Interludes of Slim Dusty hits and not too much fuss in a graveside funeral at the Kyabram Cemetery to celebrate and honour 81 years of a life well lived.
His tearful grandchildren — Jack, Zac and Kasey — delivered eulogies depicting a bubbly, much-loved, charismatic personality who had time for just about everyone.
And those he had doubts about would cop his famous ‘‘useless b…..d’’ tag.
The number of mourners — estimated at between 300 and 400 — was testimony that Stumpy had touched a lot of lives and had won the respect and admiration of many people.
Somebody who collected friends and not enemies in his life’s journey.
Stumpy — Gregory Allan Norris — left us suddenly on December 2.
Among his many passions, fishing was one of his favourites.
A ‘Mr Fix Anything Man’, Stumpy immersed himself in his work and community, and social life, with boundless energy and endless enthusiasm.
The Kid from Kyvalley was a master of his trade as a fitter and turner, working at the Kyabram Cannery and Tongala’s Nestlé Factory for most of his working life.
During his time at Nestlé, he was one of the best can-maker technicians in the southern Pacific region.
His skills led him to travel the world. A visit to Switzerland allowed him to bring new technologies back to Australia.
He was also able to work in factories across multiple states as a consultant.
But there was much more to Stumpy than his business acumen.
His portfolios over the years included being a firearm safety officer with Victoria Police for more than 30 years, president and secretary of the Kyabram and Goulburn Valley Anglers Club, Echuca Clay Target Club, Kyabram Field and Game Club and the Victorian Recreational Fishing Club.
He was a life member of the Kyabram Anglers Club, of which he was a founding member, and also the Kyabram Field and Game Club.
He encountered some gut-wrenching setbacks in his life, one of them being the loss of the love of his life and wife, Fay, far too young.
But he always bounced back, with grit and usually cheerfully.
He took great pride in following the fortunes of his sons, Andrew and Matt, and all his grandchildren with pride.
Rather than wind down his working life at his Palmer-Graham Rd property over the past 15 years, Stumpy remained in demand for his ‘‘fix anything’’ reputation and willingness not to disappoint people right up to his passing.
Well lived, Stumpy — you will be greatly missed.
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