Laurie Phillips
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Pedigree

Birth, Death, Marriage

Laurence Lloyd Phillips was born on 28 October 1925 in Shepparton, Victoria.1 
He married Lorraine Anna Williams, daughter of Cecil Roy Williams and Annie Veronica O'Connell, on 29 September 1951 in Mooroopna, Victoria. 
He died on 5 May 2021 in Shepparton, Victoria, at age 95.2,3 

Family

Lorraine Anna Williams b. 10 Jun 1927, d. 4 Oct 2016
Children
ChartsLarsen, Laust, descendant chart
Milovitch, Thomas, descendant chart
O'Connell, Michael, descendant chart
Williams, John, descendant chart

Story

Laurence Lloyd was born at 7 Swallow St in Shepparton on 28 October 1925. He was the third child of Irene and Thomas. He was known as Laurie. He shared the name Laurence Phillips with an uncle and a cousin.

Laurie was delivered by Dr JA Kennedy.1
 
Early Life 
With Jack, Reg and Laurie born in 1923, 1924 and 1925, stories of any of the boys' childhood escapades invariably featured all three. They grew up during the Great Depression, which was at its peak in Australia in the early 1930s. Particularly during this time, with money used for essentials only, the boys relied on their own resourcefulness and made their own fun.4
Jack, Laurie & Reg Phillips
Image: Nene Courtie
The Parachute: Laurie reckoned that being the youngest of the three, he was usually the guinea pig when an operator or pilot was needed. Like the time they decided to make a parachute out of hession bags and rope. Jack and Reg did most of the design and construction. Laurie got to test it out. With the chute strapped to his back, Laurie was encouraged to climb to the highest point they could find. And jump. Unfortunately, the chute got tangled in a tree branch and when Laurie eventually hit the ground, he landed flat on his back. As he lay there winded and in pain, Jack and Reg stood over him laughing their heads off. When Laurie could eventually breathe, he joined in the laughing.

Decades later, when asked how they would top that, Laurie said that Jack and Reg had advanced plans involving a bottomless 44 gallon drum and inner tube 'propellant' to shoot him out of a cannon.5
 
Back: Reg & Laurie; front: Rene, Brian & Don Phillips, c. 1937
Image: Rene Barnes
Eilie's harp (as told by Laurie Phillips): A few months after Tom and Eilie married, Reg and I were holidaying at Balliang for our Christmas holidays. Auntie Eilie was learning to play a small harp type instrument that was a wedding present. She wasn't making much headway with it. Uncle Tom got the giggles, and Reg and I joined in. Auntie Eilie did the melon and sent Reg and I off to bed, and I guess maybe uncle Tom's honeymoon was over.6
 
How fast will it go, Tom?: Tom Redden had a big car. With Tom and Eilie in the front, and the visiting Reg and Laurie in the back on their way to church, the boys would ask 'How fast will it go, Tom?' Tom would duly oblige by planting the foot, much to the delight of the two in the back. When they got back to school after the holidays and were asked 'what did you do for Christmas?', they would recount the story of how they went screaming along in their uncle's car at 60 miles an hour.7
 
Laurie did Intermediate (for the second time) at Sacred Heart in Shepparton in 1941. His future wife, Lorraine Williams, was in the same class.8,9
 
Railways
For the two years after he did his intermediate (1942 and 1943), Laurie worked for the Victorian Railways in Melbourne. He had a clerical position, delivering mail and messages between different departments. For part of this time, he lived in Albert St, East Melbourne, and for part he lived in Preston in the butcher shop of his uncle, Dougal McDonald.

At the time of his stay, his McDonald grandparents were there, and his cousin, Don, who was three years younger, but not his Auntie Bub. His grandfather was a very good dancer.10,11
 
Military Service
Laurence Lloyd Phillips enlisted in the Royal Australian Naval Reserve at Port Melbourne on 20 June 1944, aged 18. His navy number was PM7535.12
Laurence Lloyd Phillips, RAN, service no. PM7535, c. 1945
Image: Bub Williams
Jack, Reg and I had trouble joining up. At the time, we were all in what they called essential services. [Laurie Phillips]

Laurie began training at HMAS Cerberus in Crib Point on the eastern side of the Mornington peninsula.

