Passing of Maurice Tobias

Dear Members and Friends of St David’s UC Oakleigh

It is with much sadness that I inform you of the passing of Maurice Tobias.

He passed away about ten days ago but few details are known.  Maurice turned 91 in May.

Maurice, along with his wife Dinah (Di), moved across Wellington Road into Cumberland View Aged Care about five years ago.  They enjoyed an apartment in the facility and were active around the place – at times it was difficult finding them “at home”

Maurice and Di met up and decided to get married after Maurice lost his first wife and Di lost her first husband some years ago.  They were regulars at Macrina Street Church in East Oakleigh – now the site of the Macrina Street Manse.  Members of that congregation decided to join Huntingdale after the formation of the Parish of Balkara in the early 1990s.

Maurice joined in activities when the St David’s congregation moved to its permanent home at Oakleigh.  He became part of the Choir and enjoyed singing with the Choir during services as well as practices on Friday mornings.

Along with Di he was particularly active in the annual (or more frequently) musical concerts and entertainment.  Maurice was encouraged to join the antics of the men in comedy songs and many stories could be told about the parts he played and the way they dressed up!!

About ten years ago, Maurice was part of the OBEs at the church who were most appreciative of the assistance of the Cook Islands men who came along and erected the stage for the twice a year Fashion Parades as well as setting up for our Market Days.  This became too much for our older members in their eighties and four of them penned a letter of thanks in the Newsletter.  Now, ten years on, they are in their nighties and, unfortunately several have passed away.

The funeral will not be until next month to allow family to travel from overseas.  It will be on Thursday 6th July 2.15 pm at the Wilson Chapel at Springvale Cemetery.

We pass on our sincere sympathy to Di and the extended family.  Please keep them in your prayers.

Blessings