Thread: Vale Tom Kruse

RIP - one tough old bugger. Lived a long and happy life by the sound of it.

I have read the book but not seen the documentary - where can I get a copy?

I too read the book, what a character! The likes of which we will likely never see again.

Vale Tom!

I knew Tom, last saw him about a year ago in ADELAIDE. He was still
working in his garden and refusing to accept his age and the restrictions that came with that and with the abuse he had given his body over the years!

He and Val had the eternal love for each other that people write about as if it were fantasy.

Tom was a good, down to earth bloke who worked hard to make a living and partied hard too!, Stories about Tom are aplenty I know but some of my favorites are ones where he been bogged or rained in and basically opened peoples supplies he was delivering to get food!

He told me ( a few times!) that he visited ANDAMOOKA going in the 60's and travelling in a VW Bug!!! (not how you picture the bloke travelling!)

Another one where he 'broke' a laden truck during very strong dust storms and left it at the base of a huge sandhill to get parts and come back (catching a lift back to marree). When he got back a few weeks later the truck was swallowed by the huge moving sandhill,!!
Apparently a few months later the truck started emerging on the other side of the hill!! (much worse for wear due to weight of sand etc) and Tom has gone out and a week later driven the truck and its load on to finish the deliveries!

this is a site of interest about Tom.
Last Mail from Birdsville - The Story of Tom Kruse

These guys re released the DVD (digitally redone) launching it from MARREE a number of years ago.
Screen Australia

He has gone off to join a bunch of other bush legends who have gone before him and now has no arthritis or bung knees!

Vale Tom, a good bloke.

Bye Tom ! Thanks for visiting !

He sounds like a top bloke and just as I expected from the book.

R.I.P.

Originally Posted by isuzurover

RIP - one tough old bugger. Lived a long and happy life by the sound of it.

I have read the book but not seen the documentary - where can I get a copy?

I bought my copy from the National Motor Museum at Birdwood South Australia.That's where his truck is on show.

RIP Tom. He had a great innings but it is always sad to see another legend pass on.
Wagoo.

RIP Tom.

I saw his documentry some years ago, I think the original was put out by Shell. Certainly made wonderful viewing, a true adventurer and Bushie.

RIP Tom. I've enjoyed reading about the great bushman. I have the RFDS 'Back of beyond collection and also the book by Kristin Weidenbach 'The mailman of the birdsville track' Wonderful stuff.
Don.