Ralph William Willis
26 August 1916 - 30 June 2006
Ralph was born at the Willis family home, 'Erinvale', at Meringandan. He was the eldest child of Will and Hilary. Ralph often told the story about how he had been born on the kitchen table at 'Erinvale'. During the early years of Ralph’s life, his father was away overseas on active service (during World War I). When Ralph was eight, he went to Toowoomba and attended the Toowoomba East State School. During this time he stayed with his grandfather (Arthur Edward Cornell) and was looked after by his aunts. Together with his family Ralph moved to Woombye when he was about 12, and continued his education at the Woombye State School and the Nambour Rural School.
When the family arrived at the farm in Woombye the land was all bush. Clearing had to be done by hand and the farm was slowly established. They farmed pineapples and during the off seasons, Ralph travelled away to other jobs. He cooked for shearers and cane cutters, and went to Magnetic Island where his uncle (Ted Cornell) had a guest house. When he was at home he took the night shift at the Woombye telephone exchange. One seasonal job led him to Redcliffe in 1941 where he met his future wife Hazel. In late 1941 Ralph was called up to army service and went on to serve in New Guinea (<https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/774795> and <https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/78055556>). During his time in the army Ralph was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. At the time of his discharge in January 1946 Ralph had been posted to the 9th Australian Infantry Battalion (<https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U56089>). In 1942, when Ralph’s unit was due to go overseas, he was given a 24 hour leave pass prior to departure. Hazel and Ralph married during this time on 1 April 1942.
Throughout his life Ralph worked for the community, supporting projects and fund raising events.
In 1947, Ralph and his father became foundation members of the Woombye Bowls Club. They had worked long and hard with a small band of helpers to set up a club and build the bowling green. Ralph was an active member for many years, and at different times held the position of President, Secretary and Patron. At the time of his death Ralph was a Life Member.
Ralph was the greenkeeper at Woombye and the Swan club for 10 years, with another 10 years at Yandina. In 1965, Ralph developed an accurate and relatively easy method of levelling bowling greens. For 18 years he travelled widely levelling greens. His work included the preparation of the greens at Moorooka for the Commonwealth Games in 1982. Ralph received a meritorious award from the RQBA (now Bowls Queensland) for his contribution to bowls.
Ralph was a long serving member of the Nambour Rifle Club. He enjoyed the competitions and competed many times at the annual Queen’s event in Brisbane. Club days were often family days. He received a presentation from the club which sums up his dedication. In part it reads – “In appreciation … Many times club champion, captain, coach, life member and beginner’s friend.”
Ralph served as chief steward for the Woombye District fruit displays which were held each year at the Nambour Show and the Royal Brisbane Exhibition. He spent many hours designing the displays, making mechanical and lighting effects, sourcing and gathering the required fruit from the local farmers. His years of service were rewarded with life membership of the RNA.
Ralph loved and appreciated nature. If he noticed new trees or flowers he always took the time to take a closer look. He loved growing things – especially fruit and vegetables and enjoyed sharing the harvest. He did not take for granted the abundance of his garden. He also enjoyed the wide variety of birds that gathered each day in the garden. Many happy hours were spent in a small boat on the Maroochy River. Ralph's grandsons often accompanied their Pa when he went crabbing.
No day was complete without time spent in “the shed”. There were always projects underway and new inventions to be worked on. Ralph’s family has an amazing collection of his handiwork – from quirky things to beautiful furniture.
Ralph was born at the Willis family home, 'Erinvale', at Meringandan. He was the eldest child of Will and Hilary. Ralph often told the story about how he had been born on the kitchen table at 'Erinvale'. During the early years of Ralph’s life, his father was away overseas on active service (during World War I). When Ralph was eight, he went to Toowoomba and attended the Toowoomba East State School. During this time he stayed with his grandfather (Arthur Edward Cornell) and was looked after by his aunts. Together with his family Ralph moved to Woombye when he was about 12, and continued his education at the Woombye State School and the Nambour Rural School.
When the family arrived at the farm in Woombye the land was all bush. Clearing had to be done by hand and the farm was slowly established. They farmed pineapples and during the off seasons, Ralph travelled away to other jobs. He cooked for shearers and cane cutters, and went to Magnetic Island where his uncle (Ted Cornell) had a guest house. When he was at home he took the night shift at the Woombye telephone exchange. One seasonal job led him to Redcliffe in 1941 where he met his future wife Hazel. In late 1941 Ralph was called up to army service and went on to serve in New Guinea (<https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/774795> and <https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/78055556>). During his time in the army Ralph was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. At the time of his discharge in January 1946 Ralph had been posted to the 9th Australian Infantry Battalion (<https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U56089>). In 1942, when Ralph’s unit was due to go overseas, he was given a 24 hour leave pass prior to departure. Hazel and Ralph married during this time on 1 April 1942.
