Family, friends farewell Pell House

More than 250 people attended a memorial service in Kojonup a fortnight ago to farewell a well known figure in agriculture, Pell House.

Born on August 31, 1926 in Katanning, Mr House was the eldest son in a family of three boys and three girls.

He is survived by wife Margaret and children Penny, Simon, Roger and Barbara.

Eldest son Simon House had fond memories of working with his dad on the farm.

"He was what you would call a very progressive farmer," he said.

"Through his love of farming he wanted to bring out the potential in others."

Mr House was a stalwart in the farming sector, spending nearly 30 years in the Pastoralists and Graziers Association.

He held an array of executive positions during his tenure.

Mr House was a strong voice in support of the amalgamation of the PGA and the WA Farmers Federation.

This proved a challenge so he joined the WA Farmers Federation. WAFarmers president Dale Park said Mr House played a key role in both organisations.

"He was always honest and straight up, what he said made a lot of sense and he made a valuable contribution to WAFarmers," he said.

"His effective work was appreciated by the time I got involved heavily in the organisation … he will be missed."

As well as developing his farm, Mr House was very involved in community and rural affairs in Kojonup.

He joined the school Parents and Citizens Association, serving a term as president, then represented the region as State councillor on the WA Council of State School Organisations.

Mr House was also an active member of the Kojonup Rotary Club, where he was awarded the prestigious Paul Harris fellowship.

In regards to politics, he was a long-term member of the Liberal Party and served on the Kojonup Shire Council, being elected president in1993.

As a result of his work in local government, Mr House was awarded an Order of Australia Medal.