NANDEEBIE staff and clients have joined family members to celebrate the 100th birthday of resident Jack Ellis Brown.
Mr Brown, an accomplished musician and actor, was born on November 23, 1917, to Fredrick Ernest Brown and Bessie Brown at their home at 54 Lumley Road Horley Surrey England.
In a statement, Nandeebie staff said Jack was christened Jack Ellis Brown although always referred to himself as Jack E. Brown.
He married Joan Marion Field on November 22, 1941, in a civil ceremony and they enjoyed 55 years of married life until Joan’s passing in 1996.
He immigrated with Joan to Australia, arriving on Australia Day in 1953.
Jack was fascinated by Australia and its opportunities.
He worked for the Ford Motor Company where he worked as a supply manager for 29 years, retiring on September 3, 1982.
Jack was a member of the Queensland Pigeon Racing Association and won a substantial number of long distance races over many years.
“Jack’s real passion was acting and as such he performed, directed and wrote stage plays at every opportunity,” the statement said. “To this day still remains a life member of the Queensland Arts Theatre in Brisbane as well as a life member of the Archway Theatre in Holrey Surrey.”
Jack also had a passion for music and was a member of the Redlands Concert Band.
Jack enjoyed playing many musical instruments although saxaphone and clarinet were his favourites.
Jazz is his favourite form of music and he has enjoyed many sessions, jamming with friends and enjoying a glass or red.
Lapidary was another interest which he shared with his long time friend Terry Benge who were both involved in the Waterloo Bay Lapidary Club.
He continues to enjoy music even though he can no longer play wind instruments. He took up bongo drums instead while enjoying life at Nandeebie.
