Hardworking, mateship, honest, true, loyal. These are all words that can be used to describe Tommy Starr, who sadly left this world on Saturday 19th September 2015 aged 81.
Born on May 14th 1934, the eighth of eleven children, Tommy Starr saw a great deal of changes through his life. From humble beginnings on the family farm at Bumbaldry, he moved on to own properties in Cowra, Eugowra and Trundle. He ran a successful stock and hay carting business before settling back in Canowindra where he worked at Canowindra Produce until the age of 71.
Tommy shared 39 years of his life with his beloved wife Maree. Supporting each other through tough times and sharing many laughs along the way through their unmistakable banter. Family was central to Tommy’s life and he
will be forever missed by his three children, Harry, Brad and Kellie and their partners, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Tommy embraced life and in his own words, “Even an old bushie can experience something new”, which was his response when waking from an afternoon nap to discover two mischievous grand daughters had painted his
toenails pink while he slept. Tommy was a great story teller with an astounding ability to recall facts and figures relating to farming and other larrikin tales from throughout his life. He would revel in recounting his life experiences to family and friends and if you were a stranger, you wouldn’t stay
that way for long.
Those fortunate enough to sample Tommy’s bush tucker skills will never forget his signature lamb cooked over hot coals washed down with a glass of his famous home brew. I once read that “A hero has to be seen at some level as a role model.” If this is true then Tommy Starr was indeed a true Australian
hero. So the next time you sit down for a cold beer at the end of a long working day, raise your glass; here’s to you Tommy.