Post by scootman on Jun 17, 2008 9:13:06 GMT 10
GRAND OLD MAN OF CARAVANNING DIES
VICTORIA'S grand old man of caravanning Joe Jeans has died, aged 105. An active caravanner who hauled his 'van to Queensland every year until he was 102, the former seaman died after a short illness following a fall. His caravan, which he built himself at Geelong College's Austin Gray Centre while in his early 90s, was his pride and joy. "He was an amazing man and loved his travels north to Queensland in his caravan, which he handcrafted," College head of Fine Art Phil Taylor told Caravanning News. He said staff and students held a wake at the college and would sadly miss the Syrian-born adventurer, who taught himself to read, write and speak seven languages. Joe went to sea after qualifying as a ships carpenter at age 12, his travels bringing him to Australia where he met and married his late wife Vera in 1960. Joe had no family and was still driving until three weeks before his death. He was a regular visitor to the College where he cheerfully shared his skills and knowledge.
VICTORIA'S grand old man of caravanning Joe Jeans has died, aged 105. An active caravanner who hauled his 'van to Queensland every year until he was 102, the former seaman died after a short illness following a fall. His caravan, which he built himself at Geelong College's Austin Gray Centre while in his early 90s, was his pride and joy. "He was an amazing man and loved his travels north to Queensland in his caravan, which he handcrafted," College head of Fine Art Phil Taylor told Caravanning News. He said staff and students held a wake at the college and would sadly miss the Syrian-born adventurer, who taught himself to read, write and speak seven languages. Joe went to sea after qualifying as a ships carpenter at age 12, his travels bringing him to Australia where he met and married his late wife Vera in 1960. Joe had no family and was still driving until three weeks before his death. He was a regular visitor to the College where he cheerfully shared his skills and knowledge.
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