The word’s ‘nature's gentleman’ are used all too often, but the phrase certainly describes Jamberoo’s Eric Fredericks, who was farewelled at Jamberoo’s Anglican Church earlier this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
One of the biggest crowds seen at a funeral in Jamberoo gathered to pay tribute to a man who resided in Jamberoo almost all his life before moving to Kiama and became known for his friendly personality and willingness to get involved in his community.
Eric Hilton Fredericks was born on October 23, 1921 to parents Annie and Ernest Fredericks.
He was born at the family home 'Karara' at 1 Minnamurra Lane, Jamberoo, the fourth youngest of seven children, however brother Ray and sister Marie both passed away as very young children, and another brother passed away at birth.
Eric grew up with his older sisters Merle and Eileen and his younger brother Alwyn.
In an era before electricity, cars and telephones, he was educated in Jamberoo and Kiama Super Primary schools and commenced work at Jamberoo Dairy Factory for several years before entering the Australian Army at about 19 for over four and a half years.
Three of these years were spent on active service in New Guinea and Bougainville in the Infantry during World War II.
After war service, he returned to the family home and commenced work with his sister Eileen and brother Alwyn in the family business known as Fredericks General Store. His father, who had started the business, passed away in 1938.
During this time he helped care for his mother Annie, and after the passing of Eileen's husband Russel, cared for Eileen for many years in the family home. Eileen passed away in 1986.
During his time as a partner in the business, Eric had the foresight to purchase the building at 3 Allowrie Street in 1961, which is still the location of the current and rebuilt Fredericks IGA today.
From the early 1960s up to the late ‘80s, Eric primarily ran and managed this store, commonly known as the 'top shop', specialising mainly in grocery and newsagency, whilst Alwyn ran and managed the original location, commonly known as the 'bottom shop', specialising more in hardware, drapery, and clothing. The bottom shop was sold in 1989.
Both shops became community ‘hubs’ where people not only came to get their groceries and good, but caught up on all the news of the town.
Eric and Alwyn worked side-by-side for more than 50 years and could often be seen scurrying between shops, often several times a day.
When he was well into his 70's, and after a couple of attempts, Eric finally retired in the late 1990's.
He met Jean Hayes in the early 2000s and they married in 2003, initially living in Tate Place, Jamberoo, before moving to their Harbourside retirement unit in Kiama in 2004.
Eric loved playing cards, was a prominent cricket and tennis player in the district and loved ballroom dancing and loved nothing more than a day at the cricket, races or rugby league.
But most of all loved his family, and was proud of his six nieces and nephews and took great interest in their achievements.
He was patron of the Red Cross for over 30 years and was on various committees in the community and held various positions within the local RSL until his mid-80's including president, treasurer and trustee. He also filled many positions at local and district level in both cricket and tennis.
His contribution to the community of Jamberoo will long be remembered.
