Dad was born in 1935. His full name was Walter Barry Robinson, but he hated being called Walter and always insisted on Barry instead. I'm sure he'll come back and haunt anyone who calls him Walter. He was the first of four children born to Albert and Florence Robinson. His siblings are Shirley, Ray and Doug. He grew up on dairy farms around Stokers Siding and Kunghur. He did it pretty tough. From a young age he would get up before dawn to help his parents milk the cows. He would often talk about doing his homework by the light of an oil lamp because there was no electricity. He left home to board with other people when he was 11, and often talked of his boarding house experiences. He finished school and began working for Australia Post when he was 16 years old. He loved working for the post office and often talked about how he had worked in 27 towns and cities in his career. By the time my brother and I were born he had returned to Murwillumbah and worked at the local post office until he retired, achieving the rank of second in charge. He married Mum in 1964 and my brother Troy and I were born in the early 70s. He had no grandchildren, although he loved kids. Dad loved music, and although he didn't play an instrument, he he was actively involved in the Music Industry. He managed a band called the Sonics for several years in the late 60's and early 70s. They played many shows around the gold coast Tweed and Byron Bay Area, gathering quite a following. He looked back on that time in his life with fondness and pride. Dad loved sport, and played cricket and tennis in his youth with great skill. He took up golf later in life because we lived near the golf course. He wasn't so good at golf and often jokingly referred to himself as the world's worst golfer. I think it was more about having a drink with his mates in the club house after a round. Dad was very good with his hands, and could fix anything and build anything, even though he had never been taught. Even after I left home I would get Dad to come and fix something for me, or make me some furniture. He once made me a beautiful book case which I treasured for many years. Dad loved his family, the occasional beer, and loved to talk to people and tell stories and give advice, often without being asked. He was a wonderful husband, father and brother and will be forever missed by all of us.
