Norman Marks 100 Years in Moe

Baw Baw Views in Moe recently welcomed Norman as its newest 100 club member.

Norman was born in 1926 in the West Gippsland town of Trafalgar before moving to Thorpdale and then settling in Moe when he was seven years old – he has stayed in the Moe community ever since.

His early years were shaped by a loving family. Life was difficult for many when he was growing up, and his life was no different, having to deal with the loss of loved ones from the First World War.

When the family settled in Moe, the great depression began.

Moe had around 1,000 people back then. Norman’s childhood was full of freedom to roam the bush and rivers around Moe.

He compares his upbringing to a Tom Sawyer-like childhood. “I played football and tennis and rarely wore shoes to school. Dad owned a car, which was quite rare, and he took us on wonderful holidays to Lakes Entrance, as well as hunting and fishing trips with his brothers”.

Norman finished school in the sixth grade then went on to earn his keep, first at a garage and then at Saxton’s Sawmill where he worked throughout the Second World War.

In 1942, he joined the local fire brigade (CFA), which became a big part of his life for forty years, eventually becoming Captain.

Later in life he worked as a heavy machinery driver before retiring. He says of his career “I’m proud to say I was never out of a job and always able to support my family”.

When asked if Norman ever found love he said “Yes, most definitely”. The love of his life became his wife, Meryl.

They were introduced by Norman’s sister Elaine and both worked at Saxton’s.

They married in 1951, raised four children, 13 grandchildren and lived in the same home for 60 years. When thinking about his family Norman says, “They are all blessings and much loved.”

He thinks back to the end of the Second World War, which he says is a memory that feels like yesterday and comments “Everything in my life changed for the better after that”.

His happiest memory however is Saturday, 20th January 1951, the day he got married to Meryl.

He says to relive his wedding day would be “Wonderful.” 

When asked what Norman’s secret for reaching 100 years of age he says, “Being surrounded by family, a basic diet of meat and three veg, my loving companion Merlyn and no heavy drinking. I would always recommend milk, butter and cream to the family.”

He did smoke but gave up cold turkey on his 50th birthday, nobody realised until he told them!

Norm marked his 100th birthday with a few special surprises. Moe CFA visited him with lights and sirens on the fire truck, a moment that meant a great deal after his forty years of service.

At his party, Moe Football Club presented him with photos of both of his premiership teams and a club scarf. He also received a birthday card from Latrobe Valley Mayor Sharon Gibson.

Norman has lived a life with no regrets, a full life that has been good to him. His hard work, honest expectations and his family helped him achieve so much.

Congratulations Norman and welcome to the 100 Club!