Throughout his life Ralph worked for the community, supporting projects and fund raising events.
In 1947, Ralph and his father became foundation members of the Woombye Bowls Club. They had worked long and hard with a small band of helpers to set up a club and build the bowling green. Ralph was an active member for many years, and at different times held the position of President, Secretary and Patron. At the time of his death Ralph was a Life Member.
Ralph was the greenkeeper at Woombye and the Swan club for 10 years, with another 10 years at Yandina. In 1965, Ralph developed an accurate and relatively easy method of levelling bowling greens. For 18 years he travelled widely levelling greens. His work included the preparation of the greens at Moorooka for the Commonwealth Games in 1982. Ralph received a meritorious award from the RQBA (now Bowls Queensland) for his contribution to bowls.
Ralph was a long serving member of the Nambour Rifle Club. He enjoyed the competitions and competed many times at the annual Queen’s event in Brisbane. Club days were often family days. He received a presentation from the club which sums up his dedication. In part it reads – “In appreciation … Many times club champion, captain, coach, life member and beginner’s friend.”
Ralph served as chief steward for the Woombye District fruit displays which were held each year at the Nambour Show and the Royal Brisbane Exhibition. He spent many hours designing the displays, making mechanical and lighting effects, sourcing and gathering the required fruit from the local farmers. His years of service were rewarded with life membership of the RNA.
Ralph loved and appreciated nature. If he noticed new trees or flowers he always took the time to take a closer look. He loved growing things – especially fruit and vegetables and enjoyed sharing the harvest. He did not take for granted the abundance of his garden. He also enjoyed the wide variety of birds that gathered each day in the garden. Many happy hours were spent in a small boat on the Maroochy River. Ralph's grandsons often accompanied their Pa when he went crabbing.
No day was complete without time spent in “the shed”. There were always projects underway and new inventions to be worked on. Ralph’s family has an amazing collection of his handiwork – from quirky things to beautiful furniture.
Hazel Rose Ingham
12 February 1915 - 28 April 2005
Hazel was born in Nundah, Brisbane. She was the eldest child of Joseph Ingham, a woodbender and his wife Rosa, a seamstress. Hazel had two brothers and three sisters. The family grew up in Nundah where she attended the Nundah State School and the Nundah Baptist Church.
Hazel met her future husband Ralph during a holiday at Redcliffe in 1941. In late 1941 Ralph was called up to army service. In 1942 his unit was due to go overseas when he was given a 24 hour leave pass prior to departure. They took advantage of this opportunity to get married and went on to celebrate 63 years of married life together.
While Ralph was away in the army, Hazel spent her time between Nundah and Woombye.
When their two daughters were old enough, Hazel took them to Sunday School at the Methodist Church in Woombye. This meant walking, with their youngest daughter being pushed in a stroller. Hazel was an active member of the church, teaching Sunday School for many years and attending Guild meetings. She also enjoyed the Home League meetings at the Salvation Army.
Hazel had a loving family. She was proud of her two daughters and son-in-law and their achievements. She was very grateful for the love and care of her daughters which enabled her to remain at home at Woombye with her loved ones.
Her grandchildren grew up next door and were a big part of her life. She shared their ups and downs and was able to see them grow into wonderful young adults. In recent years visits from her two great granddaughters were a highlight for her. Their visits were uplifting and at times very entertaining.
In 1947 Ralph and his father became foundation members of the Woombye Bowls Club after much hard work in establishing the club and the bowling green. Hazel joined the Ladies club in 1954. Hazel enjoyed playing bowls and made many good friends. Through bowls, she travelled widely in Queensland and attended carnivals in all State capitals. She was an active member for 46 years. She held the office of President and Patron for both the Club and District Association and was Club Secretary for many years. At the time of her death she was Patron and Life Member of the Club and Life Member of the District Association.
Throughout her life, Hazel actively supported community projects and fund raising events. When ill health slowed her down she kept busy knitting knee rugs for the folks in War Veterans Homes. She also worked quietly in offering a helping hand to many people who she met.
Hazel was born in Nundah, Brisbane. She was the eldest child of Joseph Ingham, a woodbender and his wife Rosa, a seamstress. Hazel had two brothers and three sisters. The family grew up in Nundah where she attended the Nundah State School and the Nundah Baptist Church.
