Last Friday the Eden community gathered to farewell local hero Al Armstrong who passed away on June 2.
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“Eden and its surrounds have lost one of its greatest citizens and we have been enriched by his presence and conversely we will be poorer for his passing,” John Liston said at his funeral at 2pm Friday, June 10.
“Al’s life was one of loving, giving service whether in war and in peace, or to God, family, business and community work.”
Al was born in Pambula on February 8 in 1920 and served in New Guinea during World War II. After serving his country for many years in wartime, Al returned to Eden and turned his energies to community service.
Al joined the Eden Ambulance Service and was a volunteer Ambulance driver from 1948 to 1952 and was awarded Life membership.
He was the Controller of the State Emergency services for 21 years.
He co-founded the Eden Surf Lifesaving Club and was the foundation member of the Eden Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol.
Fifty years ago Al with Bruce Fraser and Doug Hepburn successfully fought for public housing for Eden to keep workers in the town. Previous to that, many people lived in tents at Thompson Point and Bungo Street.
Al was a foundation member and chairman of the Eden Port Development Committee and chairman of the Eden Fisherman’s Co-operative.
Al was a member of the National Parks Advisory Committee for 10 years, three of which as chairman and was a foundation member of the Eden Chamber of Commerce.
He served for 15 years as chairman of three Government funded Eden Building Societies and was Chairman of the Eden RSL for 12 years and secretary for a similar number of years.
These are only some of his many achievements which also include being a founding member of the George Bass Surf Boat Marathon.
“Al Armstrong enjoyed longevity of years, 96 years to be exact, but it was we (family and community) who were blessed by his use of those years, for he showed amazing energy, vision and service to us, as his legacy,” Mr Liston said.
“Thank you for enriching our lives and being a model of kindness and service.”
Mr Armstrong is survived by his sister Nedra Orme, his brother Bob Armstrong, his daughter Gail Ward, his grandchildren Holly, Dylan, Gemma, Tah’lita and Toscha and his great-grandchildren Rosie, Amelie, Maeve, Charlie, Pippa and Alfie.
