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Tom Lavers 1928-2020The family would like to thank everyone for their support and best wishes over this time.
Please find below the audio of the church service, the order of service, Tom's Eulogy, tribute and a few photos. |
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Church Service audio file
The Church service held on Wednesday 13th May 2020 at 10pm at Grenfell Uniting Church. Audio from the church service is below. To listen just click on the triangular play button and adjust your volume.
Tom's Eulogy
Dads Eulogy (prepared and read by Dean Lavers)
Tom has born Thomas John Lavers, to William Henry & Mary Whinham Lavers (nee Anderson ) in Grenfell in 1928. His parents, Harry & Mary, were married in Grenfell and at the time of Dad’s birth ran the Glenelg store on the Grenfell/Forbes road. Harry was also doing farm work for the Priddle family.
Dad was the 3rd child of 4 children, Wallace (Wal), Elizabeth (Betty) Tom then Leonard (Len). They were all born in Grenfell and called Glenelg and the store home. They attended school at Driftway and also Ooma bush schools. Dad had a love of horses from a young age and rode his pony to and from school. One day he got into strife after he galloped very close and fast past the teacher who was making his way along on his on his pushbike. He enjoyed working with his horse to see what tricks and jumps he could do and there are several photos of he and Barry Priddle posing with their horses. He regularly attended the local shows, entering in the riding and jumping sections and winning many prizes. As with most bush kids he was an avid rabbiter with his brothers, sister and friends and the associated dog pack.
The young family took a blow with Dad’s father, Harry, going missing when Tom was just 8. A widespread man hunt and investigation continued for many years which took a heavy toll on his Mum, Mary. Mary moved with the family to Forbes a few years after Harry went missing and Tom continued with school before leaving and going to work for Priddles, back at Glenelg, when he was 14. One of his first jobs was getting the milking cows in and doing the milking and separating the cream. Dad told us the tales of ‘doctoring’ the milk with a bit of water after getting fed up of milking with much ‘better’ things to do. Questions were raised into why the cream was so thin.
Tom has born Thomas John Lavers, to William Henry & Mary Whinham Lavers (nee Anderson ) in Grenfell in 1928. His parents, Harry & Mary, were married in Grenfell and at the time of Dad’s birth ran the Glenelg store on the Grenfell/Forbes road. Harry was also doing farm work for the Priddle family.
Dad was the 3rd child of 4 children, Wallace (Wal), Elizabeth (Betty) Tom then Leonard (Len). They were all born in Grenfell and called Glenelg and the store home. They attended school at Driftway and also Ooma bush schools. Dad had a love of horses from a young age and rode his pony to and from school. One day he got into strife after he galloped very close and fast past the teacher who was making his way along on his on his pushbike. He enjoyed working with his horse to see what tricks and jumps he could do and there are several photos of he and Barry Priddle posing with their horses. He regularly attended the local shows, entering in the riding and jumping sections and winning many prizes. As with most bush kids he was an avid rabbiter with his brothers, sister and friends and the associated dog pack.
The young family took a blow with Dad’s father, Harry, going missing when Tom was just 8. A widespread man hunt and investigation continued for many years which took a heavy toll on his Mum, Mary. Mary moved with the family to Forbes a few years after Harry went missing and Tom continued with school before leaving and going to work for Priddles, back at Glenelg, when he was 14. One of his first jobs was getting the milking cows in and doing the milking and separating the cream. Dad told us the tales of ‘doctoring’ the milk with a bit of water after getting fed up of milking with much ‘better’ things to do. Questions were raised into why the cream was so thin.
