Keith Cahill from Cootamundra and formerly of Boorowa passed away peacefully on 17th September 2014, aged 87. Keith lived life dedicated to his family, friends and community. Wherever he was, he lived to make a difference. He was an encourager, believing in those around him. He was known for his gentleness, strength, reliability and broad smile. Keith leaves a legacy of gentleness with people, legacy of change during his employment and lifelong commitment to the community, notably in Boorowa and Cootamundra.
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Born in the family home, in Long St Boorowa on 30th May 1927 the sixth child of Jim and Margaret Cahill. Keith is survived by his sister Merle (Pat) Hallahan of West Wylong NSW.
Keith's other siblings, Neil, Marie, Hannah (Ann), Claude and Aub all pre-deceased him.
He began his schooling at Boorowa Central School in 1932 prior to enrolling at St Joseph's Convent School Boorowa in 1934, after he was considered old enough and strong enough, to walk the 3 miles to school from the family home and back. He completed his schooling in 1941 at the age 13 and began working in Lawler's Chemist until 1943 to work in the shearing sheds as a shed hand.
In 1946 he joined his brother Neil (shearing contractor) in his shearing team and shore throughout Victoria and South Australia. Keith also did droving, stud groomsman for Hereford cattle and later served on the Boorowa Shire Council in concreting, amongst various jobs such as carpentry during the off shearing season. Later, Keith and Aub became contractors in Victoria but Keith later shore locally and up as far as Cooma NSW
During these years Keith met Elizabeth Croker at a dance and they were married in St Patricks Church, Boorowa 15th September 1952, recently celebrating 62 years of marriage. The couple settled in Boorowa and bought a few acres on Kenyu Rd where they raised their four children, Peter, Mary, Michael and Karen. Keith had quite a reputation for his fine dancing steps loving Ballroom dancing and particularly the waltz. The couple enjoyed going to dances all their lives attending Balls and local dance nights whenever they were able with their friends.
Prior to finishing up shearing, Keith had been working seasonally with the Grain Elevators Board (GEB). 1964-65 he was stationed at Boorowa Silo in wheat Receivals, 1966-67 promoted to Spray Supervisor, then in 1968 Keith was given a permanent Pest Control Operator position full time and so retired from shearing. The role of Pest control Operator involved weekly travel and often staying away all week to spray silos in the District. At this stage Keith also had some study and research involvement with CSIRO to increase his knowledge of the vulnerable life cycle of weavels, amongst other wheat pests and their susceptibility to chemical sprays. Keith stayed in this role until promoted to District Manager (District 9) in 1974 which involved leaving Boorowa and moving the family to Cootamundra where the office was located. Keith travelled to Cootamundra on a daily basis until the family were able to move in May 1975.
District 9 included Marina to Forbes to Yass. During these years, Keith was instrumental in preserving the local jobs and minimizing the financial impact on Cootamundra and surrounding areas as the GEB underwent restructuring and became the Grain Handling Authority. The main office later closed in Cootamundra and transferred to Cowra. Some people took redundancy while Keith chose to retire at the closure of the office in 1987 a total of 25 years service.
Much had been written about this in the Cootamundra Herald on Monday 13 July 1987.
The GEB, before its closure was a thriving industry for local farmers. Many tonnes of local wheat was moved out of the area by NSW Railway to Rozelle, Sydney, ready for exporting, mostly done at night and to a tightly timed schedule. The wheat harvest season wasn't accustomed to 9am-5pm Monday to Friday it was more like 24 hours a day 7 days a week on call. During Keith's managerial role saw the construction of temporary storages and onsite larger sheds as the older style Silo's had outgrown their capacity.
Keith was involved in numerous community volunteer roles beginning as a young man in Boorowa and continued to offer his services when he moved to Cootamundra a character trait he continued into his retirement and later years. Keith loved helping people and offered his skills and ability wherever there was a need
Keith was a member of the Boorowa Apex Club 1963 - 1967. Apex required you leave at the age of 40. At this time Keith and those that had reached 40 continued on in their community volunteer involvement under the name "The Old Apexians"
Keith joined the St Vincent De Paul Society remaining an active member and volunteer for over 40 years, including 10 years in Boorowa then Cootamundra.
He volunteered for Hospital visitations, wood drives, meals on wheels, goods collections, distribution of food items and welfare, personally writing, in calligraphy on all the Christmas cards for the hampers and deliveries, sorting and polishing shoes, he loved the personal involvement of helping people up, a role he took to heart.
During these same years Keith became a founding member of the Cootamundra Men's Shed which formed in 2004 beginning with meeting in private sheds to establish how the men's shed's would operate. On 2nd August 2005, The Cootamundra Men's Shed was officially opened with 12 members, in the current building. Keith continued to have a key role in attendance and showing new members new skills and learning from others till he finished up taking care of morning tea and cleaning the sink and talking with people. Keith was made an honorary member of the Men's Shed in March 2014.
Keith could never remain idle and volunteered his service in other local committees and Boards such as, Secretary of Cootamundra Show Society 1989, Board member Cootamundra Retirement Village for a number of years and Secretary of Men's Probus Club for 12 months. Keith got much enjoyment from being active in the community and leaves a legacy of involvement.
Keith was dedicated family man and he and Betty established their family in both Boorowa and Cootamundra. They enjoyed many years of travelling Australia, bush walking, going off the beaten track, talking with Aboriginals and aboriginal art, and meeting people on their travels. Keith lived a rich and full life and leaves many encouraged and inspired to believe.
He is survived by his wife, Betty; children; Peter, Mary, Michael, Karen and a generous supply of loving grandchildren and great grandchildren. Keith is now in God's hands and forever in our hearts.
- Supplied