Gympie community pays tribute to centenarian Jack Waldock

A former butcher and Energex worker who helped build the Gympie and Cooloola Coast electricity network has been farewelled.

Jack Waldock died on Thursday, March 9 at 103 years of age.

The oldest Second World War veteran of the Gympie RSL, former butcher and Energex electrician of 50 years, Jack Waldock, has died at 103 years of age.

The Gympie war veterans and wider community have paid tribute to Mr Waldock after he died on Thursday, March 9, 2023.

Energex posted a shout-out on his 100th birthday in 2020; the post has since re-emerged as a shared Facebook post mourning the long-time electrician.

The post stated Mr Waldock was a butcher in Gympie after the Second World War and then helped “build and maintain” Gympie’s and Tin Can Bay’s electricity network for 50 years.

Energex said on Facebook Jack Waldock was a great contributor to maintaining the Gympie region's electricity network. Photo: Energex.

Energex wished Jack Waldock a happy birthday in 2020 when he turned 100 years old.

“This absolute legend, who helped build much of the electricity network around the Gympie and Tin Can Bay area, celebrated his centenary,” the posted.

A friend of Mr Waldock, Richard Mann, paid tribute to his “mate” in a Facebook post a day after his death.

“My old mate and World War II veteran John”Jack” Waldock passed away at age 103,” Mr Mann said in the post.

“I am deeply saddened as [well as] many Gympie locals, and further will be, by the bad news of Jack’s passing.

“Jack grew up in a generation that worked hard, went off to war and got the job done.

“We have lost a true gentleman and the world is poorer for it.”

Jack Waldock celebrated his 103rd birthday a month before he died. Photo: Richard Mann on Facebook.

Kerryn Farrar who shared Energex’ Facebook shout-out said in the post reaching 103 years of age was “an achievement.”

“Anyone that knew this man would know what a gentle and beautiful soul he was,” she said.

“You left with the angels today, RIP Jack.”

The Gympie RSL Sub Branch gave their “heartfelt condolences” to Mr Waldock’s family in a post.

The posted he stated was the RSL’s “loyal companion” for 42 years and its oldest veteran member.

Jack Waldock was a Gympie electrician at Energex for 50 years. Photo: Energex.

“He inspired us to meet life with happiness and gratitude,” the post said.

“Jack’s smile, laughter and stories from his life in Gympie and the Wide Bay remind us of those who came before and built our country.

“Jack lived and projected those qualities of ANZAC we hold dear as a nation: endurance, courage, sacrifice, good humour and mateship.

The RSL said the club will miss him, remember him and honour him with their veteran members.

Jack Waldock was the Gympie RSL's oldest World War II veteran. Photo: Richard Mann on Facebook.

Those who knew him farewelled Mr Waldock in the comments sections thanking the “truly spectacular man” for sharing his life stories and his service to Australia.

“He and I would sit down and have Darjeeling teas together, alongside a gingerbread bicci, as he would tell me many stories of his life,” Meagen Clark said.

“You will be missed mate.”

“Thank you for your service Jack and for fighting for our country so we can live free today,” Jacinta Cocking said.

“Thank you for the chats and life advice. You were one of the last true gentleman.

“Many of us will miss your happy greeting and gorgeous smile.

“RIP Jack, no more fighting for you.”

Originally published as Gympie community pays tribute to centenarian Jack Waldock