Mr Laube’s father captained the Solomontown A grade side to six consecutive premierships, captained many combined sides and won the Recorder Medal in 1926 and 1936.

Born in October ,1932, to Doug and Nell, Mr Laube, the eldest child, grew up with four brothers and a sister.

He recalls the many good times they had playing in vacant lots near their home.

After attending Solomontown Primary School, he went to Port Pirie High School where he gained his Intermediate Certificate.

Fitter and turner

Between 1949 and 1954, Mr Laube completed a fitting and turning apprenticeship and worked for Cheesman’s and at the smelters and was eventually put on as a shift worker.

Working throughout the plant, Mr Laube was promoted to the position of leading hand and staff relief before retiring in 1993, having served 43 years with the company.

At a midnight dance in 1953, Mr Laube met Shirley Criere and three years later they were married and have gone on to share nearly 52 wonderful years.

They have three children, Debra McMahon, who lives in Adelaide, Robert who resides in Port Augusta and Gavin who lives in Brisbane.

Their family has grown with their children’s partners and 11 grandchildren.

“I am very proud of my son’s records as sportsmen and they both have promising coaching careers,” said Mr Laube.

Robert Laube has coached the under 15 Northern Region Cities country squad which played at the South Australian Country Championships. Not only being proud of their children’s achievements, Mr and Mrs Laube now follow the fortunes of their grandchildren in their careers.

The doting grandparents are looking forward to their eldest grandchild getting married in Adelaide in January.

Mr Laube joined the Port Pirie Bowling Club in 1965 and in the past 43 years has brought home many awards.

The list is impressive with his having won the Association Pairs twice with good friend and neighbor Les Colman and the couple have also won the Club Pairs on four occasions.

He has won two country round robin trophies with his team and has been selected in many combined sides.

Winning the singles championship in 1985 equalled that of his father, who won the same title almost 40 years before.

Mr Laube has been a past president, committee member, tournament director and selector and a dedicated worker for the club.

Life member

The handyman made all the shade shelters and the scoreboards, which are seen around the greens, and is still doing voluntary work at the club.

For his efforts and achievements, Mr Laube was awarded a life membership of his bowling club in 2003.

The old saying, ‘If you can’t beat them join them’, applied to Mrs Laube who decided to join her husband at the bowling club and became a keen and accomplished bowler.