Former Maribyrnong Citizen of the Year Peter Anderson died on August 5. He is being remembered as a pillar of the community by his fellow neighbours, and a perfect partner by his wife. Jennifer Pittorino sat down with his wife Lola to learn about his wonderful life.
Peter Anderson was 19-years-old when he met his wife Lola at the old Footscray dance, she was only 17 and had eyes for Peter instantly.
“All the girls were raving about one guy, I said yeah but who’s the blonde with him?.
“He sheepishly asked me to go the district tennis ball which was held at the Williamstown town hall, luckily we both had enjoyed tennis.”
“It was ’55 when we met and we were married four years later in ’59, and I still have some towels that he gave me for a present then.”
Peter and Lola had two children Darren and Robyn. They later welcomed four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Throughout the duration of his life, Peter had always been heavily involved with his community.
Most of his work was done with the creation of community run Cruickshank Park, which himself and Lola were awarded citizens of the year for in 2021.
“His grandfather was the first councillor for Kingsville, so that’s how his interest in the community began.
“We were heavily involved with water-watch with Melbourne Water and with the council and Cruickshank Park which started off in 1969.
Lola said Peter was always interested in his surroundings, which is why he wanted to develop the then landfill site into a nice space for everyone.
“When we moved in, behind us was a big quarry hole so he started working to keep it neat.
“It had thistles and rocks, and Peter was saying something needs to be done with this, in 1971 a little committee was formed to create the park, and it started from there.”
Throughout the years , Peter and Lola have remained heavily involved with the park.
“It is a great legacy that he has left, when lockdown was on the park was just packed.
“I said to Pete, doesn’t it make you feel so proud that this is what you have created, because it is a beautiful park.”
Lola said Peter always liked to keep busy, over the years he had many hobbies which kept him full of life and energy, including watching his ‘doggies’.
“He loved working with wood work and creating little things, I look around now and see just how much he built.
“He loved his garden, he was always poking around and planting things.
“… He always carried around this blue pan and brush and I jokingly said I am going to put that with you when you go, and now that is where it is now.”
Lola said the two have shared a full, happy life and she and the family are content.
“The two of us were always involved in things together, we enjoyed the same things which was very lucky.
“He didn’t go his way and me mine, we always went together everywhere we went.”
