He said it is all a part of being closer to his family as he transitions into an aged care facility near them.
Mr Kilpatrick was farewelled by the Deniliquin Historical Society at a special morning tea on Tuesday.
He is one of three life members of the group, and is also well known is the wider community as a ‘‘kind man’’.
‘‘I joined the Deniliquin Historical Society about 30 years ago,’’ Mr Kilpatrick said.
‘‘I was doing nothing at that stage, so it was a good chance to meet people.
‘‘I have enjoyed my time; you have good people around you.’’
Mr Kilpatrick was born on a property in Deniliquin, and later farmed livestock with his wife Brenda on their property ‘Nioka’ situated ‘‘20 miles out of town’’. He and Brenda, who passed away 30 years ago, have two children.
Their son Lee now lives in Mount Beauty, and daughter Jenny lives in Pittsworth, which is where Mr Kilpatrick will be moving.
In retirement, Mr Kilpatrick relocated into Deniliquin and it was his strong links with local history that attracted him to the Historical Society.
His family has been in the area for generations, owning ‘‘original properties’’, and to see it reflected at the historical society has been ‘‘very important’’ to him.
Historical Society president Lindsay Renwick said he is sad to see Mr Kilpatrick go.
‘‘I was a bit disappointed, because if he was going into aged care, I was hoping he would be close by so we could spend some time with him,’’ Mr Renwick said.
‘‘I have a lot of love for this guy and he has been an inspiration to me over the years.
‘‘When I first started with the historical society, Gordon was always on a paintbrush.
‘‘He used to keep the place nice and fresh for us, painting doors, windows, shutters and bits and pieces.
‘‘But as he got older, and when climbing up a ladder with a paintbrush became a bit of a challenge, he took on the gardens.’’
Mr Kilpatrick planted and has maintained roses at the historical property, with some of the blooms he has nurtured there winning prizes at shows.
Mr Renwick said it is one of the many things he will be remembered for.
‘‘When the tour buses come to Deniliquin, they would all get off and say ‘oh look at the roses’. They are all Gordon’s roses,’’ Mr Renwick said.
‘‘He would also mow the lawns at his leisure.
‘‘Gordon has kept that going and he and Jack Atley used to do it off their own steam. When the lawns needed doing, they would just come out and do them.’’
Mr Kilpatrick was awarded life membership 15 years ago, and has been an active member of the Historical Society up until his farewell function.
‘‘His mind is brilliant, so I am very sad to say farewell to this great man,’’ Mr Renwick said.
‘‘This group of people have really bonded together and he has been a part of that bonding.
‘‘We wish him all the best on his journey, and are pleased he will be closer to his family.’’
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