GILBERT John Poxon was born in Lilydale on 17 May, 1927, but grew up in Bass with his parents and older brother Ron on the family farm.
Having to cart cattle and produce resulted in the boys having several trucks.
In 1950 the family sold and moved to Dandenong, where John met his wife Alice who had also move to Dandenong from the country. They married in 1952 and settled in Dandenong West and produced six children. Old-time dancing with many friends was an enjoyable pastime for the family.
John eventually got back into trucks which were his passion and was renowned for his hard work and reliability.
In 1988, John and Alice built a new home in Berwick. Unfortunately in 1992 John became a paraplegic after knocking down the car port with a front end loader.
After five months in the Austin Hospital, John kept his positive outlook, driving the car and continuing to do incredible jobs around the home and garage while confined to a wheelchair for the next 22 years.
He was encouraged to try wood turning by a family friend which resulted in him joining the Berwick District Woodworker Club and becoming an energetic member for 20 years.
In May last year John and Alice celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Unfortunately on 15 February this year, John succumbed to many problems concerning his paraplegia.
He was farewelled by almost 200 friends and relatives with a service conducted by Alice’s brother Noel, a reverend at Berwick Anglican Church.
John is survived by his wife Alice, and three of his children and their partners, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
We will miss this courageous man who defied all odds to succeed.
Alice Poxon
