JACK Pendlebury came from a very poor background, says his daughter Jacquelene Cook.
"Dad thought if he had a shirt on his back he was the luckiest man in the country, so all he wanted to do was help others," Ms Cook said.
"He lived for his community; Loftus was everything to him."
The Geographical Names Board is considering changing the name of Orchid Street Reserve at Loftus to Pendlebury Park in recognition of the community contribution made by Mr Pendlebury and wife Dorothea.
Sutherland Shire Council proposed the change, which is supported by community leaders and groups.
The couple, who died a fortnight apart two years ago, built a modest house in Orchid Street in 1958 when the area was mainly bushland.
As well as raising Jacquelene and her brothers John and Peter, they also fostered several more children, and worked hard for the community.
The sporting field opposite was among facilities they campaigned for, and it became an extension of their home.
Mr Pendlebury planted and watered trees, removed litter and graffiti and sought improvements.
Cups of tea were provided for council workers and parents watching their children at football training, and they were also invited to use the bathroom in the Pendlebury home because the ground lacked toilets.
Mr Pendlebury raised funds for Loftus Public School, collected donations and toys for the Salvation Army at Yarrawarrah and Engadine shopping centres and played Santa Claus for various groups for 40 years.
He filled many roles with the Loftus Yarrawarrah Rovers Football Club, helped start Loftus Heights Progress Association, was a Sunday School superintendent, a celebrant and, as a JP, happily signed forms at all hours.
"Mum was his rock and supported him in all his community work," Ms Cook said.
"When Mum died, Dad followed 14 days later."
They had seven grandchildren.
"Their home was like a child minding centre when we all worked, but they never complained because they loved us so much," Ms Cook said.
"Dad was a Bexley boy, while Mum grew up in Sydenham.
"She was a lifesaver at Ramsgate baths and Dad used to show off while she ignored him. They married when he was 21 and she was 19.
"Dad was a linesman for St George County Council and knew every power pole he ever put up."
‘MAKE IT OFFICIAL’
John Lane, president of Loftus Yarrawarrah Rovers Football Club, said that the ground
was already nicknamed Pendlebury Park.
Improvements achieved by Mr Pendlebury had included new trees, seating, fencing, floodlighting and a water bubbler, he said in a letter of support.
‘‘He could not have had these successes without the
respect the council held for him,’’ he wrote.
‘‘He gained the respect of the community because he did these things without seeking kudos. A humble man who achieved for us all.’’
Details of the proposed name change: gnb.nsw.gov.au.
Written submissions: Geographical Names Board, 346 Panorama Avenue, Bathurst, NSW 2795.
