Born at Tenterfield to Percy, a stock and station agent, and Annie, a nurse, he had an older brother John and younger brother George. His grandfather owned the butcher shop next to the Tenterfield saddler.
Kevin enjoyed a happy and active country childhood, playing sport, riding horses and anything involving the outdoors.
After moving to Scone, then Cowra during WWII for his father’s work, Kevin commenced boarding school in 1942 at St Stanislaus College in Bathurst.
He enjoyed boarding life, but hated being couped up in a classroom, so he made a deal with his father – if he achieved straight As in his second year, he could leave – he did.
In 1944, at 14, he began an eight-month adventure of a lifetime, joining a team droving 1500 cattle from the Queensland border to Albury. He declared this experience to be the education of a lifetime.
As a teenager Kevin played cricket and rugby league and would often sneak off to ride bulls in the local rodeo (leaving the house in his cricket gear to avoid his parents worrying).
Known to be a fearless tackler, he was asked to try his hand at Aussie Rules, winning three premierships in a row with teams in the towns where he worked – Albury, St James and Kilmore. When he moved to Yarrawonga for work, he hung up the footy boots and began his love of golf.
In 1952 on his way to Melbourne on the Spirit of Progress train for a job interview with Victorian Producers Co-operative (VPC) Benalla, the train crashed into a Bullen’s Circus wagon killing a number of people.
Kevin helped with injured passengers and yet still managed to make it to the job interview, getting the job and moving to Benalla that year as manager of VPC. He would loyally remain in that role for more than 40 years.
He was a highly-respected stock and station agent, known for his business acumen, respected by farmers and clients for his extensive knowledge of stock and the land.
He had a positive, charismatic personality and always had time for a chat and to help out anyone in need.
He mentored many in the business and often helped other regions in Victoria in times of droughts and floods.
He owned farms at Warrenbayne and Benalla, so this ‘second job’ meant many weekends were spent checking on stock, feeding, drenching and general farm work.
Despite ‘retiring’ in 1992, 20 clients insisted he still manage their affairs, which he continued to do part-time until he was 91. Luck was spelt W-O-R-K according to Kevin.
He was the oldest playing member of Benalla Golf Club since 1954 and served for many years on its committee, helping to establish greens from sand scrapes.
He played until he was nearly 94, but most of the fun was had on the 19th hole.
An avid horse racing fan, he was the longest serving continuous member of the Benalla Racing Club, joining in 1954, serving on its committee for many years and as honorary bookmakers’ supervisor for 17 years.
He was recognised with a life membership in December 2024. He also held memberships at Flemington, Caulfield and Moonee Valley.
As a punter, he would say he holds the record for backing the most consecutive number of second place horses.
He volunteered countless hours to support the Benalla community.
As a member of Benalla Lions Club for decades, he was involved in numerous fundraisers and countless club projects benefitting the town.
For years, he was the club’s ‘Tail Twister’ which involved telling stories about other members’ monthly activities.
He helped establish Munro Ave Kindergarten and was a great supporter of St Joseph’s Church and primary school.
He was on the boards of Benalla Technical School and FCJ College. He chaired the building project for the Parish Units on Bridge St.
Kevin was a highly-skilled public speaker and auctioneer and was often called upon for a range of Benalla charity auctions.
He never declined a request and received more than 300 letters of thanks acknowledging his good work over the years.
Of greatest importance in Kevin’s life was his loving family.
He met high school teacher Faye Hamilton in 1964 at the Benalla races, marrying her in 1966 – almost 60 years ago.
Along with Faye, the pride and joy of his life were son Michael, daughter Julianne, their partners Peta and Adam, and his seven granddaughters.
As a dedicated family man, he was at the heart of every occasion big or small.
His outdoor lifestyle and Faye’s healthy cooking and dedication to his every need are attributed to his long, healthy, independent life.
With a wink and a smile he said the secret was, “Keep moving, eat steak and drink Crown Lager’’.
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