Rosewood History. Qld

George Harding

On Friday night, the 9th October 1942, in the office at Mr. William Norman Ruhno’s store, a money belt was presented George Harding, third member of the grocery department to leave for military duty. Mr. Ruhno expressed regret that conditions necessitated George’s departure, and wished him a safe return. John Wyatt, on behalf of the employees, supported Mr. Ruhno, and presented to George a token from those present.

On Saturday, 6th January 1946 it was also announced that Mr. George Harding, formerly with the military forces, had rejoined the firm.

Obituary – [Gatton Star, Wednesday, October 8, 1997]

George Harding was born in a bark hut opposite where the high school now stands in 1903 and was the second son of Tom and Agnes Harding. He grew up at Bolands, his parents farm on the Rosewood-Marburg Road. At the age of 14 he began work at Ruhno’s General Store in Railway Street, where he stayed until October, 1942 when he was conscripted into the Army as a transport driver. He was released from the Army in November, 1945 and returned to Ruhno’s where he remained until 1963. All told, he was an employee of Ruhno’s for 43 years.

The only better average George had was in relation to marriage and where they lived. He married Annie Klupfel in 1927 in the Rosewood Congregational Church. They moved into their new home in Waight Street and remained together there until 1992 – a period of 65 years.

When George left Ruhno’s it wasn’t into retirement. He worked another 10 years as a delivery driver for Rosewood Sawmill. George was very active with poultry and horses. He served in the poultry section of Rosewood Show as a steward and produced several champions at Rosewood and the Brisbane Exhibition. George also tended his large garden with the help of his wife. His cows produced milk, cream and butter for North Rosewood and all the locals came to buy there. He finally succumbed to a stroke the day after he turned 94, but because of his strong heart it took almost another month before pneumonia sent him on his final journey. It was George’s first time in hospital as well. George’s funeral took place at Rosewood Uniting Church where he was the oldest member of the congregation.

Note: George died 17th September 1997 and is interred at Warrill Park Lawn Cemetery with Annie, who died in 1994.