Together with his wife Peggy (Margaret) and their two daughters, they were the first to move into Russell Street in the then new suburb of Greenacre, a war service estate.
They were soon joined by other young families in a time when everyone knew their neighbours. Dick is the last of the original inhabitants.
He is also the last surviving member of his family of nine. Originally from Tumut, the family moved to Roselands and Lakemba before settling in St Peters.
Dick joined the RAAF during WW2 where he served in New Guinea.
He has always been involved in his community, joining the new Bankstown and Punchbowl RSLs and winning numerous table tennis and later lawn bowls championships.
He also took part in Neighbourhood Watch, was an active member of the Labour Party and helped in the election of Paul Keating to the seat of Bankstown.
“I became a Justice of the to help neighbours with important documents,” he said.
During the 75th anniversary of WW2, the country thanked him and the thousands of other diggers for their service.
Dick is a quintessential Aussie bloke who quietly cared for his wife who suffered from dementia in her final years.
Since her death nine years ago, he has continued to live in the family home supported by neighbours and family.
Lakemba MP Jihad Dib said: “Mr Pickford is an example of the remarkable Australian; served his country and continued to serve the community for 50 years as a Justice of the Peace. When we look for hidden gems in our community, Mr Pickford is among the brightest of them.”
