War years at Weja

During the war years when engine drivers were unavailable, Walter's responsibilities included the receival of the wheat, he drove the engines and trucks without any extra pay.

Eileen and Walter's home was destroyed by fire on 29th January, 1956 - taking all their possessions.
Walter started to build again, when in April, 1958 Eileen died in Temora District Hospital aged 55 years. They had in the years spent at Weja raised 3 daughters - Marie, Valerie & Beverley.

Also during the war years Walter & Eileen fostered a young girl from Sydney.
Owing to the scare of possible attack on Sydney, many parents sent their children to the comparative safety of the Country. The young girl was Joyce Coates, born in Sydney on 2nd March, 1936. Joy arrived by train to Weja in 1941 at the tender age of 5 years and was welcomed into the family. After 2 years Eileen and Walter wished to adopt Joy as she had become part of this happy family. It was'nt to be as her maternal Mother wished to keep her.
However Joy was allowed back for school holidays and she has continued over the years to visit the family at Weja whenever she was able.
Joy still feels part of the family who lovingly took her in those many years ago as is very much a sister to Marie, Val & Bev. She is married to George Gilbert of Woollongong. They have a family of 3 girls and one boy and now live in Queensland.

Update on Joy: 2010 Joy moved to Coffs Harbour to be close to Bev who now resides there.

Walter died in the Ungarie Hospital at the age of 75 on 15th september, 1976 and is buried by his wife in the Church of England portion of the Ungarie Cemetery.