Frank Jager was born in Holland in 1949. He immigrated to Australia with his parents, brothers and sister when he was three years old. His father was a builder and quickly found work in post war Dandenong.
Frank was educated at Dandenong Technical School. When he was 16 his parents moved to a dairy farm at North Mooroopna. His father continued carpentry and Frank was apparenticed to him as a builder as well as helping run the newly purchased farm. Undoubtedly this is where Frank learnt his work ethic which stayed with him for the rest of his life.
Frank married Suzanne Thorp in 1969.
In the early 70's Frank, Sue and their three children moved to Tatura. Frank started a building business and also drove trucks and milked cows until his business was established.
In 1978 Frank joined the Apex Club of Tatura. This started 30 years of community service in the township of Tatura. Frank held several positions in his 12 years in Apex, including Community Service. Frank excelled in this job and organised many working bees on projects such as parks, building demolition and fencing, such as the fence that still stands at Tatura Racecourse. The house demolition jobs raised many thousands of dollars which was donated to Moyola Cottages for the aged, Victory Hall and Tatura Hospital.
Frank also held the job of Social Director and would organise many functions, always making sure any new members and their families were included, especially the children.
Frank's appetite was legendary. He would buy any meals at a dinner meeting that were left over and he would eat them all. Frank retired from Apex at aged 40 and it wasn't long before the Rotary scouts were after him and he became a very active and involved member of the Rotary Club of Tatura.
His practical and enthusiastic approach to any of the Club's projects made him a valuable and valued member. He will be greatly missed by our Club.
Frank was a member during the years 1991-1999 when he held, at various times, the offices of Membership, Club Service and Community Service. He and Suzanne volunteered to host Youth exchange Students and Frank acted as student counsellor.
Frank was also a driving force in the beautification of the vacant land now forming Rotary Park at the Railway level crossing in Hogan Street.
Frank rejoined our Club in 2007 and immediately became involved. He became treasurer in 2009 and, on several occasions, pledged his time for the whole weekend at the Rotary Art Show. He organised the manning of the football gates and also carried out several community service projects for needy Tatura residents with very little fuss. He was a vocal member at our weekly meetings.
Frank had battled poor health over the last 12 months and was unable to attend on a regular basis. He passed away on 23rd March. We have really missed his cheerful and cheeky presence at our meetings.
We say a fond farewell to Frank who has left his mark on Tatura and the town is better off for his input.
Prepared by Tony Mason and Jo Burgess, Rotary Club of Tatura.