I trained at Cerberus. I'll never forget rowing boats in the bitterly cold with water dripping down my neck when we lifted the oars. [Laurie Phillips]

Historical gates, HMAS Cerberus, Crib Point
Image: Royal Australian Navy
He put in for communications and got signalling, and in December 1944 passed his signalling exam with a score of 87%. Laurie was then rated Ordinary Signalman. His job was ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication. This was via either semafore flags or Morse lamps with shutters:
We'd take signals from ship to ship and give directions to keep the ships together, we would use flags or Morse code and we'd all have to move at the same knots. [Laurie Phillips]


Six days after passing his signalling exam, during final leave when he was helping the family move into the Hotel Australia, he received his call-up notice. He said his goodbyes and headed off.

After my last leave before heading off to service, I had a lift to Seymour with Victorian Premier, JGB 'Jack' McDonald. His driver, Clary Elliot, used to stay at the pub when Jack was visiting his farm in Shepp. TJ and Jack were good friends. I felt pretty special sitting in the back seat with the Premier in the front. He asked me some questions - I wish I could remember what my answers were! When I told the guys from base that I'd just got a lift with the Premier, they were impressed.[Laurie Phillips]

[Jack McDonald was not Premier until later, though in December 1944, he could have been acting Premier. As well as being the local member for 19 years, at various times, he was Premier of Victoria, Deputy Premier and leader of the Country Party.]13,14,15,16

Tom & Laurie Phillips, 77 Orr St, Shepparton, 1944. Back: Dear Reg, Here's another snap of Laurie. I got the negative off Rene and Laurie hit the roof. He is still home on leave. Love, Val [Irwin]
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Sis & Laurie Phillips, 1944
Image: Rene Barnes
Laurie was to go to Seymour station and board the troop train heading north; that's all he knew of his destination.

I arrived a bit early at Seymour, so went to the pub for a few drinks. I asked the barkeeper to let me know when the train was about to go because I had to be on it. He said to watch the two guys in the corner; they were the driver and guard.

The carriages were 'dog boxes'; lots of small compartments taking about four people, but you couldn't get to any other parts of the train. When eventually the beer reached my bladder, the only option was to push against the outward opening door and let fly over the countryside.

The train went to Sydney and I was checked off when I got there. Then I went to Brisbane and eventually caught a troop ship to Madang in PNG.13

 
Laurie's service records show he boarded the depot ship HMAS Penguin on 27 December 1944, arriving at Madang on the north coast of PNG (Papua New Guinea) on 12 January 1945.

In early February, he boarded the inspection/stores ship HMAS Falie, travelling east along the coast until arriving at Hollandia (now known as Jayapura) in early March. He returned to Madang in late May. He then boarded the destroyer HMAS Stuart on which he continued his signalling work for four weeks before transferring to HMAS Shark. He also went west as far as the island of Biak. All these places were assembly points for ships and troops prior to major movements into enemy areas.12,17,13
 
The camps were very well resourced by the Americans, who seemed to have a limitless pool of materials and workers at home to produce all manner of military hardware. So it wasn't all work.

In quieter times, I'd 'borrow' one of the Yanks' jeeps, and my mates and I would tear around the airstrip just for something to do. The only problem was we had to get out of the way when a plane came in to land.

At Hollandia, there was a deep sheltered pool and we'd swim or dive. The water was so clear, Dutch gold coins flicked in looked like they'd be pretty easy to get. But they were too deep for all but the experienced locals.

We played ball games, but they sometimes got a bit whacky. We had guys from all over Australia and the US, so the matches swapped between Aussie rules, rugby and gridiron. When we were playing Aussie rules, a New South Wales guy might grab the ball, tuck it under his arm and run as fast as he could. And in rugby or gridiron, the Vic guys would get rid of the ball as fast as they could. [Laurie Phillips]13

New Guinea, where Laurie Phillips served in the Second World War
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
New Guinea, where Laurie Phillips served in the Second World War
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
New Guinea, where Laurie Phillips served in the Second World War
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
New Guinea, where Laurie Phillips served in the Second World War
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
New Guinea, where Laurie Phillips served in the Second World War
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
New Guinea, where Laurie Phillips served in the Second World War
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Laurie Phillips, New Guinea, Second World War
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
New Guinea, where Laurie Phillips served in the Second World War
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
New Guinea, where Laurie Phillips served in the Second World War
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
New Guinea, where Laurie Phillips served in the Second World War: 'Taken at swimming pool at Hollandia, that's me on the rock, no not the black fellow'
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Laurie Phillips (second from right), New Guinea, Second World War
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Laurie Phillips (front right), New Guinea, Second World War: 'A bunch of the boys'
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Laurie Phillips (front left), New Guinea, Second World War: 'Some of the mates'
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Laurie Phillips (front left), New Guinea, Second World War
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Laurie Phillips & friend, New Guinea, Second World War
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
There is only one service record entry between July and December 1945, and that is in mid-September when Laurie was given the rating Acting Signalman at Lonsdale.

