BARRY Sainsbury, his wife Doreen and four of their children moved to the Camden Haven in 1972.
As a postmaster Barry had done numerous three-year stints in various NSW locales and the family was more than ready to put down roots.
Mr Sainsbury, who celebrated his 90th birthday this week, oversaw the opening of the new Laurieton post office in 1990 and remained in his position as Laurieton Postmaster until he retired in 1994.
Laurieton’s first postmaster in 1875 was Joseph Laurie, for whom the town is named, with the original post office an attached residence established circa 1890.
After retirement, the Sainsburys spent many happy years caravanning around Australia before settling in Laurieton close to their family, which had grown to include 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
During his postmaster training Mr Sainsbury was required to learn morse code, and every morning since he has used it to tap out “I love you” to his wife of 66 years.
His daughter, Debbie Ireland of North Haven, told News Of The Area: “He is an absolutely lovely man who has never had a bad word to say about anyone.
“He loves listening to music, especially when my son Brodie plays the guitar.
“We keep giving dad goals to achieve. First it was to see all of his grandchildren turn 21 years old, and then celebrate his 90th birthday.
“Next is to watch two granddaughters get married, and the upcoming birth of great-grandchild number six.”
The extended Sainsbury family celebrated Barry’s birthday in style with a black-and-gold themed party in the Jetty Bar function room at Laurieton United Services Club.
By Rachael THORPE
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