Service To His Country
Horrie was born in Ultima, Victoria, in 1922.
Serving his country played an important part in Horrie’s life. During the Second World War, Horrie enlisted in the Australian Army (AIF) in January 1942. He became a craftsman attached to mobile workshops and was involved in the recommissioning and reconditioning of armaments.
Horrie served overseas in New Guinea and other parts of the former Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). When discharged in January 1946, his last posting was with the 2/2nd Australian Infantry Transport Workshop.
Family life
In 1944, Horrie married Ruby who served with the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) from June 1942 until February 1946. Ruby was a staff sergeant stationed at Holbrook in NSW. They both went on to raise four children.
After the war, Horrie worked as a fitter and turner. He liked to pull cars apart and put them back together. He also enjoyed caravanning holidays with Ruby. Sadly, Ruby passed away in 1985 and Horrie misses her every day.
Life, 100 years on
These days, Horrie likes reading and doing crosswords.
He credits his long life to manual work, clean living, home cooked meals, and being active and very determined. Horrie also appreciates the value that Prestige carer, Maria, brings to his life:
“I love my carer Maria. My carer helps me maintain my independence and assists me with things that I can no longer do, like tidying up my home, which is very important to me.”
On spending time with Horrie, Maria says:
“I enjoy his stories about how his mother and sisters were great cooks and that he married someone who also loved cooking. He is a century, which is amazing.”
Horrie, a big congratulations from all the Prestige team. It was an honour to share your 100th birthday with you and a privilege to hear your stories. We look forward to many more years supporting you in your own home and hearing more of your extraordinary stories.