country Queensland. He refereed many South Burnett A Grade grand finals, and even an international match towards the end of his career. Discovering he was not good at watching sport from the sidelines, Don later became involved in sports administration, including committee and executive positions with the swimming club, referee associations, and junior rugby league. Don was awarded life membership by the South Burnett Referees Association. Community involvement was important to Don, and he was an active member of both the Lions Club, and the Masonic Lodge, where he attained Grand Lodge Office status.
His experience with cattle gave Don an excellent eye for picking quality beasts, making him sought after as a show cattle judge. Don judged all over North and South Burnett, from Monto to Blackbutt. The McLeod family moved to Wagga Wagga in 1976 when Don was promoted to the position of area manager for Tancred Brothers. After three years, it was back to Toowoomba, where Don continued to work around the Darling Downs with Tancred until 1989. In July 1989, Don suffered a stroke while at a cattle sale in Warwick. For the following 10 years, Jean cared for Don at home, while he determinedly remained as active as possible. It was only in 1999 that he needed to move to the Mylo Home and later the Nubeena Nursing Home. Throughout his life, Don shared a very close relationship with his family. When he died in Toowoomba aged 71, he was survived by his wife of 50 years, Jean, his three sons, daughters-in-law Dianne, Cecily, and Marie, and eight grandchildren.
Published in “The Chronicle”, Toowoomba, on 4th July 2002.
Jack persevered with tough life on the land
Born: November 7, 1922
Died: May 13, 2002
Jack Maunder was a farmer who did it tough. Like many, he persevered on the land throughout his life despite drought and hardship, forging a living against all odds from the countryside he loved.
Born in Narrabri, Jack Arthur was the fifth of seven children to Ada (nee Meppem) and Herbert. Jack spent his early years in the Myall Valley, before the family moved to Minge Do, and then Warra, in Queensland. Eventually the Maunders settled in Banoona, south of Wallumbilla, where the children received correspondence schooling, and the family battled its way through the Depression.
A tennis court at Banoona established a love of the sport which remained with Jack throughout his life, but it was here that he also learned to shear, press wool, mark and tail lambs, milk cows, ringbark, drive a team of bullocks, and ride a horse.
Jack's family moved to Wallumbilla when he was 13, and he attended school at Chadford for the next two years. Following his formal education, Jack worked on his father's farms, before going shearing, one day finishing with an admirable tally of 126 sheep. Jack married Ethel Proud in Roma in September 1941, and the pair settled on 420 acres at Sans Pariel, part of his father's farm. Eventually, they owned a total of 740 acres on which they had 54 dairy cows and a team of nine draught horses. Two children were born during their time at Sans Pariel, Grahame, in 1945, and Robyn, in 1951.
Life was often hard on the land, with 1946 the worst year of drought experienced by Jack, when he lost most of his stock. He still enjoyed tennis however, playing for the Chadford Tennis Club every Sunday. In 1957, Jack bought a further 730 acres, giving up dairying the following year to concentrate on sheep. Following the break-up of his marriage, Jack relocated to the Darling Downs, purchasing a 160-acre dairy farm at Back Plains. In 1969, he married Ethel Bell (nee Fitzgerald), helping this city girl and her son Graeme settle into life without electricity and modern conveniences. Ethel also enjoyed tennis, and it wasn't long before the pair were making their mark on local fixtures. Their daughter Jacklyn was born in 1972. In 1978, Jack and Ethel moved to Toowoomba to retire, and celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 1994.
Jack Maunder died in Toowoomba aged 79. He is survived by his wife Ethel, their daughter Jacklyn, his children Grahame and Robyn, Ethel's daughter Corrine, sons and daughters-in-law, 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and brothers Mervyn and Ron.
Published in “The Chronicle”, Toowoomba, 20th July, 2002.
Wally dedicated to Warwick hospital
Born: July 14, 1925
Died: May 24, 2002
Wally Mathison became the public face of Warwick Hospital during his 43 years of employment there, earning an Order of Australia Medal in 1991 for his untiring efforts at the hospital. Born in Ipswich, William Wallace (Wally) Mathison was the eldest of seven children. From a very young age, he determined that he wanted to work with the sick, often following ambulances on his pushbike to watch patients being treated.
Several times throughout his life, Wally's dreams were nearly thwarted by his own brushes with death. He suffered two bouts of hepatitis, and at one stage was given only a week to live after the diagnosis of an abcess on his liver. His life was saved after he became only the third person in Australia to be treated with penicillin.
In 1943, aged 18, Wally joined the Australian Army Medical Corps, and trained as a nurse. He served all over Australia, and in Singapore during the war years, where he was nicknamed "Aspro", and spent some time in the army with Australian country and western singer Buddy Williams. Following his discharge, Wally was only able to find work in a grocery store in Warwick.
