The Twin Towns lost two of its prominent members of the community this week, with the passing of Jim Stevenson and Bob Spackman.
Jimmy and Spider
Jim, a great family man, was man of resilience who took what life threw at him and responded with strength and determination. When he was interviewed for Local Legends last year, Jim said, “I lost my dad when I was 7 and left school at 10. I was left to caretake a farm, 20 miles out of town for 2 months when I was 12 and although I was terrified I got through it.” Such was his strength of character. He was the town’s local butcher for many years working long hours, supplying trains carrying soldiers during the war years. Jim was spied mowing his lawn at his home only last week, where he still resided at the age of 91. He valued his independence but visits from children and grandchildren were the highlight of his day. Jim leaves behind a very close family to mourn his passing, of Rosemary, Bob, Greg and their families. His much loved wife Gloria pre-deceased him in 2000. Jim will be laid to rest after a graveside service at the Murrumburrah Lawn Cemetery at 11 am today.
Bob Spackman
Bob Spackman passed away on the weekend after suffering a severe stroke. Bob came from a well-known dairying family and spent his early days working with his father in this industry before establishing his own stock carrying business out of what is now Parker’s Smash Repairs. He then went into real estate development. He was also a Shire Councillor, firstly with Demondrille Shire Council and then Harden Shire Council. He was Deputy President from 1990-1991 and Mayor between 1993-1995 and 1998-1999. He then went on to be Deputy Mayor from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2001 to 2002. Bob retired from Council in 2008. He was committed to his community and was a catalyst in the establishment of the Harden Rodeo and Picnic Races. He was made a life member of the Picnic Race Club. He was always available and a hardworking committee member of these organisations. He was always on call to assist his family in any way he could. Bob will be farewelled with a service at St Paul’s on Friday at 2.30 pm. He will be sadly missed by his wife Erla and children Sue, Jan, Peter, Todd, Amanda and their families.
