Stan Coldwell celebrates a milestone only a few ever will - his 100th birthday.
A much-loved figure in the district, Stan Coldwell has joined a very elite club – the 100-year-old club.
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Mr Coldwell is the second Warramunda Village resident this year to turn 100.
Born on July 21, 1926, at Una Hospital in Shepparton, Mr Coldwell grew up alongside his brother Ray and sister Beryl, on the family’s 162 hectare (400 acre) property in Marionvale.
He attended Marionvale Primary School and later moved to Shepparton to complete his education, before leaving school early at 15 to work full-time on the family farm.
Beyond the farm, he built a reputation as one of Merrigum Football Club’s greatest-ever servants.
Stan Coldwell with one of his creations. The Warramunda resident celebrates his 100th birthday today, Tuesday, July 21.
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Supplied
He made his senior football debut at 17, becoming a cornerstone of one of the club’s golden eras.
His team reached seven consecutive grand finals from 1947 to 1953 and took away four premierships.
Mr Coldwell would go on to captain and coach Merrigum to another title in 1957.
The team Mr Coldwell coached to a premiership in 1957.
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Supplied
Across an extraordinary football career, he played 383 senior games — including 100 with Kyabram — claimed the 1950 Merrigum best-and-fairest, finished third in the 1947 McNamara Medal, and was honoured as the club's 16th Life Member in 1966.
Today, the football club’s senior club person award bears his name.
After retiring from football at age 37, Mr Coldwell turned his attention to lawn bowls, where he again became a respected local competitor for decades.
Mr Coldwell competed in lawn bowls after retiring from football.
Photo by
Simon Bingham
But his greatest partnership began long before then.
Mr Coldwell married his wife Dorothy, known as Dossie, when he was 23, after the couple met at school in Merrigum.
Together, they worked on the family orchard while raising their five children, Ian, Lyn, Peter, Neil and Robyn.
While Mrs Coldwell passed away 13 years ago, Mr Coldwell remains surrounded by a large, loving family, that includes 14 grandchildren and more than 30 great-grandchildren.
Today, he continues to amaze those around him at Warramunda Village with his talent and passion for drawing, spending hours sketching landscapes, people and animals.
“I'll draw just about anything,” Mr Coldwell said.
Club founding member Stan Coldwell with Merrigum Bowling Club board members Joe Chant and Alan Dennis in 2025.
Photo by
Contributed
“Landscapes, people, animals... whatever comes to mind.”
Reflecting on a remarkable century, Mr Coldwell said he considers himself fortunate to have lived such a full life.
“I've had a good life,” he said.
“I've been lucky to have wonderful family, great mates and plenty of good memories.”
As Warramunda Village celebrates Mr Coldwell’s milestone 100th birthday on Tuesday, July 21, staff, residents, family and friends will honour a man whose legacy stretches far beyond the football field and the farm.
Coldwell a legend of Merrigum FNC
On behalf of everyone at the Merrigum Football Netball Club, we want to extend our warmest wishes to Stan Coldwell on your truly remarkable 100th birthday.
This is an incredible milestone, and we are so incredibly proud to celebrate it with you.
Your dedication and contributions to our club and the wider Merrigum community are legendary.
Being a life member since 1966, a best-and-fairest winner in 1950, a coach in 1957, and a premiership player, you have shaped so much of our history and continue to inspire us all.
The Stan Coldwell Senior Club Person of the Year award stands as a testament to your enduring legacy and the spirit of going above and beyond that you embody.
Thank you, Stan, for everything you have given to our club.
Your passion and commitment mean the world to us.
We hope you have a wonderful day surrounded by loved ones, and please know how deeply appreciated you are by everyone here.
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