Lowanna and Ulong community celebrates life of Eric Manko Coffs Coast Coffs Coast - popup ad Coffs Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - January 23, 2024 Ella, described as Eric’s absolute best friend, with Eric’s horse, a Snowy Mountain’s brumby rescued by Ella’s uncle Kenny Grimmond. Ella and Eric reared the horse and broke him into a saddle so he could be ridden. AN outpouring of deep affection and memories were shared by the Lowanna and Ulong village communities at the funeral of Eric Manko. Aged 94, Eric passed at 11:30pm on December 31, 2023. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The funeral was held on Eric’s lawn at home in Lowanna. Rebecca Donnelly, a close, long-time family friend from Lowanna, shared Eric’s story with News Of The Area on behalf of the grieving mountain community. Eric was born in Puppen in 1929, in the former Prussia, now Poland. Living through World War II in Germany, he lost his father in the war and saw his grandmother killed by Russian soldiers. Eric married Klare and they welcomed two beautiful children, Peter and Regina. Seeking a move away from Germany, Eric first applied to go to Canada, however his mother found the application papers and ripped them up. The family was then approved for a move to Australia, arriving at Bonegilla, Albury in 1957. Eric quickly accepted a job in Ulong, and after a number of other roles, eventually went on to work at the Pilks Pine Saw Mill in Lowanna, where he made many happy memories. Knowledge of the English language was limited for Eric during his early days in Ulong, but he quickly worked out that the F word did not, in fact, mean ‘thank you’. Eric made many friends throughout his long lifetime in the mountain villages, enjoying playing pool, dancing and playing his harmonica and accordion at the Ulong Ex-Services Club. Horses were always a major part of his life, as was his passion for the sport of polocrosse. The community has lost a part of its history with Eric’s passing. By Andrea FERRARI Pallbearers Jamie Grimmond, Adam Soderlund, Jesse Grimmond, Mitchell Fletcher, Shem Nilon and Daniel Gaunt, all friends of Eric. As the coffin passes, friends from the horse-riding community pay their respects. Rebecca Donnelly on foot, Sandra Grimmond and Kaileia Seccombe on horseback, leading the funeral procession. Celebrating the life of Eric Manko, his old neighbours, the Nilon family, play melodies with meaning at the service. Speaking at the service is friend Paula Lindsay.
