Norman and Leonie retired to the Central Coast but following a diagnosis of dementia, Leonie couldn’t continue to care for Norman at home and needed an aged care home where they could stay together.  Moran Kellyville was close to their family and provided all the care and facilities they were looking for.

Since moving to Moran Kellyville, Leonie has become a keen gardener, surprising herself with the fresh vegetables she has grown and supplied to the Home to use in residents’ meals.  Norman continues to follow his favourite sports on television and can sometimes be found back at the bowling club for a few ends of lawn bowls with his daughters.

Norman was born at Five Dock and Leonie at Leichhardt. They met at Vic’s Cabaret at Strathfield and were married in 1960.  They had 3 children, Gai, Tracey and Warwick (R.I.P), 2 sons-in-law and 4 adoring grandchildren.  As a couple, they have been inseparable and have continued to love and care for each other throughout their married life. According to their children, “they have been the most amazing role models, demonstrating love, commitment and a strong sense of community and compassion towards others.”

Like many young men of his era, Norman entered a trade after leaving school and worked as a Toolmaker for Crompton Parkinson. He also taught welding at night school.

Norman’s love, apart from Leonie, is sport.  He was an elite sportsman and played many different sports, he was possibly born with a bat and ball in his hand!  He is ambidextrous and would throw right-handed but bat left-handed and sometimes swap sides to confuse the opposition.

Norman represented Australia as a shortstop in baseball in 1957.  He hit the only home run of the series and credits this as one of his sporting highlights.  Norman was also a talented cricketer, playing alongside the likes of Richie Benaud and Ian Chappell and captaining many teams. His batting average for Gladesville was 113.5.

Norman shared his love of sport as a coach and umpire in baseball and softball.  He was awarded life membership to the Epping YMCA Club and North Shore Softball Association for his services.

Norman’s daughters tell the story of him falling asleep on his kayak at Davistown when fishing one day, losing his car keys and personal belongings to the bottom of the ocean.  He told Leonie that he was hit by a big wave, to avoid the embarrassment of admitting he fell asleep and fell in the water!

Leonie had her own sporting achievements and was a keen rower for the Ladies Fours at Drummoyne Rowing Club. She also played netball and instilled the importance of physical activity in her children who all played numerous sports while growing up.

Leonie and Norman were members of the Davistown Bowling Club and were both active indoor and outdoor bowlers.  They even shared the pair’s title when they bowled together!

These days Leonie and Norman are supported to follow their interests at Moran Kellyville with the added benefit of being close to their family.

Moran Kellyville offers respite and permanent care in a modern homely environment.  To find out more about how you can join this friendly community contact us or follow the Moran Aged Care Facebook page.