A Summary of my life...

I lived in Orange with mum and dad. Home life was good. Dad worked hard to support the family and mum was terrific with the house and the children.

I had a twin brother, an older brother and an older sister. I had a very good education up to Intermediate School.

At age 15, I left school and my Uncle Bill said I could get a start on the land. I learnt a lot of farming skills during that period of my life. I met my wife Doreen down at Wagga Wagga. I went to the corner shop to buy cigarettes and met a lovely girl with beautiful brown eyes behind the counter.

She was working there that evening later I found out Doreen was boarding with my brother and his wife (Doreen's cousin).

That was the beginning of our love story! Doreen and I raised three kids at the farm and our kids were 14, 10 and 7 when The Lord called me into His Service 40 years ago.

My fondest childhood memory would have to be...

My best memory was going to church with mum on Sunday nights. When we got home, dad always had "Toast and Dripping" ready for tea.

What two life changing practices may have improved your quality of life?

The practice that impacted my life the most was joining a faith community church with my mother. It laid the foundation of God's Love and Care for me and for all people.

I gained understanding on how small I was, still am and how God cares about all people and all aspects of our lives no matter how small they seem.

I also greatly benefited from joining my High School Cadets. I learned about discipline. That was a much needed lesson for me at that particular season of my life.

What is your favourite meal and do you have any "guilty pleasures?"

All meals are my favourite! I must say my guilty pleasure is chocolate or any dessert that is made with chocolate.

For what in life do you feel most grateful?

I am most grateful for my mum introducing me to God.

What would a perfect day look like?

The perfect day would start with a frost at around 2 degrees Celsius and warm up to a beautiful sunny day. I also think a rainy day would be a perfect day. I like to listen to the rain falling on a tin roof.

If you could have lunch with one person (alive or deceased), who would you choose?

I choose Doreen, my love. I have all meals with her every single day.

My greatest achievement is...

The greatest thing that I have accomplished is my service to The Lord. He has taught me tremendous lessons throughout my life.

What was the best decision you ever made?

Marrying my beautiful wife Doreen was the best decision of my life.

The most interesting thing about me is...

I don't know. I am so used to myself!

What was the first thing you noticed when you arrived at Orana Gardens and how long have you lived there?

The first thing I noticed was the space between the Retirement Village units and the lovely grassy areas around the property.

I remember thinking this must be a nice place as the units were well spaced and not too close together. The garden areas were well maintained and the construction looked to be of very high quality.

I lived 10 years at the Retirement Village and almost a year at the residential aged care facility.

I was the President of The Resident Village Committee.

We took part in all activities and socials and enjoyed every bit of it! This place has been my home for a long time.

My favourite thing about where I live is...

I love the atmosphere of the home! We have been made very welcomed here from day one. My wife needed care and I wanted to be near her.

They made sure to find a place for me very quickly, so that we would not be apart. I am very grateful for that. I ended up needing care and I didn't even know it until I had a heart incident.

The workers are so kind to us and accommodate us daily so that we can have all of our meals together and spend all day with each other, just like we did at our independent living unit.

They helped us keep our marriage of 63 years intact!

Tell me one thing you can teach this next generation?

In this troubled world, one important thing I can tell you is that we all need faith and repentance that can only come from Christ.

We also need to encourage each other.

I hope people can learn to respect themselves and others. Invite God into your life and believe that with God on your side you can accomplish anything.

Reference John 3:16-18: "For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son."

If you know someone for our Meet the Residents section email lynn.rayner@dailyliberal.com.au

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