General News
17 February, 2023
Last lap for a much-loved character
He was a humble man, and his Mini Moke was one of the most recognisable motors around town. This week former Horsham Mayor and community stalwart Bob Kirsopp was laid to rest - after his orange runabout left the church grounds to a round of applause...
He was a humble man, and his Mini Moke was one of the most recognisable motors around town.
This week former Horsham Mayor and community stalwart Bob Kirsopp was laid to rest - after his orange runabout left the church grounds to a round of applause from family, friends and schoolchildren.
The words on his funeral card read: “Nothing was ever too hard or inconvenient. If Bob had it, could get it or could do it, it was done.”
One of the Horsham community's much-loved characters was farewelled in style this week at a memorable funeral service in Horsham Uniting Church.
Grandsons Tim and Ben drove their grandfather's orange Mini Moke from the church grounds after the service.
The familiar vehicle carried a replica labrador and many "memory" items which had been earlier placed by friends and family at the front of the church.
Young people from Federation Avenue, where Bob and Mavis Kirsopp lived most of their married life, formed a guard of honour as the vehicle left.
Bob's Mini Moke, a popular sight in Horsham's streets for decades, left the church grounds to applause from the assembled crowd.
The words on his funeral card read: "Nothing was ever too hard or inconvenient. If Bob had it, could get it or could do it, it was done."
That was how people remember Bob Kirsopp - friendly, helpful, a doer - always ready to lend a hand, always able to get the job done and one whose family and community were paramount.
He was 88 when he died suddenly of a heart attack at his home on February 3. He was born at Natimuk where his parents ran the Kia-Ora Cafe. He had four brothers: Joe, Billy, Ted and Ian.
On first meeting Mavis Beanland of Warracknabeal at a social event at Natimuk Lake, he announced he would marry her one day. They were married for almost 69 years, and had two children, Glenn (now deceased) and Mandy.
He was a Horsham City councillor for nine years with one term as Horsham Mayor, was Neighbourhood Watch president for 19 years, area co-ordinator for 17, and was also on a Police Civilian Consultative Committee.
His many activities including playing for the Rams Football Club. In one memorable match he kicked 27 points - one goal and 21 points.
His working life included GoodYear Tyres, Cyclone Sheds and Fencing, Ansetts Tractors and driving school buses. He later established Horsham Lawnmower Centre before working for Horsham Colour and Horsham Colour Pro.
He played drums in a band, bowled at Natimuk and Sunnyside, water skiied, bought and sold old cars, did the photo-finish at horse races, helped with Horsham's annual fishing competition and was a one-eyed Richmond Tigers supporter.
He built 30 "rocking ducks" to give away to families with young children, and also restored bicycles for local families, as well as sending many to Melbourne for Les Twentyman's charities.
Mandy Kirsopp said of her father: "Dad's life was big and expansive. He had adventures, was sociable, had fun and was always active.
"His life was also humble, and he was a well-meaning fellow trying to do the best for people he cared about and for the community he loved."
Friend Maurie Lawson, a former Horsham newspaper editor, said Bob was the bravest man he had met. He fought a crippling bout of lung cancer in 1984 and another three bouts of cancer after that.
"He was an ordinary bloke and a 'wag' as well," Mr Lawson said. "He loved his community but had two pet projects in life. He wanted water for Lake Natimuk and wanted safer traffic conditions on Natimuk Road."