Gerald Tanner moved to Wodonga as a 17 year old to work, but liked the area and the people so much, he decided to stay.

"I started working the railways in 1938 as a snotty nosed kid," he said.

Five years ago he moved to an aged care home in Melbourne, but he said his strongest memories were of rural life.

"I certainly enjoyed the country life," he said.

"Everybody knew everyone."

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During his time in Wodonga, he was heavily involved in the sporting community, having served as secretary of the Wodonga football, cricket and turf clubs at various times.

"Well if there's no football I might as well drop dead," the football fanatic said.

In his later years, Mr Tanner was also known for achieving a golf score lower than his age.

He said his proudest achievement was marrying his wife, Ray Murphy, and creating a beautiful family.

He said he has "six wonderful children, 20 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren".

"There's a mob of us," he said.

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