Memorable milestone for Woodcroft’s Fred Walker
Saturday 1st May 2021 was a memorable day for everyone at Living Choice Woodcroft, but especially for one very special resident, Frederick C Walker, who turned 100.
Daughter Lyn Ford said Fred’s 100th birthday celebration, held in the leisure centre auditorium, “was without doubt the most incredible, happiest, inspiring event ever”.
The auditorium was filled with VIPs, family and long-term friends, their families, and many of Fred’s friends from the village. “Even a few days later, the buzz is still in the air. Friends and family are posting their joy and happiness on Facebook and ringing up saying `what a wonderful day’. Dad enjoyed his birthday immensely and at times he was almost overwhelmed by the number of people and how happy everyone was. In true spirit he delighted in having his photo taken with as many people as he possibly could,” said Lyn.
“Both my brother Graham and I would like to extend our greatest thanks for the outstanding help and co-operation that Living Choice provided all the way, from the very beginning to the actual day. To have the help and support of Living Choice and be able to work together as a team culminated in a truly incredible birthday celebration.
“The Village Manager, Gail Pounsett, was at our side the whole time, offering productive suggestions and keeping us informed. She invited Erin Thompson, the Mayor of the Onkaparinga Council and Nat Cook, State MP, and was also able to organise Channel 7 to attend, which resulted in highlights during the evening news.”
She also thanked Living Choice for sponsoring half the catering costs and for organising a giant card for everyone to sign.
Fred Walker has been at Living Choice Woodcroft since 2002, when it was known as Fernleigh Gardens. He served in World War II and was a radio and gun operator in Papua New Guinea and the Battle of Raubaul in New Britain and the Solomon Islands. He returned home on Christmas Day in 1945, into the arms of his fiancée Laural. Sadly, she died in 2015 after the couple had spent nearly 80 years together. Apart from his children, Lyn and Graham, Fred has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
