Hugh and Ruby Willey raised three children, Frank, Kathleen and Kevin, who all maintained contact with Nagambie during their lives.
Kathleen died in 2013 and Frank in 2022, leaving Kevin to carry the tradition.
Kevin and Margaret moved back to Nagambie after raising their daughters Megan and Jodie, and Margaret’s son Robbie, in outer suburban Sunbury.
Kevin had been in declining health for a number of years, but remained content in his friendly, outgoing self, until a few weeks ago when the perils of his 88 years on Earth overcame his determination.
His father, Hugh, worked as a ganger on the Victorian Railways, and Kevin followed him into the railway service, selecting a clerical career rather than his “dad’s way and works” outdoors life.
Forty years covered Kevin’s railway career, where he progressed to be a member of the Materials Handling and Packaging specialist team, which meant visiting railway stations all over Victoria and intestate.
One of his colleagues stated that many country staff remembered Kevin by name, where he and others from head office were just “suits”.
As the privatisation of the railways commenced, Kevin took early retirement and became a pathology company courier, where his territory was the Macedon Ranges, and his friendly banter and the customer service he delivered is recalled by many medical centres.
A funeral service was held at St Malachy’s Catholic Church on Friday, March 14.
A workmate of Kevin’s, Michael Halley, delivered an insight into the life of Kevin, both at work and leisure.
His daughters also remembered the man they knew as Dad and Pop.
After church proceedings, Kevin was laid to rest at the Nagambie Cemetery to be with other family members.
Kevin’s extended family will have lasting memories of a husband, father and grandfather who made his mark, and will be grieved for a long time to come.
– Michael Halley
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