We Remember

Vincent GordonCahill

27 September 1931 - 15 October 2020

Vin

Funeral Service held at Tobin Brothers Chapel,

49-55 Main Street, Diamond Creek

Tuesday, 20 October 2020

ORDER OF SERVICE

Entrance Music Moonlight Serenade – Glenn Miller

Welcome and Introduction Simon Beasy – Celebrant

Candle Lighting

Eulogy

Tributes and Memories

Photographic Reflection Amapola – James Last Orchestra

Committal

Final Music Somewhere – Matt Munro

VINCENT GORDON CAHILL

Vincent Gordon Cahill was born on 27th September 1931, the 5th child of Annie and James Cahill. He grew up in a happy family home with Edward (Ted), Marjorie, Raymond, Gweneth (Gwen) & Pauline.

When Vin was about 7yrs old his beloved older brother, 17 year old Ted sadly passed away. This brought great sadness to the family and had a lasting affect on their Mother Annie. However, it also brought the family even closer together.

They had a happy childhood, with Mum Annie ‘ruling the roost as matriarch.

Vin was a healthy child until he was about 7, when he developed bronchial problems which recurred every winter until he was about 14. This was so bad that the doctor recommended the family move to Mildura and a warmer climate. This wasn’t possible due to Jimmy’s work as a nightwatchman.

Growing up Vin enjoyed playing quoits and was an excellent tennis player. He learned to play on the tennis courts opposite the family home in Spencer Street, Croxton, often with sister Gwen as his opponent.

The family enjoyed playing cards on Saturday and Sunday nights, with the children watching until they were old enough to join in. Vin continued the family tradition throughout his life, seeming to always have a pack of cards on hand to pass the time with friends and family.

Vin was a pupil at the nearby Hutton Street Primary School in Thornbury until he completed year 8.

When he was 14 or 15 Vin went straight from being a schoolboy to working at Danny Robertson’s auction house in High Street,Northcote, later moving to Ainger’s auction rooms in Richmond where he stayed for the remainder of his working life until hisretirement at age 53.

As a teenager he began ballroom dancing lessons at Stretton’sBallroom in High Street Northcote. He became so accomplished that Stretton’s asked him to become an instructor. He enjoyed dancing and in later years, took much pleasure in following nephew Stuart’s very successful ballroom dancing career.

While most young men at the time were buying Holdens as their first car, Vin bought a classic car, an American Durant which had gone out of production in 1932. By then he’d learned the value of an antique!

Although he’d started at the bottom of the rung at DannyRobertson’s Auctions, Vin was keen to learn all he could about the antique and second hand furniture business and quietly absorbed a great deal of knowledge during this time.

One day in the early 1950’s, Vin met a young woman, June Peters, while walking along High Street Northcote. June would become his first wife in 1956. The marriage was short lived and they parted ways a few years later.

In his early 30’s he met Mary, the love of his life. Given Vin’s passion for dancing, it was no surprise that they met at theHeidelberg Town Hall dance. They both loved dancing and did ‘the circuit’ several times a week.

They married in 1970. Mary had two daughters Glenise and Dianne whom Vin considered to be his own and treated them as such. Mary and Vin bought a haberdashery business together in Moonee Ponds, although Vin maintained his job at Ainger’s.

Reg (Vin’s nephew)

“As I was the eldest of the nephews I spent a lot of time with Uncle Vin during those early days. My family moved to a house across the railway line opposite Uncle Vin’s family home. He spent most Friday nights at our house. When I was about 11, Uncle Vin enticed me to follow his beloved Fitzroy footy club, much to the disgust of Dad who was a Collingwood member! We’d head off to the footy on a Saturday afternoon, where he would invariably try to sneak me through the gates for free. This is a very fond memory from my childhood and was the beginning of a lifelong bond between us.

I also gained my love of antiques from Uncle Vin and my tea drink-ing habit, including his preferred choice of a drop of honey in his tea. Vin was a great role model. He was a non-drinker, non-smok-er, liked nice things without being flashy and knew the power of savings. He was also a very private man, a good family man and maintained a loving relationship throughout his life with his brother Ray, sisters Marj, Gwen & Pauline and his nieces and nephews.

He had a close bond with sister Pauline’s children Julie, Susan & Stuart. They have fond memories of family gatherings, holidays at Kindilan their holiday house at Mt. Martha and of family card games with ‘Uncle’, who’s favourite food was tomato sandwiches & tea. A softie who never raised his voice, even when Susan & Stuart toppled a chair off the verandah breaking Aunty Mary’s favourite plant, all witnessed by Uncle through the window. He told their Mum, but only on the proviso that she didn’t chastise the children. He took them to the drive in at Dromana but was not a happy man when he found out Superman was the movie. He teased Susan mercilessly about her choice of movie for weeks! The only time he raised his voice was in excitement during a card game or dancing the Limbo Rock. His gardening skills were questionable. Julieremembers him diligently watering the agapanthus without them ever producing a single flower! He never used bad language and was quite a prankster who loved a good joke.

He’s fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews as an all round good person.

Rest in peace Uncle Vin.”

Simon

Mary and Vin were not great travellers and having their ownbusiness restricted their leisure time. Any free time was spent at Kindilan.

They did however travel to Tasmania to visit longtime friends Nan-cy and Ray Gillies, as well as a trip to Port Lincoln where Vin’s sister Gwen lived for most of her married life.

Vin retired in his early 50’s and he and Mary moved to Mt Martha permanently. Retirement was not for Mary so she bought a small clothing boutique to keep herself busy. Vin would help her on her trips to Melbourne to buy stock.

The first of the grandchildren was born in ’77 with four more tofollow. Brent, Kate, Neil, Lee and Beth all spent time with Vin and Mary at the beach house in school holidays.

Neil to speak on behalf of the grandchildren

Simon

After the shop was sold they moved to The Village Glen retirement complex where they spent many very happy years making new friends and being involved in all aspects of this lifestyle. They even both learned to swim for the first time in their 70’s at the facilities pool. They passed many hours together playing Rummikub and card games.

Graeme, Son in Law, with his memories of Vin

Simon

Declining health eventually forced them to move to the adjoining aged care facility where they both spent their last days. Mary died 3 years ago and Vin never recovered from his loss.

He passed away with his two daughters by his side. He was much loved and will be sadly missed.

You will be sadly missedbut will forever remain in our hearts

and live in the memory of thosewho held you dear.

Vin’s family would like to express their appreciation for the thoughts,

care and support given to them during this time of loss.

A Celebration of Life

We Remember

Vincent GordonCahill

27 September 1931 - 15 October 2020