Kevin Spencer moved to Port Fairy looking for work “with no particular plan” in 1952, when he met his wife Beverly and they set up house. The couple has three children, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Kevin enjoys playing golf, bowls and helping his family with odd jobs. He has volunteered with various groups for 56 years, including Port Fairy CFA where he is a life member.
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What are your memories of Port Fairy when you arrived? It was just like a little fishing village and there were more than 20 fishing boats here in the 1950s. We attended local dances at the fire station every Saturday night, and there were two or three balls held per year at the Drill Hall. All of the young ones at the time used to go to these dances – it was a fun social event.
How has Port Fairy changed? The town has definitely gone ahead. There used to be a lot more old homes but many of them have been pulled down and the town is a lot more modern. Sackville Street still looks the same, but the shops and what’s available has changed. It’s always been a great place to live.
What work have you done in Port Fairy over the years? I worked at the Fisherman’s Co-Op on the wharf for five years, as a process worker at Glaxo for 28 years, and Port Fairy Constructions for four years before retiring. I was also a part-time barman at the Stump for 12 years.
What is your favourite holiday destination? When my wife passed away I decided to go on overseas holidays to keep me occupied. My wife didn’t really like flying so we didn’t travel overseas, but we went on some great holidays around Australia. I joined tour groups and have gone on trips to America, Asia, Europe, the UK and New Zealand. My favourite places are the Canadian Rockies, Alaska and Australia.
What does your ideal Sunday involve? Getting to see my family and seeing my great grandchildren – it's great having babies in the family.
If you could choose to go back 100 years or forward 100 years what would you do? There is no point in going backwards. Who knows what things will be like in the next 100 years, but I guess I’d prefer that option.
Do you have a motto you live by? Get on with things and do what makes you happy.