Bob Moore was born in the Cessnock coalfields at Abernathy on December 10, 1932, the third child of five to Elizabeth and Cecil Thomas Leo Moore.
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From the leaving certificate at high school, Bob enrolled in a three year industrial course at Sydney Technical University - now known as the University of NSW, followed by a one year course to obtain a diploma of Education for teaching in high schools.
During the 1950's, national Service became a way of life for many, Bob completed his in the Air Force at Duntroon, Canberra during the holiday periods over a period of a couple of years.
Bob's first teaching appointment was a 'milk run': three days a week at Temora High, the other two days at West Wyalong Central School. It was in Temora where he joined the local Drama Club. He also played cricket but being red-green colour blind he didn't see the ball so he was usually the eleventh man - well that was his excuse.
When his mother's health began to deteriorate, Bob returned to the Hunter Valley, teaching at Cessnock High School. The following year he was appointed to Kurri High School however, a colleague asked him to swap, the department agreed, and Bob arrived at Singleton High School in 1958. Also appointed that year was PDHPE/ science teacher Peggy Hopson for her first teaching appointment.
Peggy and Bob were married in 1960 at Eccleston. The service was conducted by Peg's grandfather, Reverend G A Baily, in the church near her father's property.
With close family members in nearby areas, Peggy and Bob decided to make Singleton their home and completed their house build and moved in in May 1961. Bob and Peggy had four children Neil, Tom, Melinda and Gregory. Over the years, Bob tested Council's limits with multiple extensions and renovations on the house however, it was Peggy who declined the plans to add a second story to the ever expanding house.
Bob continued his interest in drama, joining the Singleton Theatrical Society (SATS) acting, directing and building scenery for the plays. He was later made a lifetime member of the Singleton SATS.
Bob joined the Singleton Apex club at the end of 1962, serving as a President in the 1965-66 Apex year, receiving life membership in 1973. They were very happy years for the whole family.
When Mr Bill Gentles retired from the State Emergency Service in the 1960's, Bob was coerced into joining. Here was another chance to use his skills.
None of the disasters ever happened at a sensible time according to Peggy. She would be serving up a meal when a call would come in and back then there were no microwaves for reheating food. Bob became the SES controller, still involved with its future flood plan despite having minimal computer skills.
A love for tennis led Bob to join the Howe Park Tennis Club and eventually become a life member. Bob decided a change in careers was needed and ventured into the Singleton Council Chambers and into the newly formed Economic Development Department.
By the time Bob had retired from Council, he and wife Peggy had enjoyed many trips overseas however, age was gradually keeping up. Joining the Singleton Men's Probus Club and the start up of the Singleton Men's Shed was great assistance in this time.
Bob's son Greg went on to have three children with wife Natalie; Julia, Alex and Louis who all still reside in Singleton.
The Moore family extend their sincerest apologies to those who were unable to attend the private funeral held on Wednesday, November 4 due to COVID-19 restrictions. We would also like to thank everybody for their support during this time.
Rest in peace Bob. 10/12/1932 - 28/10/2020
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