Dad enjoyed his vehicles, starting off with his pushbikes. He would take the ride to Grenfell or Forbes on the dirt roads to compete in the velodrome races or to take excursions with friends. After getting his licence Dad had several motorbikes and the Vauxhall cars. There were a couple of pride and joys that were known around the streets of Forbes and Grenfell. His convertible Vaxhall Wyvern was a smick set of wheels for a young bloke to own, but Dad recon’ed the canvass roof would cause it to rain more on the inside than out when the weather got bad. Then there was the new Vauxhall Velox ute. Trying to gain a few points with the future father-in-law, he offered to move a load of pigs from Oaklea in the wet. The sticky dark mud lifted the shiny brown duco from the utes sides, but I’m guessing the journey was worth it.
Dad was known for his good work ethic, getting in and getting the job done. One day, he returned from dropping off a load of wheat to the silos and got back with another load so quickly that some fellas painted a lightning bolt along the side of his truck and giving him the nickname of Lightning Lavers.
Dad was known for his good work ethic, getting in and getting the job done. One day, he returned from dropping off a load of wheat to the silos and got back with another load so quickly that some fellas painted a lightning bolt along the side of his truck and giving him the nickname of Lightning Lavers.
Dad enjoyed socialising and met Beryl at the local balls. Courting long distance while Beryl was working in the bank at Bourke and Bathurst, and they were married in 1954 at Forbes Methodist Church. They lived at Glenelg cottage, which was a little kit home built for them to move into when they were married. Children followed with Wayne in 55, Michele in 58 and Tim in 59. Glenelg was sold and Dad took up the position of Manager at Cheviot for the Chitticks. Our family moved to Warberton in early 1969, while a cottage was moved to Cheviot. With tremendous celebrations from parents and siblings, Dean was born and the family again moved briefly to Bonnie Doon before settling into Cheviot cottage in January 1971.
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The family enjoyed almost two decades at Cheviot.
At Cheviot Dad settled into the farmers life of crops, cattlework and pastures. Long days and nights cultivating, sowing and harvesting, dusty and muddy hours in the cattleyards, drafting, moving stock, checking troughs, dams and pumps, loading and unloading hay, Sowing late with the frost forming on the bonnet of the tractor, or pushing into the night until it was too damp to strip the wheat. He was often on his horse Tex and always with a dog or two at his side, or on the back of the truck, or following those countless laps of the paddock behind the tractor. Good dogs like Rajah, Butch, Rusty, Shep, Sam and Bindy.
I remember so often those evenings of him coming in and carrying the great smell of the toils of his day on the land; the smell of wheat dust, (or) diesel, grease, cattle work or lanolin and always a subtle aroma of Log Cabin rollies or Benson and Hedges cigarettes.
At Cheviot Dad settled into the farmers life of crops, cattlework and pastures. Long days and nights cultivating, sowing and harvesting, dusty and muddy hours in the cattleyards, drafting, moving stock, checking troughs, dams and pumps, loading and unloading hay, Sowing late with the frost forming on the bonnet of the tractor, or pushing into the night until it was too damp to strip the wheat. He was often on his horse Tex and always with a dog or two at his side, or on the back of the truck, or following those countless laps of the paddock behind the tractor. Good dogs like Rajah, Butch, Rusty, Shep, Sam and Bindy.
I remember so often those evenings of him coming in and carrying the great smell of the toils of his day on the land; the smell of wheat dust, (or) diesel, grease, cattle work or lanolin and always a subtle aroma of Log Cabin rollies or Benson and Hedges cigarettes.
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He was a fella who got the job done, and got it done right. He worked hard to provide. He found time to milk the cow every morning, see all that work get done and still be there for a bowl for backyard cricket, a maybe a quick dip in the dam, night-time hide and seek (we called this game Boogle.. you can ask me later for the rules), or a quick bedtime yarn.
Cheviot was the time I best remember, and I remember many a happy event was shared there with family, cousins and friends from all about. From those Christmas gatherings to Sunday afternoon Barbeque lunches down the paddock. Holidays enjoyed at Kiama and Harington after harvest time and the header had been put away. Life was always very busy for Mum and Dad, (Mum was the mail-lady for many years) and one by one the kids began to leave home. …..
