A Footscray boy who went on to enjoy a stellar career at the Williamstown shipyards has celebrated his 100th birthday.
Born in Albert Street on January 24, 1918, Stan Fox was the third of James and Myrtle Fox’s six children.
Stan excelled in all forms of athletics, swimming, diving and cricket, also playing footy for Williamstown Football Club until his career was ended by an ACL injury.
During World War II Stan joined the 6th Heavy Artillery Brigade, training as a gunner before being posted to Singapore in 1941-42.
He was recalled home for his welding skills, vital for building ships, and was posted to the Williamstown Dockyard.
Stan said he was forever grateful for the recall as his whole contingent was captured or killed by the Japanese in Singapore.
Stan married Nancy Daw on December 16, 1944, moving to Newport. They had two children – Sandra and Darryl – and Stan now has six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
After 59 years of marriage and a long illness, Nancy died in 2003.
Stan moved to Bupa in Woodend in 2010 and wondered whether he would live long enough to see his beloved Bulldogs win a Premiership – a dream that came true in 2016.
Benjamin Millar
