The Redland Museum honoured its founder Norm Dean, marking what would have been his 100th birthday on July 25.
Museum president Tony Spinks said he felt privileged to know Mr Dean, remembering him as a true gentleman.
Son Edwin Dean said he felt proud that the museum was honouring his father’s legacy.
“His involvement and establishment with the museum dragged me along too. I remember the Rotary fellows who would go to Rathdownie to collect orchids and staghorns to sell at the Strawberry Festival to raise funds for the museum,” he said.
Mr Dean finished school in Year 7 and was a prisoner in Changi. He returned to start what was then one of Redland’s most prominent real estate agents.
Daughter Cecily Dean said her father was a good judge of character and a bright light in the area.
“He fought for town water. The museum started because he wanted to collect the farm machinery before it all disappeared. He may no longer be here, but he continues to play a valuable part on Redlands history. I hope this is just as important for the fabric of the district in the next 100 years,” she said.
The occasion also served as a family reunion of sorts with the Dean family also meeting for a family picnic on July 28 at Norm Dean Park, opposite the museum. Mr Dean is survived by his three children, six grand children and eight great grandchildren.