After the death of Jack Chittick, Dad and Mum brought into Kalulah but after some hard times with some bad years moved into Grenfell in the early 1990’s. Moving through a few rental houses they purchased and moved to Bradley street in 1997.
Here Dad became very settled and enjoyed his own space, pottering in his veggie garden and shed. Dad continued his farm work with work at Troth’s at Caragabal from 1997 up until 2009. Keenly passing on his knowledge to Shane and Damien and keeping them on their toes with practical jokes until they learnt to return the favour. Dad was always willing to help out with farm work and whenever someone needed a hand he was always there. He enjoyed getting out, the company, using his hands, and chance for a good yarn.
Cheviot was the time I best remember, and I remember many a happy event was shared there with family, cousins and friends from all about. From those Christmas gatherings to Sunday afternoon Barbeque lunches down the paddock. Holidays enjoyed at Kiama and Harington after harvest time and the header had been put away. Life was always very busy for Mum and Dad, (Mum was the mail-lady for many years) and one by one the kids began to leave home. …..
After the death of Jack Chittick, Dad and Mum brought into Kalulah but after some hard times with some bad years moved into Grenfell in the early 1990’s. Moving through a few rental houses they purchased and moved to Bradley street in 1997.
Here Dad became very settled and enjoyed his own space, pottering in his veggie garden and shed. Dad continued his farm work with work at Troth’s at Caragabal from 1997 up until 2009. Keenly passing on his knowledge to Shane and Damien and keeping them on their toes with practical jokes until they learnt to return the favour. Dad was always willing to help out with farm work and whenever someone needed a hand he was always there. He enjoyed getting out, the company, using his hands, and chance for a good yarn.
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Dad was involved for a long time with the Grenfell Masonic Lodge until its closure. He was also president and made patron at the Grenfell Show for many years and enjoyed his responsibilities and challenges there. Dad helped out with Meals On Wheels, often visiting people at the Grenfell hospital and MPS and was a Steward here at the uniting Church for many years. Taking his job of welcoming everyone: friends, newcomers and visitors with enthusiasm and much enjoyment.
Dad always enjoyed his family get togethers and time with the grandkids often being found playing games and munching on the lollies and chocolate. He loved talking weather, crops and farming with his children and families and always enjoyed a look at what projects were on the go.
Dad and Mum celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2014 with a trip away to the blue mountains with the immediate family. Dad did not wont the fuss but thoroughly enjoyed celebrating his 90th birthday at Shell and Cols in 2018. (And having extra ice-cream Pavlova up at the bench with the grandkids).
He was so blessed to have a long, healthy and happy life.
He was our Lovie, Dad, Pa, Uncle Tom, Tom
He was a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, friend, father figure;
he was confident, happy, a quiet larrikin and always the true gentleman.
Thanks for everything Dad.
Dad always enjoyed his family get togethers and time with the grandkids often being found playing games and munching on the lollies and chocolate. He loved talking weather, crops and farming with his children and families and always enjoyed a look at what projects were on the go.
Dad and Mum celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2014 with a trip away to the blue mountains with the immediate family. Dad did not wont the fuss but thoroughly enjoyed celebrating his 90th birthday at Shell and Cols in 2018. (And having extra ice-cream Pavlova up at the bench with the grandkids).
He was so blessed to have a long, healthy and happy life.
He was our Lovie, Dad, Pa, Uncle Tom, Tom
He was a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, friend, father figure;
he was confident, happy, a quiet larrikin and always the true gentleman.
Thanks for everything Dad.
Tribute
(prepared and read by Wayne Lavers)
I have learnt how to live my life from our father.
There was a lovely quiet balanced harmony about our father.
A Yin and Yang,
Serious but fun loving.
Always without euphoric highs or crushing lows.
Able to drag a cow out of a dam in his undies and shirt or don a dinner suit, polished shoes and regalia to work his way through the Lodge Chair a couple of times over the years.
