Family’s tribute to Poppy Tom

He is survived by his wife Margaret, children and their partners/spouses Max and Alison, Jenny and Terry Hinchcliffe, Kathy and Tim Scott, Debbie and Herb Beer, his 10 grandchildren and 10 great grand children.

His funeral service was held on Saturday December 29 at St Matthew's Anglican Church, conducted by Rev Joy Harris, before interment in the Eugowra Cemetery.

Following is his eulogy read by daughter Kathy:

Born 27 January 1928 in “Burdett” then lived on the Smithfield property “Eulimore” from a baby all his life up until the time he moved into MPS, some three years ago.

Deceased 26 December 2018, Dad would have reached 91 this coming January and he was the last survivor of his siblings, Clarice, Lola and Ida.

Tom and Margaret were married in Eugowra in 1951 and had four beautiful children, Max; Jenny, Kathy and Debbie who went on to select four awesome partners.

Dad was very community minded involving himself in many committees. He was involved with the show committee for 60 years and an active member of the Masonic Lodge.

Dad was also a long-term member of the Lions Club of Eugowra and I remember him standing behind the barbecue for many long and enjoyable hours.

Last but not least he was considered a social member of the Apex club because if he was driving home from town and the lights of the golf club were on, he would call in.

Dad attended his schooling at Eulimore and rode a horse to and from school daily, reaching the finial year of six class, clearly not needing to progress any further with Smithfield calling.

Dad learnt to play the violin in his teenage years and went on to form a band (The Eulimonions) and played at local dances across the district, still great memories for Mum today.

Dad was quite the all rounder on the sporting fields. Many happy days of “stubbie cricket”, the keg set up under the shade of the cedar trees with drinks taken every 8 overs.

He was a very good tennis player with a mean serve, occasional round of golf and then in his later years enjoyed very much the social side of playing bowls.

He was involved with the Eugowra trotting club with a couple of “good things” namely, Poke Along and Jump a Gate.

Dad’s life revolved around the farm and the three weeks holiday in Manly.  We will always remember Dad fishing on Manly beach. These great holidays were shared with life long family friends, the Greenhalghs, Clements, Nobels and Gordon and Nola Welsh.

Dad has left a beautiful family, 10 Grandchildren and 10 great grand children with most of them home for Christmas.

Dad was at his happiest when he was under the pergola socialising with family and friends who were always made feel most welcome.

Some of our happiest memories were the Boxing Day Craybob hunt. They were great days out moving from dam to dam with some results earning the response from Dad “this is the biggest catch I have seen in all my life”.

We would have the big cook up; Mum would make the curry, ending a great day.

On behalf of the family I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at the MPS who continue to look after Mum in such a wonderful way.

Rest in peace Dad, your life has been well lived.