His brother Reg was also in the Navy, and saw a lot of action. Reg was aboard the HMAS Shropshire when she sailed for Tokyo Bay and was present for the formal Japanese surrender on 2 September 1945.12,17,13,18
 
Laurie remained in the Navy for about two years after the war finished.

I was about to leave, and told Mum and Dad, but at the last minute there was a request for one signalman. We all went into a draw, and my number came out.

By early December he was at HMAS Magnetic in Townsville. The following day he was at his home port HMAS Lonsdale in Port Melbourne where had enlisted. Two days later he was in Queensland again, this time at HMAS Moreton in Brisbane, then three days after that back at Lonsdale. He took 'Long Leave' on 10 December.12,17,14,13
Laurie Phillips, c. 1945
Image: Lesley Blythman
Laurie Phillips & dog, c. 1945
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
On 22 January 1946, Laurie passed another signalling exam with a score of 88.6%. This was in preparation for minesweeper work.

In a major job at the request of insurance companies, he worked aboard one of several minesweepers as they ensured all the shipping lanes in Bass Strait were clear of mines. At times Bass Strait was extremely rough, and signalling became a hit-and-miss affair as the light signals were at one time directed at the bow of the ship and moments later at the clouds as the ship pitched and rolled in the heavy seas. It was once so rough that sweeping was temporarily halted and they headed for shelter at Hobart. They were surprised to find several very much larger (and more stable) passenger liners had been sheltering there for several days.

Then I did a stint minesweeping across Bass Strait, made sure the shipping lanes were clear of all these mines in some pretty rough waters. At the time you didn't think about it much, you just did what you did and were one of a team doing a job. [Laurie Phillips]


On 24 January, just two days after his signalling exam, Laurie began work on the minesweeper (commonly known as a corvette) HMAS Dubbo.12,17,13,14
HMAS Dubbo J251, Laurie Phillips on board while sweeping Bass Strait, c. 1946
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
In June he was ill and recorded as 'Sick on leave, Shepparton'. After six weeks back at Lonsdale, he was admitted to 115 Australian General Hospital (AGH) in Heidelberg where he stayed overnight.

On discharge from hospital he travelled via HMS Orwell to New South Wales, then to HMAS Harman in Canberra. Harman was a communications facility. In December 1946, he returned to Lonsdale in preparation for 'demobilisation' (release or discharge from service).

Laurence Lloyd Phillips was discharged on 6 January 1947. In his final assessment, his character was given as 'very good', and his efficiency as 'satisfactory'. His rank on discharge was Acting Signalman.

Laurie was awarded four service medals: 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-45 and Australia Service Medal. He also received a Returned from Active Service Badge.12,17
Laurie Phillips, WW2 service medals: 1939-1945 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945, Australia Service Medal
After the war, Laurie was active in the RSL and the Ex-Navalmen's Association.14
Laurie Phillips, Shepparton & District Ex-Navalmen's Association secretary , 1953-1959
Laurie Phillips, Anzac Day 2010
Image: Ray Sizer, Shepparton News
Football
Jack, Reg and Laurie all played football in Shepparton. Jack played for Shepparton East, Reg played for Shepparton, and Laurie played one year with Shepparton then a year with SPC. They may have also played in combined Goulburn Valley teams.

Inclusion of Laurie Phillips in the Canners team completes the line-up of Tom Phillips' sons in each of the local teams of the CGVL. They are Reg (Shepparton), Jack (Shepparton East) and Laurie (SPC). Another son, Don, plays with Shepparton seconds. [Jun 1949]19,20,21

 
In 1947, Laurie joined Reg at the 'Maroons', the Shepparton Football Club.
 
Speedy Shepparton
...
Murray Slee, Maroon’s burly ruckman, weighing 13 st, 7 lb is known as Shepparton’s Rock of Gibralter.
...
Reg Phillips, half forward, can be a most effective player on his day and is one of the few players who can take high finger tip marks.
...
Bill Haddock, 26 and 6ft tall, is the spearhead of our attack and we all look forward to Bill’s day on Saturday. A high mark and a steady kick, Bill is a problem to all full backs.
...
Laurie Phillips, 21 years of age, is in his first year with the Maroons and has played consistently on the half back flank.22
 
Former teammates Laurie Phillips and Bill Haddock once caught up in Melbourne.

