Albert was always known as Bert. He initially worked as a painter in Auckland, and then for the State Advances, which involved much travel. The family lived at 5 Fairlands Ave, Auckland. Bert joined the Army, spending a year in NZ and three years overseas, serving in Greece and North Africa. In 1940 he was described as 6' 1”, 13 st 12 lb, fair complexion, blue eyes, dark hair. After his return the family moved to Napier, then to Gisborne, Taradale, Wellington, Upper Hutt, and back to Taradale. Dad loved buying older houses, doing them up and selling them for a profit! After a time he left the State Advances and owned paint shops in Gisborne (Peel St), Taradale, Wellington (Ghuznee St) and Upper Hutt. Bert was a very straight and honest businessman, and did very well in all his undertakings. He was also a handyman, and loved making things out of wood in his shed. He was always ready to help out. In the last years of his life, he started accompanying Thelma to church, and became a regular welcomer at Napier Baptist. He died a cruel death of emphysema, having been a smoker most of his life. [Paul SCOTT]