Norm was a charming man with a wealth of information, an accomplished illustrator, photographer and draftsman with a quick wit and love of classic music.
Norm and wife Dallas moved to Morwell in the Latrobe Valley in 1950 to take up a position as Draftsman with the Gas and Fuel Corporation.
In 1952, they welcomed Howard into the world. Two years later John was born, and in a little over two more years later I completed the family of five.
Being a father of three young boys he loved to play Hide and Seek. On one occasion we eventually found him sitting cross legged in the hallway cupboard. God knows how he got up there but this was just one example of the extent he would go to entertain us.
Dad drew this sketch of film actress Veronica Lake 15 years before I was born, but for as long as I can remember I was captivated by this image. It seemed more real than a photo. I was mesmerised by the way the eyes would follow you around the room. This inspired me to draw from a very young age.
By the time I was 10 years old, Dad would bring home reams of paper for me to draw on. I remember one day asking him for a subject for my next drawing and he said “draw the curtains”. It took me a while to realise what he meant. Typical of his sense of humour. Needless to say it was a beautiful drawing of curtains.
Dad drew this sketch of film actress Veronica Lake 15 years before I was born, but for as long as I can remember I was captivated by this image. It seemed more real than a photo. I was mesmerised by the way the eyes would follow you around the room. This inspired me to draw from a very young age.
By the time I was 10 years old, Dad would bring home reams of paper for me to draw on. I remember one day asking him for a subject for my next drawing and he said “draw the curtains”. It took me a while to realise what he meant. Typical of his sense of humour. Needless to say it was a beautiful drawing of curtains.
Dad retired from full time work in 1987 when he was 63 years old. Long before email, the only way to send him a message on the day was by Telegram which cost an arm and a leg and had to be personally delivered.
This was my ‘ode’ to Dad.
To Norm Watkinson
So here you are, your final day
No more leaving work in the usual way
This time you heard the rest stop and say
The old bugger finally got his way
With fishing, and woodwork, maybe wash the car
A trip to the city – Sydney is not that far
Perhaps spin a yarn or two with the boys at the bar
Another pot Norm? Just one more thanks, yeah…ta
So what just will you do with the days now all yours
Will you finally settle for the household chores?
Let’s not forget the wife you adore
Who tells me her guess is as good as yours
Happy retirement Dad
Jeff and the rest.
He was passionate about the computer game Microsoft Flight Simulator. It was a pleasure watching him bring a Boeing 737 gently down on the tarmac as though he had spent his life as a commercial airline pilot.
In his final months it seemed as though, in his mind, he was descending from 30,000ft to a runway far out of sight.
I happened to visit Dad the day before he passed away and instead of greeting me with his usual animated smile, it felt as though I was interrupting his final approach.
As it turns out I was probably right.
No doubt a perfect landing.
Rest In Peace Dad.