Community & Business
12 July, 2024
Roy Grundy remembered
Over 100 people turned out for a memorial service for local personality Roy Grundy.
Renowned Ring Announcer and friend of Roy’s Angus Lane OAM was MC for the occasion.
Granddaughter and Oakey State High School supply teacher Anita Polzin spoke first, wearing her grandfather’s hat.
Son Russell Grundy talked about Roy’s move to the Jondaryan area where he helped found Bowenville-Jondaryan Junior Farming Group, and joined the St. Anne’s Anglican Church.
He also spoke about how his father helped start Jondaryan Rural Fire Brigade by sourcing its first engine - a Department of Primary Industries artificial insemination truck.
Russell spoke about how his father could name every single model or make of tractors and farm machinery at Woolshed Grand Parades.
Daughter Sue Sowden spoke about how the Grundy children used to go to the Rutledge family property after church at St. Anne’s.
Her son also read a poem in Roy’s honour.
The following guests left their reflections on Roy’s life and passion for the Woolshed.
Cr Melissa Taylor, Toowoomba Regional Council:
“Roy was a family man, cherished friend and respected member of our community. The 63 years he spent with wife Pam a testament to the power of partnership.”
David Totenhofer, former Jondaryan Woolshed manager:
“Visionary, connections, constant, were the three words that stuck out to me.
“Through the ups and downs, Roy was there. Let’s keep this place going and honour Roy’s memory.”
Angus Lane OAM:
“Roy was connected in a way that was deep and wide across the region.
John Eggleston, Jondaryan Woolshed Historian:
“Roy was a natural leader, and was the main one who led the Woolshed through its ups, and downs, of which there were many.
Tom McVeigh Senior, founding member, Jondaryan Woolshed Preservation Committee:
“He was a good man to follow and more people should have followed him.”
Tony Elliott, founding member, Jondaryan Woolshed Preservation Committee lamented the demise of public service and spoke of the degradation of Australia’s past and its history:
“If more people stood up and tried to build instead of trying to tear down what others have done, we’d have a much better society.”