Hazel met her future husband Ralph during a holiday at Redcliffe in 1941. In late 1941 Ralph was called up to army service. In 1942 his unit was due to go overseas when he was given a 24 hour leave pass prior to departure. They took advantage of this opportunity to get married and went on to celebrate 63 years of married life together.
While Ralph was away in the army, Hazel spent her time between Nundah and Woombye.
When their two daughters were old enough, Hazel took them to Sunday School at the Methodist Church in Woombye. This meant walking, with their youngest daughter being pushed in a stroller. Hazel was an active member of the church, teaching Sunday School for many years and attending Guild meetings. She also enjoyed the Home League meetings at the Salvation Army.
Hazel had a loving family. She was proud of her two daughters and son-in-law and their achievements. She was very grateful for the love and care of her daughters which enabled her to remain at home at Woombye with her loved ones.
Her grandchildren grew up next door and were a big part of her life. She shared their ups and downs and was able to see them grow into wonderful young adults. In recent years visits from her two great granddaughters were a highlight for her. Their visits were uplifting and at times very entertaining.
In 1947 Ralph and his father became foundation members of the Woombye Bowls Club after much hard work in establishing the club and the bowling green. Hazel joined the Ladies club in 1954. Hazel enjoyed playing bowls and made many good friends. Through bowls, she travelled widely in Queensland and attended carnivals in all State capitals. She was an active member for 46 years. She held the office of President and Patron for both the Club and District Association and was Club Secretary for many years. At the time of her death she was Patron and Life Member of the Club and Life Member of the District Association.
Throughout her life, Hazel actively supported community projects and fund raising events. When ill health slowed her down she kept busy knitting knee rugs for the folks in War Veterans Homes. She also worked quietly in offering a helping hand to many people who she met.
Ralph and Hazel
Ralph and Hazel were married on 1 April 1942 at Nundah Queensland. They had two daughters. Ralph and Hazel continued to live on the original family farm at Woombye after Will and Hilary retired to live at Wellington Point in 1949.
Ralph and Hazel were involved in local community clubs and activities. He was a President of the Woombye Bowls Club, a member of the local Rifle club and a well known pineapple farmer. For many years Ralph organised the district's produce display at the Brisbane Exhibition.
After their eldest daughter was born, she and Hazel stayed at Nundah for the next 15 months. In 1946 Ralph was discharged from the army due to ill health and the family returned to Woombye. Their second daughter was born in Nambour.
After Ralph’s army service his ill health continued and there were many long stays in the Greenslopes Hospital. Against all odds, he managed to continue farming. In later years on the farm he had the help of a wonderful young fellow, Fred Hatchman. On doctor’s advice, Ralph and Hazel sold the farm in 1971, and it was to Fred and his family.
Ralph and Hazel enjoyed 63 years of marriage together. They were proud of the achievements of their daughters and son-in-law. They keenly followed the progress of their grandchildren and saw the arrival of their two oldest great granddaughters. Another milestone was reached in 2006 when their oldest great granddaughter became the first member of the fourth generation of the family to attend the Woombye State School.
Ralph and Hazel rest at the Buderim Lawn Crematorium and Memorial Gardens (<https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/180841672/ralph-william-willis> and <https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/180841670/hazel-rose-willis>).
Ralph and Hazel were involved in local community clubs and activities. He was a President of the Woombye Bowls Club, a member of the local Rifle club and a well known pineapple farmer. For many years Ralph organised the district's produce display at the Brisbane Exhibition.
After their eldest daughter was born, she and Hazel stayed at Nundah for the next 15 months. In 1946 Ralph was discharged from the army due to ill health and the family returned to Woombye. Their second daughter was born in Nambour.
After Ralph’s army service his ill health continued and there were many long stays in the Greenslopes Hospital. Against all odds, he managed to continue farming. In later years on the farm he had the help of a wonderful young fellow, Fred Hatchman. On doctor’s advice, Ralph and Hazel sold the farm in 1971, and it was to Fred and his family.
Ralph and Hazel enjoyed 63 years of marriage together. They were proud of the achievements of their daughters and son-in-law. They keenly followed the progress of their grandchildren and saw the arrival of their two oldest great granddaughters. Another milestone was reached in 2006 when their oldest great granddaughter became the first member of the fourth generation of the family to attend the Woombye State School.
Ralph and Hazel rest at the Buderim Lawn Crematorium and Memorial Gardens (<https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/180841672/ralph-william-willis> and <https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/180841670/hazel-rose-willis>).
Descendant Chart and report
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