While still working at the store a year later, Wally injured his foot, a seemingly trivial event which transformed his life. The doctor he consulted learned of Wally's training and desire to re-enter nursing, and contacted the medical superintendent of the Warwick General Hospital, who just happened to be his father. Wally was interviewed that afternoon, and began work there as an orderly the following week, in June 1947.
Wally married local nurse Del Schnitzerling in 1951, and the pair had two sons, David and John. Del predeceased her husband in 1994. From orderly work (where his exploits were recorded in the song written by a patient Wally the Orderly), Wally became a nurse, and after only a couple of years, was asked to take over the X-ray unit at the hospital. He quickly agreed, completing a cadetship through the Melbourne Technical College. As well as working as the hospital's radiographer, Wally was the pathology technician, doing both jobs, and pathology work for local doctors, without assistance. One Toowoomba doctor would even bring his patients to Warwick because he valued Wally's professionalism so highly. During his first 20 years at the hospital, Wally did not have one sick day, despite working on call seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
Radiology involved people of all ages, and Wally X-rayed them all, from babies through to a person aged 102, and up to four generations of some Warwick families. A lack of free time prevented Wally pursuing some of the other interests in his life to the extent he would have liked, including surfing and playing the violin. He was a Justice of the Peace for many years, and always found the time for his family, being particularly proud of the achievements of his two sons. Both have followed Wally into the medical field, David as a doctor at the Gold Coast, and John a psychiatric nurse in Toowoomba. Following his retirement in 1990, Wally continued to work as a casual at the hospital for a further seven years. Less than a year after retiring, Wally was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, for services to the Warwick Hospital and the Warwick community. Wally Mathison died in Warwick aged 76. He is survived by his two sons, and six granddaughters.
Published in “The Chronicle”, Toowoomba 18th July, 2002.
Ileen worked hard for her family
Born: September 22, 1916
Died: June 25, 2002
The life of Ileen Marr was tough, yet full. She was a mother who worked hard to provide for her children, and is remembered locally for her involvement in her husband's business, Marr's Furniture Transport. The youngest of six children, Ileen Harriet Harper was born in Dalby to William and Harriet (nee Law). She attended Kaimkillenbun School, and following the death of her mother when Ileen was aged 12, also took on the responsibility of cleaning and cooking for her family.
In 1933, lleen married Wallace Hill, from Tillicoultry, Scotland. The pair lived in Kaimkillenbun during the early years of their marriage, with Wallace working on local farms and railway tracks. Four sons were born to Wallace and Ileen over the years, and the family often did it tough, moving around Blaxland and Toowoomba. Sometimes there was little more than lettuce and bread for supper, and Ileen took cleaning work to help make ends meet. Things became especially difficult when Wallace didn't return home from the war.
In 1948, Ileen's life took a turn for the better when she met and fell in love with Eric Marr. The pair had two sons and one daughter together, the birth of a girl filling Ileen with trepidation about the unknown. Eric and Ileen moved to Wutal Pub in 1957, before moving to Mungallala in 1958 for work on a sawmill. Withcott became home after a few years, and Eric continued sawmilling work in Kogan, Marinadue, Jandowae, and Drayton. The family eventually settled in Toowoomba, before Eric got an opportunity to work in the furniture transport business. After gaining some experience in Nambour and Gympie Eric started Marr's Furniture Transport in 1969.
The business flourished during the 1970s, and Ileen helped her husband wherever she could. When three of her children Colin, John, and Annette, took over the running of the business in 1978, Ileen and Eric bought the property, "Taylor's Plains", a place holding fond memories for the family. In 1981, Eric died, and Ileen became increasingly close to her grandchildren. She loved attending auctions and garage sales, and was always on the lookout for a bargain, and it was only the diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease in 1992 that eventually slowed her down. Nothing ever diminished the welcome she extended to visitors at her Ruthven Street home however. For the last eight years of her Ileen lived in the Nubeena Nursing Home. When she died in Toowoomba aged 85, she was survived by her sister Gwen, seven of her eight children, 25 grandchildren, and 20 great-grand-children.
Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 31st July, 2002.