The Show Society for decades, Church, always in an active role, while, putting in a crop year on year, working sheep, fencing, maintaining machinery.
Playing ‘chaseys’ on the Fergie and the Massey 165 while we were getting cows in. Or sitting on the tractor for weeks on end working paddocks for the next crop. Balancing fun with work.
He was the fastest father and the highest jumper at the school picnic, he could climb a free standing ladder, walk on stilts.
He was serious and methodical, had the ability to work harmoniously in a team while being mentally disciplined and task focussed . He was also physically disciplined, fit, strong and hardworking, making big jobs small through his stamina.
He watched and lived the yearly cycles of family, Lodge, Church and Show Society as he did the weeds, crops, stock and weather.
He knew how much fun to have without getting into trouble and how to get through his days within his personal economic and ethical boundaries and have it work for everyone around him, be they Mum, Masons, Church Elders, Show Committees or kids. He had good long term friendships based on respect and trust. I remember Ross Freudy, Jack and Gordon Chittick, Shane, Damian and Nerida Troth.
Money he made was never as important as getting the job done in a timely and efficient manner and doing the right thing by those around him.
Being in control of his life and only allowing limited control by others. All who worked with him seemed to become friends.
I feel my being has been shaped by our father. He taught me to listen to and respect the views of others whether you feel they are right or wrong (we are all equal).
A life of movement and activity.
An affinity with anything with wheels (two especially)
A love and understanding of animals.
Above all , he gave me an understanding of matching my expectations with my abilities, (physical, financial and social) to achieve a calm, measured, balanced, fair life. Giving me the ability to make work fun by remaining control of it.
and that true friendships are gold.
Money is handy but not essential and to give is better than to receive.
All ingredients to make a happy and fulfilling life.
A wonderful teacher and a wonderful Father. A beautifully balanced man.
I have learnt how to live my life from our father.
There was a lovely quiet balanced harmony about our father.
A Yin and Yang,
Serious but fun loving.
Always without euphoric highs or crushing lows.
Able to drag a cow out of a dam in his undies and shirt or don a dinner suit, polished shoes and regalia to work his way through the Lodge Chair a couple of times over the years.
The Show Society for decades, Church, always in an active role, while, putting in a crop year on year, working sheep, fencing, maintaining machinery.
Playing ‘chaseys’ on the Fergie and the Massey 165 while we were getting cows in. Or sitting on the tractor for weeks on end working paddocks for the next crop. Balancing fun with work.
He was the fastest father and the highest jumper at the school picnic, he could climb a free standing ladder, walk on stilts.
He was serious and methodical, had the ability to work harmoniously in a team while being mentally disciplined and task focussed . He was also physically disciplined, fit, strong and hardworking, making big jobs small through his stamina.
He watched and lived the yearly cycles of family, Lodge, Church and Show Society as he did the weeds, crops, stock and weather.
He knew how much fun to have without getting into trouble and how to get through his days within his personal economic and ethical boundaries and have it work for everyone around him, be they Mum, Masons, Church Elders, Show Committees or kids. He had good long term friendships based on respect and trust. I remember Ross Freudy, Jack and Gordon Chittick, Shane, Damian and Nerida Troth.
Money he made was never as important as getting the job done in a timely and efficient manner and doing the right thing by those around him.
Being in control of his life and only allowing limited control by others. All who worked with him seemed to become friends.
I feel my being has been shaped by our father. He taught me to listen to and respect the views of others whether you feel they are right or wrong (we are all equal).
A life of movement and activity.
An affinity with anything with wheels (two especially)
A love and understanding of animals.
Above all , he gave me an understanding of matching my expectations with my abilities, (physical, financial and social) to achieve a calm, measured, balanced, fair life. Giving me the ability to make work fun by remaining control of it.
and that true friendships are gold.
Money is handy but not essential and to give is better than to receive.
All ingredients to make a happy and fulfilling life.
A wonderful teacher and a wonderful Father. A beautifully balanced man.
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