Lex Claude Dodt to be laid to rest at Gympie Funerals
The region will bid a sad farewell to one of its most generous, beloved, quiet achievers on Thursday, when Lex Dodt is laid to rest at Gympie Funerals.
Gympie
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Family and friends of beloved Gympie family man, community stalwart and retired farmer Lex Claude Dodt will celebrate his life on Thursday, March 3, 2022, after Lex passed away, aged 86.
Lex was born on December 5, 1935 in Gympie, the second child of Claude and Dorothy Dodt.
Lex lived in Amamoor for the first few years of his life whilst Claude worked in the sawmill then the family moved to the dairy farm at Dagun and so began his love of farming.
His younger life with his sister June on the farm was one of fun, laughter and typical antics of children who were lucky to grow up on a dairy farm. Building dams, riding ponies, milking cows, riding bikes and fishing for guppies with a bent pin on cotton reels with June down the creek. He also worked hard in the dairy and on the farm from a young age.
Lex started school at Dagun State School at the age of seven; he frequently told the stories of he and June riding Whiskers and Midge to Dagun and on the odd occasion he would hide behind a wet branch and get June as she went past. He left school at the age of 14 and began his life as a farmer, helping Claude, all the while fondly accompanied by Sailor, the first of many dogs that he had during the years.
Teenage years were occupied by farming, which included fencing, milking, cutting cane, driving tractors, feeding cattle, and picking fruit and veggies.
Lex was very proud of his national service, learning many valuable skills – during this time he became the boxing champion for the transport division and fought Harold Richter, a future Australian champion, so he was no slouch in the ring.
In 1956, Lex as a 21-year-old, ran a leg of the Olympic torch relay near Pomona. Several years ago, he attended the 60th anniversary of this great occasion.
Lex’s love of farming and his interest in learning all there was to know to progress Australian farming methods saw him awarded a trip around the world as an IFYE in 1958 – an International Farmers’ Youth Exchange. He was an active junior farmer and mentored for several years.
Lex met Pauline Waters in 1959, at a dance and they were engaged a year later and married on April 28, 1962 – they would be married 60 years in April. They were the perfect union and an inspiration to their children and grandchildren. They loved their time together on the farm and later in Gympie, watching their four children grow up developing their careers and growing their families.
Lex was a life member of the Gympie Swimming Club and a first-rate starter. For many years Lex started swimmers both locally and in Wide Bay.
A devoted employee for 25 years of Robertson Brothers, he was known to run between jobs and didn’t go home until every delivery was done regardless of the time. He made many lasting friendships during his time there.
Lex was a dedicated member of Gympie Lions Club for many years, serving as president in 1995. His project as president of Lions was to install fireplaces in the aged care homes in Gympie to provide residents with a comfortable place to relax. He was very proud that this project came to fruition.
A quiet, generous man who was always good for a lift home, a cooked meal on the way home from a swimming carnival or a lift to a tennis training. These years were filled with great joy and pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren - Lex‘s grandchildren all have their own precious memories, but a constant theme was his patience, generosity and humour.
Lex took time to enjoy the small, simple things - he didn’t have delusions of grandeur and he took time with people, to enjoy a good yarn. He loved cattle sales day with his father Claude – he could talk forever about almost anything but top of the list was “how much rain did you get?” or “pretty dry isn’t it”?
Lex enjoyed wonderful times travelling with Poll and their dear friends – they did several cruises, wilderness walks, wine trips and travelled across the country on the Indian Pacific.
In 2005, Lex was diagnosed with cancer, and life for him, and the family altered dramatically. As a result, he became an avid reader and books were his constant companion as he became less active.
Lex enjoyed a joke and lived honestly. His last years, though plagued by the collateral damage of cancer, were still testament to a great and courageous man who quietly endured, persevered, and loved all who surrounded him especially Poll who was there by his side day in and day out and attended to his every need.
Lex‘s family would particularly like to thank doctor Chris Black for his care and attention and Professor Peter Russell, who was his dentist in Brisbane. Lex and he developed a great rapport and trust over the many years that Lex was treated by him for his difficult mouth problems following his surgery.
Finally, the family would like to sincerely thank the staff of the Gympie Hospital where Lex spent his last week. It was of great comfort to know that he was in their professional, patient and kind hands.
Lex’s funeral will be held at Gympie Funerals at the Monkland at 10.30am Thursday, March 3.
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