John Sanderson celebrates his 95th Birthday with large family

Nagambie Kelvin Grove Village resident John Sanderson turned 95 on 22 April. His large family helped him celebrate the special occasion at the Nagambie Rowing Club on Sunday, 30 April.

John’s six children and family members that included some of his 22 grand children and quite a few of his 43 great grandchildren and partner Margaret Rea and friends helped him celebrate this special milestone at a birthday lunch overlooking Lake Nagambie.

John has known sadness and joy in his life and has been a popular well respected man around town. He gets on well with everyone, and he was a successful businessman because of those principles.

Short history

Norman Frederick John Sanderson was born in Broadford on 22 April 1928 to parents Jean and Fred Sanderson. He was the eldest of their three children. He had two sisters, Valda who lives in Tasmania, and Norma,

(who died from polio aged 18 years.)

John went to Tallarook Primary School then St Mary’s in Seymour.

In 1952 he met Margaret Clifton, at Broadford. They were married on 22 August 1953 at the little wooden Catholic Our Lady Help of Christian church.

They were blessed with nine children. Sadly their first child John only lived 10 hours. But then along came Maree, Bernadette, John, June, Jillian, David and Damian (his twin Veronica died at birth.)

John’s family lived at “Springvale” at Tallarook until 1963. Then he moved to Nagambie. He worked for Bruce Forbes in his mechanical garage until 1988.

Then he started his own Massey Ferguson and other machines business in town. John for many years won the top sales person in Australia and a world award for his salesmanship with his agricultural business. He retired about 15 years ago, and sold his business to his son Damian.

The Sanderson family lived in 267 High Street, then in their Bryde Street house for 32 years. John moved into Kelvin Grove over five years ago and said it was one of the best moves he’d done.

John is very proud and happy to have 22 grand children presented to him by his children and their partners, and 43 great grand children with a couple more on the way. John and wife Margaret travelled overseas and enjoyed going around Australia.

Margaret died in December 2008 and John said “I have terrific memories of her; she was a wonderful person and wife for over 50 years.”

Now I thank Marg Rea for caring for me so well at Kelvin Grove.

When asked what did he feel kept him going pretty well and reaching ninety five. He replied “Plenty of work, no smoking and he only had a can or two occasionally. “ He said “Do things in moderation.”

Congratulations John Sanderson on reaching 95 years of age. Best wishes from your family, friends and community.

The Card and Board Games Day

The Card and Board Games Day held at the Nagambie Rowing Club on May 2nd was attended by fifty-five (55) people.

Acting C.E.O. of Nagambie Health Care, Kerrie Rivett and HealthCare Board President, John Palmer, spoke to the attendees and drew the Raffle winners. Major prize won by Sandra Phelan.

Henry Moss, President, and Donna Gordon, Manager of Nagambie Rowing Club, presented the Auxiliary with a donation of $1500.

An enjoyable day was had by all. Thanks to everyone who made the day possible.