JACK Allenby Bateman was born in Millicent at Mrs Mott’s Nursing Home on January 20, 1926 to Val and Hilda Bateman.
Jack spent his formative years in Millicent and grew up with his sister Joy and brothers Murray, Max and Ian.
He attended Millicent Primary School and after one year at Millicent High School he left to work on the family farm.
The family had property at Furner and Jack and his three brothers lived there in a primitive hut, only coming to Millicent on weekends to stock up on supplies and no doubt be fed and doted on by their mother and sister.
They all worked hard and as a result the family gradually acquired enough property so that as time went on each of the boys were able to branch out on their own.
In the late 1940s Jack and his brother Ian moved to the White Waterhole at Hatherleigh.
During this time at a local dance Jack met Edna Air, a nurse who had come to work at the Thyne Memorial Hospital at Millicent to save money to travel overseas.
According to the family, Jack swept Edna off her feet with his dancing style and cheeky sense of humour.
Love prevailed with Jack and Edna marrying February 3, 1951.
Together they moved to the White Waterhole and for two years they lived in basic conditions in just two rooms.
Jack and Edna’s first child Annette was born in November 1951 while they lived in the two rooms and 12 months later, they moved into their new house.
Their son John was born in November 1954 and their youngest daughter Pam in September 1957.
Jack was a proud grandfather to Kathy, David, Sally, Sam, Hilda and Sonia and great grandfather to Milly, Skye, Harriet, Torah and Coby.
Jack had many varied interests and was an active participant and leader in the local community.
He followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Millicent Masonic Lodge and remained an active member for around 65 years.
He was also a member of Grand Lodge and travelled extensively in South Australia attending lodge functions.
This meant Jack spent a lot of time wearing a tuxedo and tails and of course Edna had to have the ball gowns.
Religion was important to Jack.
Throughout his life he attended many services at Saint Michael and All Angels Anglican Church in Millicent and served on the church council and the diocesan synod.
The congregation members, both young and old, became lifelong friends and an important part of his social circle.
Jack’s ashes will be laid to rest in the church rose garden next to Edna.
Jack was a member of the school and hospital boards.
He was also the founding president of the Millicent and District Community Club and went on to become the first life member.
In later years Jack would meet regularly with his friends on Saturday mornings for drinks and a catch up.
Jack was a founding member of the Millicent Probus Club even though he said it would not work.
At the 25th Probus anniversary dinner he had to admit that perhaps for once in his life he was wrong.
Jack was a member of the Millicent Football Club and in 1949 captained the B Grade to win the premiership.
Jack’s love for football continued and he was a passionate Crows supporter.
Jack and Edna went to many matches with the South East Crows Supporters Club.
When he moved into Boneham Aged Care Services in Millicent three years ago his Crows rug led to much rivalry and banter with staff and visitors.
In 1972 John left school and came home to work with Jack on the farm which enabled Jack and Edna to pursue their love of travel and they went on many holidays in Australia and overseas.
They had happy memories of their travels and made many friends.
During the 1970s one of their trips was to Europe where Jack became interested in Simmental and Charolais cattle and upon his return home used artificial insemination to introduce these breeds to the farm.
The Simmental became the breed of choice.
The Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983 were the precursor to major changes in Jack’s life.
The farm changed to carrying only cattle and Jack and Edna moved into Millicent the following year.
Jack stepped back from the farm and allowed John to become the “boss” while he became the “workman”.
There was the pilgrimage to Beachport every summer where the Bateman family holidayed at the caravan park with the Bob Bells, Stewart Bells, Mitchells, Hanns, Moodies and Spehrs.
Jack’s funeral was conducted at Boneham Aged Care Services by Millicent Anglican Church pastoral assistant Margaret Bitter.
The eulogy was given by his younger daughter and she finished it with these remarks.
“Jack taught us to love life and we knew we could always rely on him for support.
“He was a gentleman and a gentle man.
“He was a wise man, a moral man, he was a prankster and a joker, cheeky, pragmatic, fun loving, laid-back, would often burst into song and he was one hell of a good dancer.
“Jack always had a twinkle in his eye which matched his great sense of humour.
“At times we were never quite sure what he was going to do next.
“We will be telling his tales for years to come.”
