Arthur met Elaine, and in 1967 on Grand Final Day the couple were married. They went on to have three children, Brent, Rachael and Renee.
The family purchased a large family home abutting the Cobram tennis club and the game became a popular family pastime.
Elaine was a tall athletic woman who played a very strong game, while Brent, much like his dad, was a natural sportsman.
He was a talented junior and played men’s doubles with his dad one year at the club’s annual tournament, and the father and son took home the trophy.
Arthur loved his tennis too and was a member of the club for more than 50 years.
He was an enthusiastic player, and a member of many winning teams.
He also held positions as secretary, vice president, referee and was made a life member.
In 1996, a tragedy occurred that left the family and tennis club members grief-stricken: the untimely death of Elaine while playing a set on the tennis courts at the age of just 50.
In 1965, Arthur began German Signs, after studying a correspondence course.
He learnt everything he could about sign writing and mastered traditional techniques of sign writing and hand-painted signs before digital printing became the normal practice.
He began the business initially in Numurkah before deciding to run it from home in a large, well-equipped shed at the rear of the family’s Cobram home.
However, as his profile lifted and word spread locally and further afield, the business grew dramatically, requiring more room, so he built a large shed and office in town which he worked from, until selling the successful business in 2003.
Arthur loved his chosen career.
“If you love what you do, you don’t really work a day in your life,” he said with a smile.
“Every day was different, every job was different, I loved the work and getting to know my customers and I made a success of it.”
Arthur had some success on the tennis court, yet specifically recalls one of his female partners, Lorna Hicks.
“We were never beaten as a pair over many years,” he said.
“She was excellent, Lorna, and we combined well.”
Table tennis, when he was younger, and cycling are two other sports that Arthur showed he had a talent for.
Cycling was a great sport where he could use the strength he had in his legs and upper body which served him well. But unfortunately, he broke a hip several years ago which he never fully recovered from.
He competed in more than 800 races and spent $80,000 on bikes while winning a lowly amount in prize money.
Today his teammates are grateful to have him officiate at cycling events, and he is happy to have the involvement, yet misses the activity.
Brent today is a professional golfer at Indooroopilly Golf Club in Queensland and loves life on the golf course.
He is much like his dad, a natural sportsman who can turn his hand to playing most sports.
Rachael studied for her Bachelor of Applied Science in Australia and, after graduating, has spent most of her time living overseas.
Currently, she is a resident of France, running her own business.
Renee lost her life many years ago, leaving behind her six-year-old daughter and four-year-old son.
The impact of losing his wife and youngest child Renee has been significant for Arthur.
A loss that has weighed heavily to this day.
He is well respected around the district for his sporting ability, his business skills and knowledge of incidents and history.
He enjoys a chat and if you are prepared to listen you will always learn something!
You are indeed a legend Arthur.
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