Gundy a good sport and musician
Born: March 30, 1922
Died: June 2, 2002
Gundy Miners was well-known in the Gatton district, both for his talent as a musician and as an advocate for the sport of table tennis. Born in the South Burnett, Gordon Herbert (Gundy) was the second child of Gordon (Budge) and Maggie Miners. At the age of five, Gundy moved with his family by horse and sulky to Gatton, eventually settling in the Junction View area. Gundy attended the Junction View State School, establishing a tradition for his family, with his children and grandchildren also attending there. When he first moved to the farm, Gundy and his family lived like pioneers in a slab hut with a dirt floor. Gundy left school at the end of Year 6 to work on the family farm and other farms in the area, particularly enjoying work with horses and dogs. Gundy joined the army in October 1941 when he was aged 19, and served in Papua New Guinea including at Milne Bay, Rabual and Port Moresby. He was eventually discharged from the armed forces in January 1946.
While home on leave in June 1945, Gundy married Helen Sargent Gray, and the pair settled on a farm just two miles up the road from his family property after the war. Despite living on this farm for the next 40 years, growing vegetable crops and raising cattle, Gundy still always referred to his parent's farm as home. Helen and Gundy were a real team during their life together, raising seven children and prioritising their family above everything else. Gundy was a keen table tennis player, and was very active in fostering junior table tennis in the Gatton and Junction View districts.
He was competitive but fair, and maintained the motto of not relying on the umpire. Gundy would always concede the point if he thought the other player had won it, or if it had been wrongly awarded to himself. However, if a point was awarded against him that he thought was fairly his, then he would accept the umpire's decision. It was only ever a game after all. Gundy was a musician and played many instruments including mouth organ, button accordian, banjo, and fiddle, despite never having been taught. He also had one of the finest collections of old gramophones which he and Helen restored. Together with these, he had a collection of nearly 7000 78rpm records, Edison phonographs, and cylindrical records. In 1984, Gundy and Helen sold the farm and moved to Gatton, where he lived in retirement until Parkinson's Disease required him to move into a nursing home. It was at the Regis Aged Care Facility that Gundy died aged 80, just days short of his 57th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife Helen, his seven children, 26 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Published in "The Chronicle", Toowoomba, 19th September, 2002.
BARTHOLMEW (Bart) MARNEY
BORN April 20, 1923, Stepney, London
DIED August 31, 2005, Toowoomba, Queensland
TOOWOOMBA lost one of its most senior literary sons this week when Bart Marney died peacefully in his sleep. He had battled cancer for a long time, but fought it with a cheerfulness that was a mark of the man. Mr Marney devoted many of his 82 years to the pursuit of excellence in journalism, both in England and Australia. He came to Australia in 1950 from the UK, where his initial training had been on regional newspapers. A former political reporter and chief-of-staff for ABC News in Queensland, he left Brisbane to become chief reporter for the Downs Star in Toowoomba, at that time in fierce daily competition with The Chronicle. The two papers were later to amalgamate. Mr Marney was a fluent shorthand writer and was not afraid to ruffle a few feathers in the corridors of power as a skilled local government roundsman.
But he had a mischievous sense of humour. While he became immersed in the daily grind of journalism, he maintained a sense of the sublime, - seen in the poetry he penned. He also loved the lilting tunes of the Irish and would often whistle or sing them as he went about his work. When he retired on April 22, 1988, a citation presented by the company read, in part: "Bart was a true watchdog of the public interest, feared by those who sought to deceive, and respected by his peers, responsible civic leaders, and all others with whom he dealt and for whom he wrote." Former Chronicle editor Bruce Hinchliffe this week paid tribute in similar vein: He said: "Bart Marney was a man of integrity. He was the complete journalist who observed the highest of ethical standards while delivering hard-hitting, thoroughly researched, accurate news reports. When the occasion required it, he wrote with sensitivity, understanding and compassion." Mr Marney was born in Stepney, in east London's dockland, on April 20, 1923, the first child of Bartholomew and Margaret Marney. Three other sons and five daughters were to follow.
A strict Catholic upbringing stood the young Bart in good stead. From an early age, he sought to get into the action: In September 1939, at the age of 16˝, he tried to join the Merchant Marine. Later, with the Battle for Britain at its height, he virtually worked around the clock as a member of the Home Guard. Volunteering for army service in July 1941, he sailed in convoy for Algeria in August 1943. He was to see long months of action as an infantryman in that region, including Sicily and Italy. With the war winding down, in 1945 he learned to play the bagpipes when a battalion band was formed - his father had been a civilian piper before him. The pipes will sound again at a final farewell for an old soldier in a service on Monday at the Burstows chapel, Ruthven Street south, starting at 9.30am. Bart Marney is mourned and missed by his wife Betty, daughters Denise and Colleen and son Brian, five grandchildren, and a large extended family. Family remember him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Others he touched along life's road recall different attributes. . But, above all, he was a strongman - physically, mentally and in the quiet strength he imparted to all around him.
Obituary published in “The Chronicle” September 10th, 2005.
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Toowoomba Dead Persons Society