One day around wartime I was having a beer at Young & Jackson's when Bill came in. We had a few more beers, then Bill invited me home for dinner. It was somewhere near Richmond. We then went to see a movie. I took my seat and heard a kerfuffle behind me. Bill had got into an argument with someone. Bill was a great bloke, but could have a bit of a short fuse after he'd had a couple too many. [Laurie Phillips]23

 
Other Sporting Activities
Laurie sometimes played tennis, which he quite enjoyed and felt he became quite good at it. He was also known to go rowing with Stan Hoskins.24,25
 
Girlfriend Lorraine
After the war, Laurie had a girlfriend named Lorraine McCrickard, who was a police officer.

I can tell you a story about Lorraine McCrickard. I was taking a niner to a place in Maude St and two cops pulled me over. They'd say things and ask questions and I'd reply yes sir, no sir - I was just out of the navy. I fronted at the police station next day and Lorraine said 'you were lucky to avoid a fine, they let you off because of your good manners'. She was a policewoman. She was my girlfriend at the time. [Laurie Phillips]

Lorraine was transferred to Ballarat in November 1949.23,26
 
Engagement
Lorraine announced her engagement in April 1950:
The engagement is announced of Lorraine Anna, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs Roy Williams, Main street, Mooroopna, to Laurence Lloyd, third son of Mr and Mrs TJ Phillips, Hotel Australia, Shepparton.

They had first met as youngsters in the late 1930s at a yabbying party. The party was at the back of their uncle and auntiie's Echuca Rd property in Mooroopna. At that time, Lorraine's Uncle Frank was married to Laurie's Auntie Bub.27,28,29
Lorraine's engagement ring, Apr 1950
Two weeks before her marriage, Lorraine had a kitchen tea in St Mary's hall, arranged by the ladies of St Mary's. Laurie responded to the congratulations and speeches by friends and family.

Joyce Baldwin thanked Lorraine on behalf of the Mooroopna basketball team.30
Personal
A presentation of a crystal salad bowl was made to Miss Lorraine Williams by the manager of the Bank of Australasia, Mr Eltham, when she resigned recently, in view of her marriage to Mr L Phillips on Saturday.31
 
Marriage and Family
Lorraine Anna Williams and Laurence Lloyd Phillips were married at St Mary's church in Mooroopna on 29 September 1951. They had four children.
 
Laurie and Lorraine's wedding was reported in the Shepparton Advertiser.

A veil lent by her cousin, Mrs Peter Fry, was worn by Lorraine Anna, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs CR Williams, Main street, Mooroopna, for her marriage with Laurence Lloyd, third son of Mr and Mrs TJ Phillips, Hotel Australia, Shepparton, which was celebrated with Nuptial Mass at St Mary’s Church, Mooroopna, on Saturday.

The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a simply made frock of palest cream slipper satin. The bodice featured a square neckline and long fitting sleeves. The graceful skirt extended into a long oval train and was inlet with fine lace in front. Her full length embroidered tulle veil was held in place with a coronet of orange blossom. She carried a slender trail of gardenias and dark green leaves.

The bride's sister, Miss Val Williams, attended her. She wore an apple green broderie anglaise over taffeta frock. The fitted bodice featured a split neckline and short cap sleeves with fly away cuffs. A bustle bow completed the full skirted frock. Her shoulder length tulle veil was held in place with a coronet of plaited tulle trimmed with a side spray of pink carnations. She wore matching mittens and carried a trail of pink carnations and erica tied with green ribbons.

The bridegroom’s brother, Mr Reg Phillips, was best man.

Pride of place at the reception, which was held at the Star supper room, was given to the beautiful two tiered wedding cake, made and decorated by Mrs H Williams.

The bride’s mother pinned a pink orchid to her junior navy lightweight suit to receive the guests. She added grey accessories. Mrs Phillips, who assisted, wore a powder blue crepe frock over which she wore a fur cape. She added a spray of maroon tulips and navy accessories.

For travelling the bride chose a mint green gaberdine suit to which she pinned an orchid. She added London tan accessories.

