Williamstown’s Ken Speakman attributed his long life to being close to the sea. Now his children say their late mother will be waiting as his boat comes in.
Mr Speakman, who died peacefully on May 21 aged 97, was a life member of Williamstown Lacrosse Club and Williamstown and Newport Anglers Club.
His daughter, Nola Wilson remembered her mother, Edna, saying to the kids: “Run to the corner and see if your father’s boat is coming in yet.
“As he came in the back door, mum would always blurt, ‘Where have you been? What took you so long?’
“We think that’s just how mum will greet him now.”
Mr Speakman was a committed Collingwood supporter and even wore his football tie to Williamstown Uniting Church, which he attended regularly.
He once advised his daughter to “always leave the Magpie sticker on the car because it will improve the resale value”.
Mr Speakman’s eldest son, Robert, said while his dad missed out on his 100th birthday message from the Queen, it was “pretty special” to have a condolence message read out at last week’s Hobsons Bay council meeting.
