Celebrating a Century and Beyond: Josef's Remarkable Journey and Timeless Craft

At 101 years young, Josef is not just a client of BaptistCare at Home; he is a living testament to creativity, resilience, and cultural heritage. His life story, rich with experiences and accomplishments, is a beacon of inspiration, underscored by a hobby that has kept his hands and heart busy for decades: crafting bespoke furniture and intricate models.

Josef's journey began on the bustling banks of the Maas River in Rotterdam, Holland, where as a child, he spent countless hours watching ships and river barges navigate the waterways. This early fascination with maritime life laid the foundation for his lifelong passion for model-making. His upbringing in Rotterdam is vividly reflected in his creations, which range from historical sailing ship models like The Endeavor and The Batavia to perfect replicas of traditional Dutch windmills.

In 1952, Josef, along with his beloved wife Jenny and their two young children, emigrated to Australia. They settled in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, soon joined by Josef’s brother Jack and his family. The two brothers ventured into the furniture business, initially building furniture to order and later establishing a successful retail furniture and floor-covering enterprise in Ballina. While raising a growing family and managing a flourishing business left Josef with little time for his hobbies, retirement opened up new avenues for his creativity.

For over thirty years, Josef has been passionately designing and building a diverse array of creations. From grandfather clocks and fully furnished dollhouses to wooden light fittings and toy trucks, his craftsmanship knows no bounds. Each piece tells a story of meticulous attention to detail and a deep connection to his Dutch heritage.

Josef's most recent accomplishment is a series of 22 traditional Dutch windmill models, each one a labor of love crafted for his great-grandchildren. These exquisite models were unveiled at his 101st birthday party in 2022, a joyous occasion attended by 70 guests who came together to celebrate a century of Josef's life and his enduring spirit.

Since becoming a client of BaptistCare at home just after his 100th birthday in October 2020, Josef has found not only the care he needs but also the support to continue his beloved hobby. "The BaptistCare staff are very helpful, supporting me to get the necessary supplies from Bunnings and providing lots of encouragement in my work," Josef says.

His Care Facilitator, Wendy, speaks highly of his positive attitude and determination to stay active. "Josef takes great care to do his daily exercises and is keen to stay mobile, which includes keeping up with his model making," she says.

The companionship and support from BaptistCare have been especially meaningful for Josef since the passing of his wife, Jenny, in 2016. Jenny, a gifted seamstress, often contributed to Josef's projects by sewing the sails for his model ships. Her memory lives on in Josef's work, and the daily interaction with BaptistCare staff helps him combat feelings of isolation.

Remarkably, Josef still maintains connections with his homeland, including a lifelong friendship with Maree, a childhood friend from Holland who is also approaching her 100th birthday. When asked about the secret to his longevity, Josef credits a "can do" attitude and a commitment to hard work and positivity. He looks forward to celebrating his 102nd birthday in September, continuing to inspire everyone around him with his remarkable journey and timeless craft.

Josef's story is a reminder that creativity and passion know no age limits. His life, filled with rich experiences and unwavering dedication to his craft, serves as a source of inspiration for all who have the privilege of knowing him. As he looks to the future, Josef's legacy of love, skill, and cultural heritage continues to thrive, one handcrafted model at a time.

Find out more about BaptistCare