A World War two veteran who fought in the Libyan trenches 78 years ago has passed away at the remarkable age of 102 on May 6.
Joseph Cramp and his wife for over 70 years Eileen spent most of their lives in Lismore before moving to Logan Village in 2005 to be close with their daughter Julie Holston.
As one of the last remaining Rats of Tobruk, Mr Cramp was appointed reviewing officer at Logan Village RSL ten years ago when he attended an Anzac Day service wearing his military medal.
The Rats of Tobruk were 14,000 World War Two diggers who defended the Libyan port of Tobruk against General Erwin Rommel's Afrika Corps.
Logan Village RSL welfare officer Garry Alterator said Mr Cramp's good sense of humour shone through when reflecting on his military experiences.
"(Joseph) would always tell a story about how he was in the trenches at Tobruk when a visiting general walked past...Joe said: "Can you tell us what is going on sir?"
"The general said: "We have the biggest army ever assembled in front of us, an ocean with no ships behind us and I can't swim so it looks like we will have to fight Joe."
Mr Cramp was renowned as an alert man with a zest for life who loved dancing with Eileen at Christmas parties up to the age of 98.
After World War Two, Mr Cramp pursued a career as an electrician but ended up becoming a truck driver.
Mr Alterator said the humility of Mr Cramp was one of his defining qualities.
"He was the epitome of what an Australian solider should be. He was a family man who was deeply protective of Eileen and his whole family," he said.
"The first time he was the reviewing officer my wife would offer him a chair to sit down while soldiers were marching but he refused and he would stand. Even when he was 101-years-old he would stand for the procession the whole time.
"If 80 per cent of the people in this world were Joe Cramp we would not have any problems.
"Logan Village and Australia lost a very great man."
Mr Alterator said Mr Cramp saw Anzac Day as a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by all soldiers, including enemy forces.
"Joseph once told me we have to remember that the Germans were just like us they were told to go out there and fight...it was very moving and epitomised who the man was," he said.
"He was a person who believed in his countrymen and spoke highly of Australia. He wasn't a proud Australian he was proud to be an Australian."
A funeral service for Mr Cramp will be a private family matter. Mr Cramp is survived by his wife Eileen. He has five children, 17 grandchildren and at least 17 great grand children.
