LAURIE Crouch was a legend to many Horsham residents and a beloved family man to those who knew him best.
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The champion shooter and retired farmer died on April 9 at the age of 99.
Laurence “Laurie” Crouch was born at Kaniva on March 10, 1919. He grew up on a farm, and attended Longerenong and Dookie colleges to study farming practice.
He served in the air force during World War II, stationed in both Papua New Guinea and at the airbase in Nhill. It was in Nhill where he met Ruth.
The couple married in 1947 and had five children – Philip, Helen, David, Delma and Malcolm. Tragically, Malcolm died when he was only five days old.
Mr Crouch decided that his land in Kaniva wasn’t large enough to support his growing family, so he applied for a Soldier Settler’s property at Laharum.
He was granted 700 acres and went on to farm predominantly sheep and wheat.
As an active member of the community, Mr Crouch became involved in a number of local clubs and groups.
Most notably, Mr Crouch was an avid shooter and a big supporter of the Horsham Rifle Club. In 2015, he was awarded a plaque honouring 70 years of membership.
When Ruth died in 2010, the couple had been married for 63 years.
Mr Crouch is survived by his children Philip Crouch, David Crouch, Helen Simmons and Delma Ward along with nine grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Mrs Simmons said her father was an exceptional man.
“He was such a gentleman and was friendly with everyone in the community,” she said.
“He loved keeping in touch with all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and knew when all their birthdays were.
“People really enjoyed having conversations with him because he was always up with the news.
“Dad was also never negative about anything; when something bad happened, he would just say, ‘it’s the next chapter in my life’.”
Mr Crouch’s funeral was at Horsham’s St Andrews Uniting Church on Friday.