At 101 years old, Rex has plenty of stories to tell. For the past five years, he’s been receiving Meals on Wheels, something he says brings him comfort and peace of mind. “Meals on Wheels means security,” he said. “It means I can stay here.” 

Rex was born in Stirling West, South Australia, and has lived in the state all his life. As a boy, he spent his days near the River Torrens and went to Torrens Park Primary School. In 1930, his family moved to a 12-acre property, which set the path for his lifelong connection to growing and working on the land. “My brother and I helped Dad, back in those days you did whatever your parents said” 

Well before television the wireless was the only source of entertainment “We used to listen to Blue Hills on the wireless at work at luncheon,” he said. He also remembered having a crystal set radio. “I’d listen to music through headphones so Mum wouldn’t know what I was listening to,” he laughed. 

Rex joined the family business and became a market gardener, growing tomatoes north of Adelaide. “They don’t grow tomatoes like they used to,” he said. “These new ones have very thick skin.” He remembers when tomatoes were only available in season — “there were no canned options back then.” 

He was proud to be part of the early glasshouse industry, which helped growers extend the tomato season. His biggest achievement, he said, was serving as Chairman of the Tomato Industry in South Australia for ten years. “We exported tomatoes to Victoria and introduced pre-cooled tomatoes,” he explained. 

The work had its challenges. “We used dangerous chemicals like chlorapikrin,” Rex said. “There was little to no protective equipment back then” (The chemical load eventually forcing Rex into retirement). When he first started working, he earned just five shillings a week. “But we made do, I was very good at saving money” he added. 

Rex met his wife, Dorothy, when he was 18 at a church meeting which bought boys and girls together. They went on to share 75 happy years of marriage. “She worked in a dress shop,” he said fondly. “Fashion has changed so much since then.” As the cook of the house Dorothy made Rex delicious meals every day “I’m no good at cooking, but my wife was a very good cook.” He went on to mention he misses her very much. Together they raised a daughter and enjoyed simple family moments. 

When Rex wasn’t busy on the farm, he took a TAFE course to learn wool classing and spent time at a sheep station. “The war was on, and I was able to make good money,” he said. Unfortunately he father put a stop to that and brought him back to the farm where he was needed. 

Rex spent the first part of his life riding a bicycle which was the most common mode of transport at the time. Eventually he had the funds to purchase his first car, a pink Ford Zephyr, which he bought when he was 40. 

He also remembers the excitement of the Queen’s visit to Adelaide in 1954. “We all got dressed up and headed into town. Everyone was there in large crowds. She waved right to us! I had a box for my wife to stand on and my young daughter on my shoulders.” 

He believes his long life comes down to simple habits — “I never drank and never smoked,” he said. 

These days, Rex enjoys his Meals on Wheels deliveries five days a week and his daughter helps him out on the weekend which often includes going out for a meal on Sundays. “The meals I receive are nice, and we get a choice of two options a day,” he said. “I especially like the soups.” His favourite meal of course is Corned Beef Silverside with white sauce. 

He also enjoys the company of the volunteers who bring his meals. “One special volunteer brought me a plant — I value it so much,” he said. Another time he was so thankful of our volunteers visiting after a fall outside, “I fell and sang out for help. They sat with me and stayed until the ambulance came.” 

From his early days in the tomato fields to the comfort of home today, Rex’s life has been full of hard work, family, and care — a life well lived, still growing strong.