Donald Arthur Wilkin was born in Wellington on June 22, 1917 to Charlotte (nee Cooper) and Herbert Wilkin.
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He spent his early days in Yeoval, and then Orange where his father built a house in Clinton Street.
It was during this time that his younger siblings Colin, Gwen and Barbara came along.
After Barbara was born, the family relocated to Putney, Sydney.
His youngest sister Nola was also born while the family was living in Sydney, but sadly passed away at age 6.
When the Depression hit, the family relocated back to Yeoval.
Don spent his days 'rabbit trapping,' putting food on the table for the family.
Don's love of social activities developed during this time as he assisted organising town dances.
He learned to dance, which was a passion that continued late in life.
His sisters Barb and Gwen used to tap dance and perform at these events, making many fun family memories.
While living in Yeoval, Don's first job was working night shift on the telephone exchange.
He always said that he learned more there than he ever learned at school.
He and his father then bought the mail run from Wellington to Parkes, during which time he met the love of his life Barbara Mary Jean Fitzgerald.
He spent a lot of time on her family's dairy, breaking horses and helping on the dairy.
He often mused that Barbara's father was trying to kill him by putting him on the wildest Broncs.
He married Barbara on December 4, 1943 in Wellington.
Their first child, Bonny was born soon after on August 29.
Don decided to sell the mail run and move back to Sydney where his family moved in with Herb, Charlotte and his siblings.
He then started his motor mechanics apprenticeship but was conscripted and sent to Cootamundra for training.
These weren't happy times for Don, and he was honourably discharged when the war ended.
His second daughter Jan was born during this time, on August 3, 1946.
After the war, he completed his apprenticeship and the family moved out to Dunedoo as Don got a mechanics job at a garage.
His third daughter Robyn was born on Boxing Day 1950, and his only son Paul came four years later, on March 25, 1954.
During his years at Dunedoo he enjoyed playing tennis and was one of the top players in town.
The family finally settled in Canowindra in 1957. Don worked at Central Motors and later at Canowindra Motors.
His fifth child Libby was born on October 16, 1959, and his sixth child Donna came along five years later, on September 24, 1964.
Don and Barb successfully raised six children on a single income basic wage, a feat that required discipline and frugality.
Don didn't fancy the tennis courts at Canowindra so thought he might give bowls a go instead, joining the Canowindra Bowling Club when he arrived.
It was during a night out at the Bowling club that Don earned his nickname 'Rocky' after Les Fitzgerald told him that he "sang like a frog down a well", so Don punched him.
They remained good friends after the incident.
Don's siblings frequently visited, enjoying many fun nights out at the club.
He loved listening to Daniel O'Donnell and always said the Irish made the best music.
He also loved Marty Robbins, Jonny Cash and all the old country singers.
He knew the words to most of their songs and loved to sing along.
He still loved to dance, never missing a chance to Quickstep or Jitterbug around a dancefloor.
Don bought 39 Waddell Street and many years later started his own business as a motor mechanic in his backyard.
As he was respected around town as a competent mechanic and honest businessman, his business thrived.
His wife Barbara sadly passed away at the age of 53 in 1978.
In 1981 he married June Booth in Cowra.
June introduced Don to international travel and encouraged him to pursue his passion for aircraft and flying.
Don enjoyed taking anyone willing up for joy flights in an old Cessna 172, RUD.
His most notorious flight being with Fuzz Thompson, when he flew through powerlines attempting to do a forced landing, damaging the tail of the plane in the process.
He still managed to fly the plane back to Cowra airport, but left Canowindra and surrounding districts without power for hours.
June and Don moved to Foster where they lived for quite a few years.
In 1999 he and June separated, and Don moved back to Canowindra and into a flat at 7 Waddell Street, where he lived out his days. He flew regularly at the Cowra Aero Club before handing his license in at the age of 89, before which he had been the oldest pilot in NSW.
He also traded his car for a gopher at age 96 and would whiz down the Main Street most days and have a yarn to the locals.
He had a very strict routine, consisting of a trip to the RSL or Bowling Club at 11am every morning, followed by lunch, a nap, and back to the Bowling Club for a black beer and a rum at 4pm.
The true mark of a man is not his wealth and possessions but his family and friends. Don was a wealthy man indeed. Whilst he has outlived most of his close friends, he has always been surrounded by a caring and loving family.
He was always close to his younger brother Colin, two sisters Gwen and Barb and their husbands Mack and Norm who lived in Sydney.
Their regular visits to Canowindra were legendary, with lunch time and evening sessions at the Bowling Club followed by a few afters at home where they would all sing and dance. Don is survived only by his sister Barb who is around 96 but tells everyone she's over 100.
He loved to debate religion and God, often fuelled by the confidence but lack of clarity or logic that alcohol induces.
Eventually, the family all learned to avoid the topic, although he became adept at bringing everyday conversations around to his favourite subject.
Dad's mother was a staunch Anglican, but in those days he might just as well have been a pagan from the highlands of New Guinea. Somehow in time he miraculously became a converted Catholic and as is often the case developed into a more dedicated member of the Church than most.
Following a number of disagreements with Church representatives, he drifted away and, in later years, refused to have anything to do with it. He still liked to debate the existence of God, though.
When interviewed by the local paper before his 100th birthday about the secret to his longevity, he put it down to drinking rum and a good night's sleep.
However, his family would say that it was living in a community that supported him, where he always had someone to talk to and argue with on the odd occasion.
Don was lucky enough (or unlucky as he would tell you) to celebrate his 100th birthday on June 22, 2017. He had a big celebration at his favourite place (the Bowling Club) surrounded by friends and his large family. He was very proud of his letter from the Queen.
All in all, Don had six children, 20 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
He will be sorely missed in the community and by his family. His family would like to thank the Canowindra community, particularly the staff and patrons at the RSL and Bowling Club, the staff at IGA, Dr Nick O'Ryan and the staff at the Doctors Surgery, and Jenny and the staff at UPA for their kindness and for always looking out for him.
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