Vale Fred Sandell: A life well lived
Frederick Sandell: January 15, 1921-August 15, 2024
Frederick Sandell, a respected member of the Nambour community, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2024, at the remarkable age of 103 years and seven months. A service to celebrate his life was held on Wednesday, August 21, at Gregson & Weight, Nambour.
Fred was born in Lithgow, New South Wales, on January 15, 1921. Over the course of his life, he achieved much, but he always considered his family his proudest accomplishment. His professional journey began humbly at the steel works in Port Kembla as a junior clerk, but his keen mind quickly led him to a commercial trainee position. His career as an accountant saw him taking on roles across the country, with his first major appointment at South Portland Cement in Berrima, a subsidiary of BHP.
In 1953, Fred moved to Central Queensland, where he took up a position as works secretary at the Mount Morgan Mine. It was there, in March 1954, that he met the love of his life, Jean, at the Criterion Hotel on the very day that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip visited Rockhampton. The couple married and made Mount Morgan their home until 1969 when Fred accepted a new role at Brambles Industries in Sydney.
However, the draw of Central Queensland was too strong, and in 1973 Fred and Jean returned to Rockhampton. Fred became finance manager and secretary of Capricornia Newspapers, where he served with distinction until his retirement in July 1988.
In their later years, Fred and Jean made a dramatic shift from the world of accounting to life on a farm, raising Poll Hereford cattle on their family farm in Kenilworth. Eventually, they moved to Nambour, where they continued to enjoy life together.
Fred’s dedication to his profession was recognised when he was acknowledged for 80 years as a CPA member on August 29 last year. His longevity and vitality were sources of inspiration to all who knew him. Reflecting on his long life, Fred once shared his secret: “You just keep going, plough on, one foot in front of the other, and a glass of Scotch might help!”
Fred’s daughter, Mirth Fabbro, noted that friends and family continued to draw strength from Fred’s incredible journey. Earlier this year, on January 14, a family luncheon was held at his Nambour home, hosted by Jean and Mirth, with family and friends travelling from across the country to celebrate his 103rd birthday.
Fred leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and a life lived to the fullest. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
