Stories

Introduction

On the 11th of May 2001 Fred passed away in Bowral Hospital.  He lived to see his grand children and ensure that his children were safe and secure.  In the end however, Prostate Cancer and its complications took his life.  Following is the Obituary written for him.

Obituary 

Frederick Stacy Anthon (known as Fred) 

Born: 19 February 1923

Parents: Daniel Herbert Anthon Violet Mary Anthon

Sisters: Dorothy (currently on holiday visiting relatives in Denmark) 

Marion & Elsie (deceased)

Brother: Don (deceased)

Fred moved from Wildes Meadow to New Berrima when 4 yrs old and started school a year later at Berrima Primary School walking the 2 miles or so each way. His father was fortunate enough to hold onto his job at the SPC cement works during the depression. To help, Fred and his brothers & sisters would chase and catch rabbits for their family table.

Fred’s father was a good singer (something Fred did not inherit) who sang in the church at Berrima, his mother also a regular church member.

In 1934 they moved to Moss Vale commencing a long association with St Johns.

1935 he commenced High School in Bowral, Catching the Southern Highlands Express to Bowral then walking the 1.5 miles to school. Often walking the 6 miles home when he missed the train.

A fair proportion of his schooling was spent outside the headmaster’s office however he developed his love of woodworking at school. The bedside table he used was the one he made in woodwork at school.

He left school after completing his intermediate certificate. He was dux in Business Principles and Woodwork, the two skills he capitalised on through out his life.

In 1939 he commenced a carpentry apprenticeship with Alf Stephens. The pay of 17 shillings & threepence seeming like a fortune at the time.

At the outbreak of the second world war his father (a decorated solider from 1914-18) was called up and his Mother, already heavily involved in charity work increased her work load assisting where ever possible.

In 1943 Fred enlisted in the Airforce and joined the 11th RSU, serving in New Guinea.

Returning after the war he commenced with Bert Ker before establishing his own business.

On the 20th of October 1951, He married Mary Missingham, following a courtship which started after he spotted her as she went to work in Moss Vale Library whilst he was working on the re-construction at the ES&A Bank, but only after he had built her a house which is still the family home. 

Fred has brought up 3 children Susan, Richard & Tim. He has 7 grandchildren.

Since moving to Moss Vale he has maintained his association with the church. Having been baptised in St David’s church Burrawang, he was confirmed at St John’s and also married at St Johns. He has also been on the church council, acted as a church warden and represented the interests of the area as Synod representative.

He served the community with a long association with Apex (of which he was a life member), The Moss Vale swimming club, and the Moss Vale RSL sub branch and Services club. He was in 1971 the Citizen ofYear

He also built a successful business.

Despite all this he always found time for his family, always being present to act as driver, coach, umpire or ball boy for a range of sports including cricket & hockey. Hockey being his own sport where he played in goals.

During his working life he built many fine buildings however, he was proudest of the humble church hall, here at St Johns which he constructed in the 1960’s.

During his retirement he was able to travel, visiting his family regularly in Queensland as well as Hong Kong & England.

He also brought his ongoing relationship with God to a new level.

DEATH NOTICE

Frederick Stacy Anthon of Moss Vale

19.2.23 – 11.5.01

Loved husband of Mary

father to Susan & David, Richard & Vivienne, and Timothy, 

brother to Dorothy.

Grandad to Daniel, Mathew, Jonathan, Rachel, Emily, Timothy & James.

Safe in the arms of Jesus.

“Where, O death is your victory? 

“Where, O death is your sting?”

Funeral Tuesday 15 May 2001 in St. John’s Anglican Church, 

Cr. Waite & Browley Streets, 

Moss Vale at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers donations to Cancer Research. 

Private Cremation.