Mr and Mrs L Phillips will make their future home in Shepparton.32

 
Laurie & Lorraine (Williams) Phillips, 1951
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Reg, Laurie & Lorraine (Williams) Phillips, Val Williams, Sep 1951
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Val Williams (bridesmaid) & Reg Phillips (best man), Laurie & Lorraine Phillips wedding, St Mary's, Mooroopna, Sep 1951
Image: Val Williams
Laurie & Lorraine Phillips on their wedding day, Val Williams (bridesmaid) & Reg Phillips (best man), Sep 1951
Image: Rene Barnes
Laurie, Lorraine (Williams) & Reg Phillips, 1951
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Lorraine (Williams) & Laurie Phillips, 1951
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Lorraine & Laurie went to Sydney for their honeymoon.
Lorraine (Williams) & Laurie Phillips departing after their wedding, Sep 1951
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Lorraine & Laurie Phillips, Sydney, 1951
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
The wedding party celebrated the occasion 40 years later.
Reg, Laurie & Lorraine (Williams) Phillips, Val Williams, wedding party 40 years on, Sep 1991
Family Life
When Laurie and Lorraine married, they lived with Lorraine's parents in Main St, Mooroopna while their house was being built. Their house on the corner of Maude St and Swallow St in Shepparton was being built with the help of a low interest rate war loan.33,34
Lorraine Phillips (Williams) with a dog once owned by her uncle, Bob Bazley; Maude St, Shepparton, c. 1952
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Phillips family home, 316 Maude St, Shepparton, c. 1960
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Laurie and Lorraine's four children, three girls and a boy, were all were born when the family lived in Maude St. Karen, Peter, Anne and Helen started at St Mel's primary school between 1958 and 1967.35,36
Helen, Anne, Peter, Karen, Laurie & Lorraine Phillips, Oct 1995
When they married, Laurie was working at the Hotel Australia. The pub truck was their 'car' and used for shopping, church on Sunday and everything else. Trips to Mooroopna with Karen and Peter to see their grandparents were in the truck with the pram strapped on the back. Around 1957, with a loan from Laurie's father, they bought a Holden FE sedan.

With a growing family, they realised Laurie's pub work would not meet their future needs, and he left the pub. After a short time without work and about 12 months working at the Shepparton Golf Club, the offer of taking over a milk bar sounded like a good idea.37
 
Golf Club
Around early 1963, Laurie suddenly left the Hotel Australia.

One day I just up and left the pub. Didn't even give Papa [Tom] any notice. I had no plan for the future; just decided that working at the pub wasn't it.

I wouldn't be surprised if Papa later had a word to the manager at the Shepp Golf Club, because he came to me with a work offer. I worked there for about 12 months.

At this time, the couple had four children aged between 11 and a few month old.

Laurie was quite a respectable golfer. He won a number of trophies in club competitions during the several years he played.34,38,35
 
Shooting and Fishing
Laurie had a shotgun which he occasionally used to shoot rabbits or ducks for the family to eat.

Fishing was his favourite activity. In the 1950s and 1960s, he'd go to the Murray River for a couple of days with mates. Murray cod was the fish he talked about most. Of one big catch, he reported:
The biggest was about 80 pounds, the other about 60, caught in the Wakool river at Barham just off the Murray, very exciting time, we celebrated big time.

Of another catch, he said:
Very fond memories. We fed the pub guests on cod till they cried "Barley!"35,39,40

Peter Phillips, Mr Cobb, Laurie Phillips, Greg O'Toole & Karen Phillips with 60-80 lb Murray cod, caught on the Wakool River, Barham
Laurie Phillips, Mr Cobb, Greg O'Toole
Image: Val Williams
Greg O'Toole & Laurie Phillips with Murray Cod
Image: Lesley Blythman
Shop
In 1965, Laurie and Lorraine bought a milk bar on the corner of Wyndham and Sobraon Streets in Shepparton. It was known as Victoria Lake Cafe and often confused with one further south near the railway line which was known as Lake Victoria Cafe.

It was owned by Harry Jenkins and run by Wally Baptist. The lease was about to expire and the business was being offered at a price they felt was too good to be true. They paid with money from selling their house and moved in Easter 1965 when the two youngest girls were less than three years old.

The business flourished, drawing on Laurie's experience in the pub and Lorraine's in the bank. They realised they could do better out of the business if they made the shop bigger, so they borrowed money from Laurie's uncle Joe and renovated. Within a short time, they bought the freehold from profit from the enlarged business.34,19,41,42,43,44,45,46
Anne & Helen Phillips in front of the milk bar, 458 Wyndham St, Shepparton, c. 1965
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
The shop opened every day. In the early years, it was closed for a few hours while they had Christmas lunch with Lorraine's family in Mooroopna. In later years, it remained closed from lunch time on Christmas day. A popular purchase on Christmas mornings was batteries for toys. Following persistent pestering from the children, the shop was also closed for a couple of hours on Shepparton Show day. On the rare occasions Lorraine and Laurie had a holiday, family and staff kept the shop open.

The hours were long, especially on warm summer nights when it might remain open until nearly midnight. But everyone pitched in and Lorraine had trained the staff well.35
 
A large part of why the business was so successful was because of how well Laurie, and especially Lorraine, knew their customers.

