A true Tasmanian hero has been farewelled.
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George Gordan Henderson was the last surviving Tasmanian-born Rat of Tobruk.
He passed away peacefully this week at age 100 – having celebrated his centenary in March.
He was remembered by family and friends on Friday as a remarkable and generous man who enjoyed the simple things in life.
Born in Dilston, Mr Henderson was one of seven children and survived all of his siblings.
He enlisted in the army at Brighton in 1939 and during his many years of service, he fought in the Siege of Tobruk, an eight month campaign in Libya.
His sacrifice and loyalty throughout the war earned him the respect of many generations – including his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
But for one grandson, it was not just his contribution on the battlefield and dedication to his country that made him so special.
Scott Henderson described his pa as a “man whose strength of character has given me the strength in the past and will continue to do so in the future”.
“Pa was a man of an era all but gone, when things were not so easy … when men learned how to make do,” he said.
“He was a successful man, because of old-fashioned hard work.”
Mr Henderson’s hard work continued after the war when he began picking apples and eventually purchased his own orchard at Gravelly Beach with his wife.
It was on that farm that his grandchildren and great-grandchildren would create some of their fondest memories.
A few of those many memories, were remembered during a funeral service for Mr Henderson.
Paying tribute to his pa, grandson Baden Brown reflected on conversations they shared over the years.
“Conversations with pa were always positive, reflective and varied. The war years were often mentioned but never elaborated on,” he said.
“I don’t think any of us as grandchildren pushed pa on this, perhaps conscious of what we may have really found out about the horrors of what pa and his mates had gone through.”
Mr Brown then took the opportunity to thank his pa, one last time.
“We wonder if we ever thanked you enough for the sacrifices you made, to let us lead the lives we live today,” he said.
“And for the simple things like laughter, smiles and times we shared around your kitchen table, the barbecue, the farm and Coles Bay.
“Rest in peace pa, I am sure nanna is quite excited you’re finally being reunited.”