MICK STALGIS 1939 - 2009
I am not much of a public speaker, especially at times like this when I would likely get no further than the first two words before breaking down myself.
It is far more preferable for me to write down in words what I think and publish it in magazines or via a website.
So it was that I hid behind cameras at yesterdays funeral and declined attempts to speak into that microphone contraption at Matraville RSL.
Besides what could I say about a man like Mick in a few minutes, without echoing the same words others had said.
It is almost impossible to really think of what you wish to say at that moment, to a man that has been around you your whole life, to a man that was truly a part of Matraville that can never, EVER be replaced, a man so kind and caring, that you would never for one moment think he would go.
A man like Michael Stalgis!
Mick has always been around. I knew him through my grandparents (they were friends and Mick worked with my grandfather at the Matraville Papermill), I knew him through my years working at the Flemings Food Store (again in Matraville) and I later came to be good friends through the Filipino community here, both our wives coming from that wonderful country.
Plenty of suburbs claim to have their legends, many probably do, if Matraville was to claim there is would be Mick.
A great person who made friends easily, Mick could always be seen along Bunnerong Road, either in his earlier trademark yellow Datsun (later one of those dark blue Korean things) or just walking through the struggling shopping strip, endlessly stopping to talk to people he knew.
Indeed proof of his popularity could be gained from the attendance at his funeral. Personally I have never seen Matraville church so packed, attendees even having to stand outside due to the lack of room.
Among them, many of Matraville's other well known identities, Arthur the former postman (who at one time worked with Mick) and Noel (chemist operator extraordinaire). Also, what seemed to be around 40+ of his workmates from Randwick Council, people from his time spent at other employment and a huge chunk of the Filipino community.
Michael's love for karaoke was mentioned a number of times during yesterdays 'celebration of his life' and he was a very regular attendee at most of the
nights we used to have here in Matraville.
He had his favourites, we all do, and one moment that sprung to mind yesterday was the one and only time I can remember singing together.
Karaoke was something I never really got into at first, but seeing Mick having a good sing and enjoying himself led to me join in, even without the need for any alcoholic beverage and sing away, no matter how bad the singing may be - and for me it wasn't to good.
Mick enjoyed the company of everyone, he took an interest in all
who he met.My hobby is railways and he used to often retell stories of his early memories standing alongside the south railway line watching the Melbourne Express
screaming through with a large 38 class steam engine up front. Something even I am to young to remember.
Possibly one of the saddest things for me is that he was only 3 months shy of his 70th birthday (and retirement), an event that we would have no doubt celebrated with the usual food and karaoke signing that comes part and parcel with a celebration that includes Filipinos.
Perhaps it may be to soon - but I for one would like to still celebrate it for Mick. I can think of nothing that Mick would love more than friends and relatives to again be together in his Matraville, celebrating his 70th and singing a heap of his favourite songs.
Mick is survived by his lovely wife Rosie and daughter Michelle, both truly wonderful people.
None of Mick's friends could do any greater good than to look after these two people, his beloved family, to be there for them always, to help whenever needed.
The funeral and wake, where most of these photos were taken, was a wonderfully organised affair by Rosie, Michelle and the family and friends. It did Mick proud, as did Michelle's eulogy which summed up so much of this great mans life, although I suppose there is enough other stuff there to write a book.
It was during her eulogy that I eventually lost it myself and had much trouble taking more video.
I was an honour to be a part of Mick final day in Matraville, but it was a far greater honour to have been counted amongst his friends and to have known him pretty much since the day I was born.
Matraville now has a huge hole - one that nobody could ever hope to fill - not even a Randwick council worker with ten trucks full of tar.
WE MISS YOU MICK!
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EULOGY
Mick Stalgis
By Michelle Stalgis
St Agnes Church
Matraville,
July 21st, 2009.
My dad Mick spent all of his life in Matraville.
He was born to parents Vera and Frank Stalgis just down the road in Perry St on the 14th of October 1939.
He was the youngest of five children. Him and his sisters Pat and Grace, and brothers John and Desmond were all born in the same house, two years apart.
Throughout Dads life he made so many friends, more than we could count. There was never a day that he wouldn’t see someone he knew, and he never stopped making friends and meeting people, a great gift that he had.
One of his life long friends for over 60 years has been Terry Hayes. Everyone used to think they were brothers because they were so close, so dad started calling him “Sonny”.
The back of Uncle Terry’s house lead into Dads Street and when the two met, they were instantly friends for life. They did everything together. They worked together, got up to mischief, saved up their pocket money to buy themselves horses to ride around Matraville, and hung out at the local milk bar and picture house with their other friends Brian Champion and “Chook” Nunn.
Brian and Chook also became good friends with dad many many years ago. Dad became godfather to Brian’s son Darren, Terry’s daughter Vicky, and Chook's sister Kim. Terry became my dads’ best man, and my godfather, and went with dad to the hospital the day I was born.
Growing up, Dad enjoyed ferreting/catching rabbits, table tennis, card nights with Chook and Terry, riding his horse with Terry and Brian to centennial park for the open entry Novelty horse races, football, boxing, weight lifting, wrestling, and helping assist Terry and his brother Alfy in the training of the Champion racing Greyhound “Travel Rev” (1960’s and 70’s).
Dad and Travel Rev both had red hair, so they nicknamed the dog ‘Mick’.
Dad always worked so hard and started from a young age. He worked at Boost Industries making hand signals for trucks, worked in the wool industry, was a telegram boy, worked at the papermill, became a local postman and then moved to the Randwick City Council where he has been for 31 year this October. He didn’t get a chance to retire. Not that he didn’t want to, but that he loved being around people.
Mum and dad have just celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary, and it was in this church that they got married.
In 1987, they brought me into the world with pride and joy.
As a husband, a dad and a friend to mum and I, he was always very proud, caring, loving and supportive. He always made us his first priorities and spoke about us to others as his girls. He taught me how to ride a bike, fly a kite, swim, and play tricks on mum.Dad was our very own family chuffer.
Everyone knew his cars especially his bright yellow hand painted Datsun 120Y, and personalised numberplates MS2286. Even though he was the one who taught both mum and I how to drive and get our licences, he still remained our driver. Whether it be the early mornings and late nights picking me up from work, or going to the effort of picking mum up from her work driving no more than 2 minutes down the road arriving home just before the start of deal or no deal.Dad often took us fishing and took me out on our boat, which he taught me how to drive.
We had picnics and travelled to his child hood holiday places - Camden, Menangle and Dangar Island.
One of the things dad loved was spending time with us and the extended family. Even though he could not speak Filipino, he would always try, and was loved by all of mums’ family. He loved the art of music and taking charge of the karaoke machine. Whenever it was time to leave a party, his “one last song” would turn into another hour of trying to beat the top karaoke score.
You would always hear him singing Johnny cash and country western songs or playing his guitar, as well as telling everyone to listen him or join in. He spoke of times at the council when the boys would ask him to sing, and everyone would sing along.
They even made him sing when the 2DAY FM crew visited one of their sites of work, and it was played live on the radio. This kept the smile on his face for such a long time.
He was always strumming his guitar and singing whatever would com
e to mind, showing pride in himself.He was a STALGIS, and made sure everyone knew the name right.
He was a true gentleman to everyone, and will forever be a legend.
I will live to keep his legacy of mateship, care, and love alive.
He has left such an impact and so many memories in people’s lives.
Words cannot express how much Mum and I miss him and the great times we’ve had.
We will never forget him.
He will always live in our hearts.
He would always say he was glad I was his daughter.
And I must say I am honoured to have had a father like him.
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M - atraville Legend
M - ate
M - issed
M - ick
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