Celebrating the fathers and father figures in our RFBI communities

• Village News

Sonia Lim 6 Sep 2025

Father’s Day is a time to honour the men who’ve guided, supported and loved their families with strength and humour. At RFBI, we are proud to share the stories of some of the incredible fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers who live in our villages. From dad jokes to fishing trips, bedtime stories to FaceTime calls, these men have lived rich, love-filled lives. Here’s a look into their world.

Chris – The Storyteller and Fisherman

Chris, our resident at RFBI Raleigh Urunga Masonic Village is a devoted family man, always smiling when he speaks about his wife Anne, their four children and seven beloved grandchildren. One of his favourite memories? His eldest grandchild using his walking stick and calling it the “gopping stick”; a playful nod to Chris’s nickname, Gop.

A keen fisherman, Chris has passed this love on to his children and grandkids. This Father’s Day, they’ll be casting lines together at Mylestom, their favourite fishing spot.

Chris also remembers family picnics at Dorrigo National Park and the kids groaning “not the national park again”, a true family tradition! With artwork from his grandkids proudly displayed in his room and fond memories of sneaking extra bedtime stories past parents, Chris is a shining example of love passed through generations.

Ron – The Sideline Supporter

Ron cherishes the moment he met each of his grandchildren for the first time. Now a proud father of 3, grandfather of 5 and great-grandfather of 4 (with another on the way), Ron has always loved cheering on his kids at weekend sports.

A man with a dry wit, he still uses these classic “dad” lines:

• “Find out what you’re not good at… and don’t do it.”
• “Don’t say ‘what’, say ‘huh!’”

This Father’s Day, Ron is enjoying lunch with his family and looks forward to celebrating with Graeme, his son who works at RFBI Benhome Masonic Village and their team.

Michael – The Singing Dad

Michael lights up every room with his warm smile and melodic voice. He loves telling jokes; often through song and enjoys deep, meaningful conversations.

His proudest memories? Being present at the birth of each of his three children,  Michelle, Elizabeth and David. “It was overwhelming,” he recalls.

While memory challenges make some details fuzzy, Michael remains joyful and connected. He looks forward to spending Father’s Day with his family, whether they visit him at RFBI Concord Community Village or take him out, as long as they’re together.

Robert – The Listener

Robert, one of our residents at RFBI Bathurst Masonic Village shared a classic “dad moment” when his 8-year-old daughter asked for a kitten for Christmas. He dismissed it, joking that “Santa might bring one.” To his surprise, a kitten did appear, red ribbon and all! “I didn’t realise someone heard me… walls have ears!”

Now a proud father of three, with 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, he looks forward to sharing a special Father’s Day meal with his whole family.

Wally – The Fun Dad with the Sweet Tooth

Though his family lives interstate, Wally, our resident at RFBI Dubbo Masonic Village will be connecting with them via FaceTime this Father’s Day. He’s a proud dad of 4, grandfather of 11, and great-grandfather of 21!

Wally fondly remembers being the “fun” parent, always sneaking lollies to the kids and letting them stay up late. His favourite memories include watching his grandchildren grow, succeed and celebrate life’s milestones.

Karl – Three Generations of Fun

Karl, our resident at RFBI Coffs Harbour Masonic Village shares a special bond with his son Kurt and grandson Mason. Whether it’s Mason riding on Grandad’s wheely walker, wearing his spare helmet or sharing meals together; their connection is full of joy and fun.

As a dad, Karl loved building Lego with Kurt and taking family trips to Tweed Heads, where they’d fish and enjoy long beach days. Now, memories are still being made with Mason, who brings laughter into Karl’s days at the village.

Honouring Every Father

These stories are just a glimpse into the lives of the amazing men who are part of our village family. Whether they’re telling dad jokes, teaching grandkids to fish or simply sharing a quiet moment in the garden, they remind us what fatherhood is truly about love, laughter and legacy.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, granddads and great-grandfathers in our care and in our hearts.