Ron Derrick remembered

Ronald John Derrick.

Dad, uncle Ron, Ronnie, Dab …… whatever name you knew him by.

How do you begin to tell the story of his life. It was a full life one that spanned 85 years and at least 50 more than he thought he would ever get to live.

Born in Manly to Dick and Freida on Monday 12 October 1936 returning to BARRABA until the start of the Second World War. He started school as a city boy in Manly where he and his sister Hellen lived for some years. On his return to BARRABA he resumed his schooling spending many hours outdoors learning more about planting the poplar trees that still grow in the school yard today.

Barraba was always home and once he returned here at about the age of six that’s where he stayed. North Barraba holds most of his memories growing up with family his uncles, aunties and his grandparents at a Adavale and his cousin and best mate Trevor.

In his early working life he tried his hand at rouse-abouting, rabbit trapping and worked for Cecil Hancock in the slaughter yards. By the age of 18 he started working at the brick kiln for some years. During this time he met Mum, Carol at the local cafe and married her in 1959. Together they raised 6 kids. He continued his working life as a station hand after being asked if he would like a job with Cheryl Smith at Kurrajong Hills. Moving to Oakhampton in 1968 then on to Old Manilla road near the silos in BARRABA.

Dad started working at the Asbestos mine it was while working there he injured his foot discovering the melanoma under his big toe. This led to many operations over a 10 year period. During this time he worked as a yard hand at the saleyards and also tried his hand at opal mining at Lightning Ridge with Uncle Tim. The family then moved to Henry Street for about 4 years and then returned to North BARRABA going full circle. Over this period of time he started his fencing career with Cobber Tuffrey learning the skills that he went on to teach many men and growing a reputation as an expert in his field. Dad had the pleasure in watching his grandsons using some of the skills he had passed on and he was very proud of that.

Retiring from fencing at the age of 63 due to his ongoing health issues with the lymphoedema caused by his melanoma he worked casually with Jim Barker milling timber for a few years.

Dad enjoyed rough riding, camp draughts encouraged us to go to pony camp. He played hockey, bowls, darts and snooker but his main love was fishing. He had some wonderful trips to Louth, Mungindi, South West Rocks and especially the trips to the Gulf. Sadly, he had that one last trip planned in May with me (Richard) Jimmy and 8 of his grandsons. He said he didn’t even care if he didn’t catch a fish he just wanted to see the scenery again. Although a Barra or thready would be a bonus.

Dad has left a huge footprint and legacy. 20 grandkids and 29 great grandkids who proudly called him Dabby. He hosted many Christmases, enjoyed birthday party’s where he reached milestones he thought he never would . Asking once “why would you celebrate turning 80? “and being answered .. “ because you could have died by the time you were 40 “

His final years were spent keeping his lawns nice growing his peach trees and grapes. Riding his trusty green horse around his block and Adavale checking his steers and the boundary fences.

We wish you were still here Dad there is so much more we need to know. Stories we didn’t hear and questions we didn’t get to ask.

Thanks for being a great husband and Dad and have a beer with Guy for us.