An anecdote from Don Kilgour:
Lorraine: Don, where have you built your new house?
Don: ... next to Ken Halliday ... you'd know Barry Halliday, he comes in for his lunch ... and the girl in the shop said to Mrs Phillips 'Who's Barry Halliday?'
Lorraine: You know, two corned beef and pickle.

Comments from Don and others:
It goes to show you how much those corner store people knew their customers.

Lorraine gave presents to kids at Christmas.

We used to go there after water-skiing and have double-chocolate malted milkshakes. At Easter or Christmas, Lorraine always had a little something to give the kids.

School swimming. After swimming at the pool, it was mandatory on the way home to stop at Phillipses' to get our lollies before we went back to school.35,47

 
At the shop, Mr Brown's dog wouldn't eat Cadbury chocolate; he only ate Nestle. Mr Brown would get at least one small stick of chocolate each night, but one time there was no Nestle [which Lorraine had to order specially], so he took Cadbury - the dog wouldn't touch it! [Laurie Phillips]48
 
Laurie and Lorraine sold the business about 1981 after around 17 years, when the average time in a milk bar was just 18 months.49
 
Horses
In the 1960s, Laurie became involved with race horses as owner, breeder and trainer. Most, but not all, were progeny of the New Zealand mare, Khorion.35,39
 
Laurie continued with the horses after his father, then mother, died. He moved the horses from the Numurkah Rd property to one in Archer St near the end of Broken River Drive. It was owned by his neighbours, Mack and Betty Taylor, whose son was living in the old farm house. As well as being a convenient place to keep the horses, it became a very popular playground for his grandchildren.

Overlapping with the Archer St property was one near Nathalia, most likely purchased with money from the sale of the pub or the shop.

Around 2001, with Laurie now in his mid-seventies, he realised he couldn't continue with the horses and began selling up.

In 2019, Laurie revisited thoroughbred ownership and joined a syndicate, buying a share in 'Knight's Sword' from David Hayes' Lindsay Park stud in Euroa. Its first win came just a few weeks before Laurie died.35,50
Laurie & Mitchell Phillips, Archer St property, Shepparton
Peter & Mitchell Phillips, Rachel Barker, Archer St property, Shepparton
Rachel Barker & Anne Phillips, Archer St property, Shepparton
Later Interests and Activities
Laurie was active physically and socially.

Family came first. He adored his grandchildren and spent time with them whenever he could. To keep in touch with his extended family, in 2011 he joined Facebook, his first post being:
Not bad for an 85 year old!51,35

Lorraine & Laurie with Lauren, Mitchell, Rachel & Caitlin
Phillips family, Shepparton Club, April 1991
Image: Trevor Phillips
Laurie has been a supporter of the 'Tigers', the Richmond Football Club, for as long as he can remember. He took more of an interest after he left the shop, possibly in the hope one day converting grandchildren to the cause. As well as trying to draught anyone in his extended family, he tried neighbours, and even new-born babies.

He took up needlework, including knitting, and would make scarves and beanies, often while watching the footy. He'd take the beanies, in all the team colours, to the hospital and ask the new mums and dads who their newborn barracked for. If they hesitated, he pulled out a Tiger one.

Just when Laurie was starting to think he might never see the Tigers win another grand final, he was overjoyed with their 2017 win.

His needlework started with latch-hook. One piece, a tiger, was displayed as part of a Shepparton art exhibition.35
Laurie said if the Tigers got into the grand final, he'd get a tattoo, 2017
Laurie with the Tigers' premiership cup, Shepparton, Nov 2017
Laurie Phillips in the Shep News for his knitting
Laurie's latch-hook at a Shepparton art exhibition
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Laurie started bike riding after he left the shop. He initially rode the short distance to the farm where he tended his horses, and after they got too much he rode to the pool. He enjoyed every aspect of cycling and encouraged all those around him to be involved.

Laurie was going up to the velodrome when I was racing a few years back. I am not sure who enjoyed each others company more, him or me. He and his mates would sit there and talk so much garbage. It was very funny. [Trevor Phillips]

In 2020, aged 84, he joined a charity ride in support of a young mother who was seriously injured while on a training ride. He rode 22 km from Shepparton to Tatura.

