Albert Crosthwaite pictured at the 2022 Anzac Day ceremony in Corowa with his son Arthur Crosthwaite and daughter Gail Law.
Albert James Crosthwaite lived a life full of adventure, hard work, and most importantly, love. His devotion to his family, his dedication to his various business ventures, and his unwavering support for his community have left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
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Mr Crosthwaite died on Monday, March 27, 2023, aged 97 years. A small funeral service was conducted at Tobin Brothers Funeral Home on Monday, April 3.
Born on August 6, 1925, Albert was the youngest of six children to Robert and Elsie Crosthwaite.
His parents at the time resided at the Post Office and General Store in Learmonth Victoria.
At just 14 years of age, Albert met the love of his life Monica Williams and so began a wonderful love story that saw 67 years of marriage.
Albert’s father saw fit for him to obtain a career and soon after he became an apprentice as a grocer in Melbourne.
Albert did not agree with the terms and conditions of the apprenticeship and with no weekends off to go home and visit his parents, he quit and joined the Navy.
Not being quite old enough to see active service, he eventually headed off to New Guinea, on Birchgrove Park just as peace was declared and then he boarded the Troopship Westralia carrying 1200 Commonwealth Occupational Forces to Japan. He was there for two weeks.
After returning to Australia, he and Monica married on December 16, 1944. They were blessed with two children, Arthur in 1946 and Gail in 1950.
With retail being in the blood, Albert and Monica purchased a sub-newsagents and corner store in Ballarat in 1952.
They then travelled onto Nhill in the Wimmera, where with his gift of conversation he sold insurance for six years.
They returned to Ballarat for 18 months and then back to Nhill again, where they purchased the Spot Café, a busy 7-day a week business and they toiled there for another four years. From there they shifted back again to Ballarat.
Continuing with the gypsy lifestyle, and looking for another business, they built the first motel in Corowa, The Corowa Motor Inn, in 1967. Several people advised him that this was a poor idea, as who would want to stay in a motel in Corowa?
After building the motel, this gave them a good lifestyle with Albert being able to play plenty of golf (he was a keen golfer and a member of Corowa Golf Club for many years) and Monica looked after the motel.
Albert James Crosthwaite, August 6, 1925- March 27, 2023.
The couple had a short stay in Frankston, but Corowa called them back, and they bought a poultry farm in Bullicourt Road. Then came the jewellery store. After 17 years in jewellery business they finally retired in 1996.
Monica’s health took a turn for the worst, when she suffered a chronic broken arm and later had to have her leg amputated due to lack of circulation. With a devotion that will never be surpassed, Albert nursed Monica, cooked, cleaned, and looked after her every need for over 10 years.
Monica died in 2013 but Albert never forgot his love for her.
At Monday’s service, son Arthur recalled being “lucky to have a father who was in my corner for 76 years”.
“Albert was an inspiration to all of us and it was hard to keep a good man down,” he said.
“He was a gentleman who guided me, comforted me, and if required poked and prodded me, but all times, treasured me with love and respect.”
Arthur also recounted the outstanding love and support his father had for Monica, particularly in her latter year of ill-health.
“He cared for Monica like you would not believe,” Arthur recalled.
“He provided care to a standard that could not even be met by health professionals. He dedicated his life to looking after her until she passed away.”
Albert’s daughter and highly respected shire councillor Gail Law also shared stories of growing up with her father, from how he taught her everything about retail, working in the jewellery business, and the special trip she took with him to Singapore in 2017.
She thanked the nurses, doctors and hospital staff who cared for him in the last few months of his life.
“The last month I had with dad at home was wonderful,” she said. “He was an amazing man and I’m going to miss him.”
A wonderful video tribute regarding Albert’s life was depicted on the screen, followed by words from Corowa RSL Sub-Branch President Lesley Rinehart.
Albert is survived by his son Arthur and Margaret Crosthwaite, and by his daughter Gail and John Law. He was devoted to his 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
