Ted Wale was Australia’s third oldest person when he died in Glenfield last week at the age of 107.
He lived through two world wars and witnessed the incredible changes humans have made in the past 100 years or so.
Ted Wale was also the oldest living member of the Australian Labor Party.
Someone who got to know Ted Wale in the past few years was Labor MP and Campbelltown resident Chris Hayes.
“I feel so honoured and privileged to have called Ted my friend,’’ Chris Hayes said.
“I can honestly say that I had never met anyone like him.
“Ted was a true local legend and only recently he moved from his home in Cabramatta to aged care at the Whiddon Easton Park residential facility in Glenfield.
“Up until his move, Ted maintained his own home, mowing his lawns and carrying out general maintenance.
“Ted was a talented artist and until two years ago he gave art lessons, and right up until his passing he was a practising artist,’’ Mr Hayes said.
“Ted had amazing recall and he loved to talk.
“Recently my staff and I visited Ted for his 107th birthday and he was in his element talking about his childhood and making us laugh with his stories.
“When we walked into the room, he noticed I had multicultural staff.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“He welcomed the Arabic speaker in Arabic and then he proceeded to count to 10 in Mandarin to my Chinese speaking staff member.[/social_quote]
“Ted was a character, he had strong opinions, especially when it came to art, but he made us laugh and at times he brought a tear to our eyes.
“You will be missed Ted Wale, rest in peace my friend.’’