He bought or fixed up bikes for the grandchildren, often riding somewhere with them. He'd upgrade the bikes as they got older, and they all enjoyed riding when they visited, especially around Christmas.51
Image: Shepparton News
Laurie and Rachel,, Christmas 1989
After the horses became too much he took up swimming, in the good weather, almost daily. One day as he was leaving the local pool, he was told he couldn't swim the following day because it was closed to the public for an event. When he heard it was teams in a fundraiser for people with MS, he joined a team. He has since done about ten MS Megaswims, recruiting as many family and friends as he could. He was often seen or heard in promotions for the event. His last appearance was in 2020 at age 94.35
Image: Shepparton News
MS MegaSwim, Shepparton, Feb 2020
Image: MS Australia
Grandchildren
Lorraine and Laurie became grandparents in 1988, and soon Grandma Raine and Papa to four grandchildren. They had endless time for them, were pleased to see them at any time, and would travel for hours to be with them for special occasions.

Lorraine and Laurie adored, and were adored by, Rachel, Mitchell, Lauren and Caitlin.35
Rachel Barker, Laurie Phillips & Mitchell Phillips, c. 1990
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Laurie, Mitchell, Dianne, Peter & Lorraine Phillips, c. 1990
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Mitchell Phillips, Lauren Barker & Laurie Phillips, c. 1991
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Mitchell & Laurie Phillips
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Laurie Phillips & Lauren Barker
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Helen Phillips with Lauren Barker, Karen Barker with Caitlin Barker, and Rachel Barker
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Anne Phillips, Rachel Barker, Mitchell Phillips, Laurie Phillips & Lauren Barker
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
Lauren Barker, Laurie Phillips, Caitlin Barker & Mitchell Phillips
Image: Laurie & Lorraine Phillips
65 Years of Marriage
On 29 September 2016, Lorraine and Laurie celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. The family had a small gathering the following Sunday when they brought Lorraine home from Ave Maria for the day. She died peacefully in her sleep two days later in the early hours of the morning.35
Six family members with Caitlin filling in for Karen; Lorraine & Laurie's 65th wedding anniversary celebrations, Oct 2016
Lorraine Anna Phillips died at Ave Maria Village in Shepparton on 4 October 2016, aged 89. She was buried at Pine Lodge cemetery in Shepparton East on 8 October 2016. The funeral was at St Mel's Catholic church.

Phillips, Lorraine. Passed away suddenly on Tuesday aged 89. Life partner to Laurie, married 65 years. Mum to Karen, Peter, Anne and Helen. Grandma to Rachel, Lauren, Caitlin, Mitchell, Josh, Tom, Emma and Matt. Gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace.35,52

 
Laurence Lloyd Phillips died at Shepparton private hospital on 5 May 2021, aged 95.2
May 2021
Image: Shepparton News
In celebration of Laurence Lloyd Phillips, Requiem mass will be held at St Mel’s Catholic Church (Hamilton Street, Shepparton) on Tuesday 11 May 2021 @ 1:30pm. The service will then conclude at Pine Lodge Lawn Ceremony. Family invite you to join them afterwards at The Aussie Hotel.
 
LAURENCE Lloyd (Laurie). PHILLIPS
PHILLIPS LAURENCE Lloyd (Laurie)

Passed away peacefully at the Shepparton Private Hospital on Wednesday 5th May, 2021. Aged 95 years. Dearly loved husband of Lorraine (dec). Loved and loving father and father-in-law of Karen and Geoff, Peter and Dianne, Anne and Vincent (dec), Helen and Phil. Much loved Pa Pa of Rachel, Mitchell, Lauren and Caitlin.

Loved and Remembered Always.53
 
LAURENCE Lloyd (Laurie). PHILLIPS
Date of Funeral: 11/05/2021

PHILLIPS

Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mr Laurence Lloyd Phillips will be held at St Mel’s Christ The King Catholic Church, Hamilton Street, Shepparton on Tuesday 11th May, 2021 commencing at 1.30pm. After which the cortege will leave for the Pine Lodge Lawn Cemetery.

