Sylvania resident Frank Trinder celebrated his 100th birthday this week with his wife of almost 75 years, Rose.
Frank was born June 20,1916 at his parent’s home in Clevedon Road, Hurstville, delivered by the local midwife.
He had one sister, Marie, deceased about two years ago.
Frank attended Hurstville Primary School in the 1920 and in the early 1930 was selected to go to Sydney Boys High School on a bursary.
Despite coming third in the State Intermediate Certificate, his parents were unable to keep him at school.
He sat for the public service entrance exam, came fifth in the state and was appointed to the Police Commissioner’s Office.
After 10 years there, he moved to the Soil Conservation Service and worked there until his retirement as in 1976 at age 60. He retired as administrative head of the Soil Conservation Service.
Frank was a keen sportsman excelling in tennis, cricket and golf. He represented Sydney Boys High in GPS tennis.
He represented Illawarra district at Blackwell Cup Interdistrict tennis, playing with Joe Bromwich, John Bromwich’s brother.
Prior to retirement he joined Peakhurst Bowls club, now Olds Park, and played there from 1958 to 2005 competing regularly as an accomplished lead bowler in pennant bowls.
He met his wife, Joan when he was 21 and she was 18 in 1938.
They were married on September 6, 1941 at Church of England Rockdale and settled in Beverly Hills.
They moved into their family home in June, 1950 and lived there until 2010, some 60 years.
Frank and Joan will be married 75 years in September this year.
Owing to mobility issues, Frank has been a resident at Moran Nursing Home, Sylvania for the last four years while Joan lives with their daughter, Margaret and son-in-law, Peter.
They have one daughter, Margaret Sheean, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
‘’He has been devoted to his family and friends and has been characterised by personal integrity, wonderful loyalty to family and friends, a dry wit and a sharp analytical mind featuring clarity of thought and precise written expression,’’ Margaret said.
