This eulogy for Ivan George was read by Ashley Wielinga

“Ivan Thomas George, son of the late Bill and Emily George and brother of the late John and Ruth, was well known and respected in the Warren district.

“It was while working his first job at ‘Egelabra’ that he fell in love with the boss’s daughter, Dulcie Smith. This romance flurished and in 1956 they were married at the Catholic church, Warren and were later blessed with three children - Jennifer, Davd and Christine. This relationship stood the test of time with Ivan and Dulcie together for 52 years at the time of his passing - a true reflection of his dedication to his family.

“Ivan was a worker with a work ethic seldom seen today.

“He was initially employed at ‘Egelabra’ where he undertook all duties relating to the maintenance and operation of this renowned property. Whie working at ‘Egelabra’ he came across a fellow worker by the name of Eric Pascoe and they went on to become lifelong friends - I am sure Eric can tell you a few stories.

“In May 1959 Ivan commenced work with Warren Shire Council and on his retirement in September 1994 was presented with a letter of appreciation which I quote:

“‘During this period of over 35 years service Mr George has displayed an outstanding commitment and dedication to his work. This is highlighted by the fact that it was extremely rare for Ivan to ever miss work due to ill health. The issue of this letter of appreciation is made in acknowledgment and testament of his meritorious service.

‘Ivan originally worked for council driving trucks under contract for Des Clark. On May31 1959 he commenced permanently on council’s workforce as a truck driver - a position he held until his retirement.

‘During hs time with council Ivan saw dramatic changes in technology - from the days when he loaded trucks with a Berryman loader and in some instances spread the load by hand - to today’s hydraulic operated loaders and airconditioned trucks.

‘The majority of Ivan’s time with council was spent as supervisor of his crew and he could always be relied upon to do a first -class job. He had a wealth of knowledge of the Warren Shire area and always passed this knowledge on to others. He came to be considered as council’s elder statesman.

‘Council has been very fortunate to have the services of such an outstanding employee of this calibre and for such an extensive period of time.’

“Outside of his family and working life Ivan enjoyed socialising. He proved to be adept at fishing, bowls and playing pool and in some areas earned legendary status.

“In later life he always looked forward to his Saturday session with the boys at the ‘Bowlo’. As well as his other qualities, many a local and visitor alike will also remember Ivan for his advice - “don’t be nice to me” - before he would proceed to give them a dusting at either bowls or pool and declare his intentions to all and sundry with his trademark action. I am sure the boys from the Bowlo will also tell you a few yarns.

“Ivan was diagnosed with bowel cancer in February 2006 and put up a very brave fight, never once complaining to anyone of the pain he was going through.

“He finally succumbed to this mongrel disease on Tuesday June 3 2008.

“Dulcie and the family express their heartfelt appreciation to Mary-Anne Brennan, Di Wilson, Chris Letton, Ros Peachey and all staff at the Warren Multi-Purpose Health Service and to Tara and Terri-Lee, the girls at the doctor’s surgery.

“Ivan will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all of us and we offer our deepest sympathy to Dulcie, children Jennifer, Christine and David, grandchildren Alisha, Joshua and Jacob, and great-grandchildren Hunter and Harrison.

“If the purpose of a eulogy is to recognise how unique and memorable a person was, Ivan definitely wrote his own eulogy as he left a unique and memorable impression. Farewell Ivan - a decent and special person.”