The saddler was born in Kangaroo Valley in 1917 and at the age of eight he moved to Berry with his family.

He attended Berry Public School and Nowra Intermediate High School. He had ambitions of becoming a banker but out of loyalty to his father he joined the family business in 1932 and during the Great Depression he quickly learned to repair harnesses and saddles.

While still a teenager, Tom was appointed as manager when his father Arthur sought to branch out with a second store at Kiama in 1935.

Tom put a halt on his career when he was part of the AIF contingent that headed for action in World War 2. He was away for four years in New Guinea and Borneo and was promoted to the rank of sergeant. When he returned home aboard the evening train on November 18, 1945, the South Coast Register reported he had lost some weight, he he claimed to be "as fit as a fiddle".

He returned to work with his father. Although busy, his father always encouraged him to participate in sport.

During a lengthy cricket career with Berry, Tom played in three premiership teams and hit an unbeaten century against Bomaderry in 1948-49.

He was also heavily involved in rugby league. Throughout his career, Tom never accepted payment for either playing or coaching, a fact he was very proud of. He always encouraged the next generation of players and for many years he had a box of football boots in the saddlery. When the boys grew out of their pair, they were able to trade for a larger pair.

Having grown up during the depression, he understood the need for townsfolk to support one and other. On occasions he was paid with potatoes, not that he needed them because he grew his own.

At 46-years-old he married Mary Goulder. They successfully worked together for many years in both the saddlery and drapery businesses.

Tom died suddenly in his vegetable garden on Good Friday in 1981. There was a largely attended funeral service where just as many people stood outside the Church of England as were seated inside.

Information provided by Shoalhaven Historical Society.