Over 30 family and friends gathered in the RAAF Retirement Village Albany on Saturday 13 May to join Neil in the celebrating his 95th birthday. The guests present included centenarian Harold Martin, Local Member of Parliament Peter Watson and his wife Diane Wolfer, who wrote the books The Lighthouse Girl and The Light Horse Boy. Those people gathered were supplied with the usual Heineken and tasty finger food prepared by the local village residents.
Gypsy O’Dea, Neil’s granddaughter, spoke of Neil as a tremendous role model for the whole family and his great strength and endurance. A good time was had by all Neil with Harold Martin and Murray Maxon were also invited to a small afternoon tea at the Federal Member for O’Connor, Rick Wilson’s, office. Murray Maxon, is a 97-year-old veteran Fighter Pilot who flew over France with his brother in the same plane, both awarded The Croix de guerre by France.
The Minister for Veterans Affairs Dan Tehan was visiting Albany and they had afternoon tea together. Neil was very chuffed with this afternoon tea.
  |