Owen Mohan Funerals Shepparton.54
 

Citations

  1. [S104] Laurence Lloyd Phillips, birth registration no. 35021, unknown date.
  2. [S126] Peter Phillips, personal knowledge or recollection, 5 May 2021.
  3. [S671] Laurence Lloyd Phillips, death registration no. 328342, 5 May 2021.
  4. [S2] 'Great Depression in Australia', Wikipedia, online, Wikimedia Foundation, viewed 26 July 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression_in_Australia
  5. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 10 December 2012.
  6. [S281] 'Phillips Family', Facebook, webpage, Facebook Inc, group created 25 June 2011, 8 January 2012 post by Laurie Phillips.
  7. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 26 May 2014.
  8. [S201] 'Sacred Heart College: Examination results', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 26 January 1942, p. 4, viewed 8 August 2017, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/175427666
  9. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 10 May 1996.
  10. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 28 September 1996.
  11. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 16 June 2019.
  12. [S255] 'Phillips Laurence Lloyd', A6770 Service Cards for Petty Officers and Men, 1911-1970, control symbol 'Phillips L L', service record, 1944-1947.
  13. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 26 September 1999.
  14. [S18] Keil Egging, 'Family memories', Shepparton News, 1877-, newspaper, Roy McPherson, 23 April 2010, viewed 23 April 2010.
  15. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 10 August 2013.
  16. [S246] 'John McDonald (Victorian politician)', Wikipedia, online, Wikimedia Foundation, viewed 28 July 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/…
  17. [S666] 'Laurence Lloyd Phillips', Statement of Service, service summary, 10 May 2021.
  18. [S256] 'Phillips Reginald', A6770 Service Cards for Petty Officers and Men, 1911-1970, control symbol 'Phillips R', service record, 1942-1946.
  19. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 17 February 2015.
  20. [S201] 'Canners trounce Maroons', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 21 June 1949, p. 2, viewed 1 November 2017, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/188082271
  21. [S201] 'Over the fence', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 3 June 1949, p. 4, viewed 20 November 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/188081736
  22. [S201] 'Blues and Maroons in semi final clash: Speedy Shepparton', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 12 September 1947, p. 7, viewed 16 August 2017, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/173898327
  23. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 16 February 2019.
  24. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 28 March 2021.
  25. [S408] Brian Phillips, personal communication, 28 March 2021.
  26. [S668] 'Farewell at Shepparton: To Miss L McCrickard', Benalla Ensign, 1938-1954, newspaper, Benalla Ensign Pty Ltd, 11 November 1949, p. 1, viewed 2 August 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/70388982
  27. [S201] 'Family notices: Engagement', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 4 April 1950, p. 8, viewed 19 September 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article189066717
  28. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, c. 1996.
  29. [S21] Lorraine Phillips, personal communication, c. 1996.
  30. [S201] 'Miss Lorraine Williams honoured', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 14 September 1951, p. 2, viewed 8 August 2017, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170018069
  31. [S18] 'Personal', Shepparton News, 1877-, newspaper, Roy McPherson, 1 October 1951.
  32. [S201] 'Week end weddings: Phillips-Williams', Shepparton Advertiser, 1914-1953, newspaper, Thomas Pettit and William Callender, 2 October 1951, p. 6, viewed 20 October 2017, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170018488
  33. [S21] Lorraine Phillips, personal communication, 25 April 2015.
  34. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 3 December 2013.
  35. [S126] Peter Phillips, personal knowledge or recollection.
  36. [S21] Lorraine Phillips, personal communication, c. 2010.
  37. [S21] Lorraine Phillips, personal communication, 29 May 2013.
  38. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 9 July 2015.
  39. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication.
  40. [S281] 'Phillips Family', Facebook, webpage, Facebook Inc, group created 25 June 2011, comment by Laurie Phillips in 28 October 2012 post by Rene Barnes.
  41. [S272] Anne Phillips, personal communication, 29 December 2000.
  42. [S273] Helen Phillips, personal communication, 29 December 2000.
  43. [S90] Karen Barker, personal communication, 29 December 2000.
  44. [S21] Lorraine Phillips, personal communication, 10 May 1996.
  45. [S400] 'TJ Phillips & Sons', 1955-1981, company documents, document no. 910104196.
  46. [S259] '50 years of memories', Shepparton News, September 1972.
  47. [S2] 'Lost Milk Bars of Shepparton', My Shepparton, online, video blog, Geoff Allemand, https://www.myshepparton.com.au/, 2020.
  48. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 1 February 2013.
  49. [S126] Peter Phillips, personal knowledge or recollection, Lorraine knew the average time in a milk bar from her work with the mixed business association.
  50. [S32] Laurie Phillips, personal communication, 23 September 2000.
  51. [S215] Trevor J Phillips, personal communication, 10 July 2011.
  52. [S669] Lorraine Anna Phillips, death registration no. 44758, 4 October 2016.
  53. [S271] 'Death notices: Laurence Lloyd (Laurie) Phillips', Herald Sun, 1990-, newspaper, Herald & Weekly Times, 7 May 2021, https://www.heraldsun.com.au/tributes/notice/death-notices/…
  54. [S271] 'Funeral notices: Laurence Lloyd (Laurie) Phillips', Herald Sun, 1990-, newspaper, Herald & Weekly Times, 7 May 2021, https://www.heraldsun.com.au/tributes/notice/…