Toowoomba DPS
Obituary Surname Index A to Z
William Donald Fulton
OBITUARY The Gatton, Lockyer and Brisbane Valley STAR, January 19, 2000
Page 34
WILLIAM Donald Fulton was born in Laidley and, apart from a short time living in Boonah, Laidley was his home town. Don's father was a radio technician and his mother cared lovingly for Don and his elder sister Nora and younger brother Keith. She later purchased Miss Storr's haberdashery business. Having parents who appreciated music and a mother who was very gifted musically had a big influence on Don and he, too, followed in their steps. He used his tenor voice performing as a soloist and in groups within the community for the entertainment of many people over the years. On leaving school, Don was apprenticed to Evans Deakin, but returned to Laidley, working as a mechanic with Lupton and Pike who sold General Motors vehicles. He then worked with Falconers. As an A grade mechanic, Don witnessed the birth of Holdens and he really had a love affair with them. In 1963 Don was asked by John Buhse to be his top mechanic and continued working at Buhse's Garage until April 1991 when his kidney illness overtook him and he retired from work. As a young man, Don was fascinated by engines and developed a passion for motor bikes. He owned a Matchless, OK Supreme, and an Indian. Rides to the Gold Coast were enjoyed with his mates. Don's first meeting with Fay was as her partner at a debutante ball in 1953. Years later Don invited Fay to go out with him. They attended Presbyterian Youth Fellowship together and their marriage took place in 1957 at Laidley Presbyterian Church, Rev. Cyril Bugler officiating. In their early married days, Don graduated from bikes to boats and decided the open side veranda of their home was a good place to build a boat. It was a wooden hull with fibreglass coated bottom. Eventually the ski boat "Felix" was finished and Don was enthusiastic on the water, giving enjoyment to many friends as they skied on Somerset Dam, Lake Dyer and Moogerah Dam. They even skied on Narda Lagoon - that was quite a 'narrow' experience. Fay and Don were blessed with a daughter, Nerida Jane, who was born on August 21, 1961. Nerida brought joy to their home and she grew to be Don's right hand person. They were great mates and Nerida described her dad as a selfless person who taught her a lot of life skills and how to care for others, particularly the elderly. From her father she also learned how to become a "fix it' person as Don used to "fix" most things. Don took up golf in 1980 as a form of relaxation and this also became a father and daughter pastime. Nerida married Russell Rowe in 1981 and in 1987 Lachlan was born and then in 1990 Stephanie arrived. Now as "Pa" Don played another role. He spent many hours with them with golf lessons and just being their "special pa". But there was another dimension to Don's character and those who visited him during his last weeks' have spoken about it. He was a very spiritual man with a deep faith in God and an active participant in his church. Don's last days were times when family and friends could spend quality time with him. His attitude to dying was remarkable and he made it difficult for anyone visiting to be sad. We thank God that we have journeyed in this life in company with Don and we are thankful for his life and witness among us. For those journeying with the Lord, Don would encourage us to continue with devotion and enthusiasm. For those who are travelling alone, Don would want you to know and receive Jesus and step out in faith with him. Thank you, God, for our memories of Don. - Contributed by Fay Fulton from the eulogy given by Alan Brimblecombe at Don's memorial service on Wednesday, December 29, 1999.
