LINDSAY (Lin) Shaw, formerly of Gobur, was born in Yea on November 27, 1925, to Leslie Victor and Alice Shaw. He had an older brother Leslie and younger siblings Murial, John and Malcolm. Lin passed away just shy of his 101st birthday, on October 3, 2026. Son Milton Shaw provided information on his father’s life, reading some of his father’s recollections from a book Lin had been writing about his life. Milton read that his father’s childhood was “Filled with the natural beauty of rural Victoria. “He fondly remembers the golden wattle blooming across the hills and the valleys, painting the landscape in shades of gold. “The creeks and rivers were abundant with trout and fishing became one of his favourite pastimes. “He attended a small country school [in Gobur] where there was only one teacher responsible for all grades from grade one to grade eight, with an average attendance of only 15 to 16 students. “It was a close-knit environment where everyone knew one another. “Lindsay recalls those years as romantic and carefree time when boys and girls played together and life revolved around family, friends and local community. Milton continued, “His first employment was with the Union Bank in Alexandria, which I think became the National Bank later on. “He worked there as a junior officer and ledger keeper. “His annual salary was 90 pounds, which was considered a respectable wage for a young man at the time.” In December 1943, “At the age of 18, Lindsay enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAF), during the Second World War. “His service would become one of the defining chapters of his life. “His training began in Adelaide, where he spent three months. “During this period, the people of Adelaide warmly supported servicemen, often providing meals and hospitality. “It was here that Lindsay met a young Adelaide woman who would later become the love of his life, Patricia Jenke. “Following Adelaide, Lindsay underwent further specialised training in Sydney, Dalby in Queensland, and Tocumwal in New South Wales. “He was attached to the number 12 squadron, which operated bomber aircraft and was essentially deployed to Darwin. “He was an electrical aircraft mechanic. “Despite the distance and demands of military life, Lindsay maintained his relationship with Patricia through years and visits. wherever possible. “He proudly served in the Air Force for three years before returning to civilian life,” Milton read. Milton added, “He did tell me that he had a few flights to some of the islands, but he really didn't want to talk about it. I don't know whether he stayed there for a day or a week, but he did say that he had been outside of Australia, on some of the small islands.” He said that his father would have been present for the bombing of Darwin. He was discharged in July 1946. He received the War Medal 1939-1945 and the Australia Service Medal 1939-1945. Milton continued reading, “Following the war, Lindsay returned to Adelaide and married his beloved Patricia. “Together they built a life filled with love, friendship and shared interests. “The couple especially enjoyed tennis, social dancing, parties, music and the outdoor activities. “They were devoted companions who greatly enjoyed spending time together. “Lindsay and Patricia were blessed with two sons, Milton and Ian, and family became the centre of their lives. “Patricia remained the most influential person in Lindsay's life, and when reflecting on his journey, he consistently described her as his greatest support and inspiration. “Lindsay and Patricia spent 12 years running a small business, one of the old corner grocery stores,” Milton read. Milton added that his father was fortunate to have sold the business just before Woolworths opened nearby. Milton then studied for his accountancy qualifications and obtained his certificate from the Australian Society of Accountants (ASSA), which later became the Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA). Lin and Patricia were active members of the Church of England, and they loved to travel, exploring Australia, as well as New Zealand and England. On the trip to England in 2008, Lin and Patricia were aged 84. Milton’s two daughters were in England at the time, so they met Lin and Patricia at the airport and showed them the sights. They also visited Edinburgh on the same trip, which Lin loved as he has Scottish heritage. The couple made sure to attend Wimbledon while they were in England. Patricia has worked for Tennis South Australia, and Lin was the secretary for the organisation. Lin was involved in running the state tournaments when Arthur Ashe and John Newcombe and Roy Emerson were playing, “So he knew everybody,” Milton said. Living to over 100 years, Lin saw so many changes in society, from horse drawn equipment, right through the digital communications now. Lin was close to completing his life story when he passed away, with one of Milton’s daughters helping with editing. Lin enjoyed reading, music, tennis, sports of all kinds, fishing and country living. Milton said, “He often said that he was 100 per cent rural and country life just ran through his veins. Even though he became a city slicker when he caught up with my mum.” When Lin and Patricia were courting, they went back to Gobur at least once each year, continuing to do so as they raised their children. Milton commented that it was said at the funeral service that there might be only six World War II veterans remaining in South Australia. The group captain and vice-captain from RAF Mitcham both spoke at Lin’s funeral. Lin had two children (Milton and Ian), six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and 13 great great grandchildren.
