THERE’S so much to unpack when writing a story about the life of Mervyn (Merv) Steinhardt it’s difficult to decide where to start.

He’s the subject of an article because he spent 80 years as a steward with the Marburg Show.

He’s now 94 and stepped down a couple of years ago but is still an active showgoer and helps out when required.

Merv’s life has been filled with more than just the Show, as there are equally remarkable tales to tell about the time spent away from it.

He was raised on land directly opposite the property he raised his own family on with his late wife Eileen.

Eileen died in August last year and since then his son, Rodney, moved back to keep his dad company.

Rodney is one of four children born to Merv and Eileen. The eldest, Elwyn, has his own block of land on the farm, where he lives there with his family.

Then there’s Heather who lives in Prenzlau and Barbara who lives at Minden.

“We stick together and it’s very good, there are no problems,” Merv said.

“It’s a blessing that dad can still be in his own home rather than a nursing home somewhere,” his daughter Barb Frohloff said.

“He potters around the place, his happiest memories are here and this is where he wants to be.

“He is still mentally sharp and gets around without a walking stick and attends church every Sunday.

“Family don’t live far away and we get together when there’s a birthday or other special events. It’s a wonderful blessing.”

The blessings began many years ago when an event for young people was held by the local youth groups.

As luck would have it, two youngsters by the name of Mervyn and Eileen decided it was something they ‘d enjoy.

They went, met and danced together.

Merv must have made quite an impression because the next day a young woman on horseback visited the family farm looking for him.

It was Eileen. She lived over the hill from the Steinhardt property and knew the general area Merv lived in with his family.

Merv was working out in the yard and when he returned to the homestead for lunch, Eileen was there chatting to his sister.

They ended up having lunch together and decided they enjoyed each other’s company.

“Mum rode her horse from her place at Tarampa to Marburg looking for dad,” Barb explained, giving more detail.

“She asked some of the neighbours when she rode over the hill where dad and his family lived.”

“They told her where to go and even what gate to come in,” Merv added, “it’s a real love story isn’t it!”

Did Merv score a cheeky kiss the night of the dance?

“I don’t know if I did, it was a long time ago and I’m now 94,” he laughed, “I went out to see her a few times after that.

“We belonged to the St John’s Lutheran Church group and they often put on evenings for the younger folk.”

The couple were married for 69 years.

When asked what quality he loved most about his late wife, his response was ‘now that would be giving secrets away’ followed by laughter.

“She was a farmer’s daughter and knew how to take care of herself. She was resilient and resourceful,” he said.

“And I’m glad she was all those things because had she not rode her horse to find me, I may not have thought too much more about it.”

Merv worked on the family farm and as a milk truck driver.

Another event that stands out happened 44 years ago and almost killed him.

He was operating farm machinery and the sleeve of his overalls became caught in its prongs.

“It was a miracle I survived. I was caught that hard the machine jammed,” he said.

“My wife was always around. I knew if I sang out for help she’d hear it even if I was over a hill.

“On that day I was a long way away. When the prongs on the farming machine caught the overalls it threw me over it.

“She heard me yell out, saw what happened and cut me free using scissors.”

An ambulance took him to hospital, multiple surgeries followed but that first night he was in the operating theatre for around six hours.

“I was out of hospital for a day because a good friend of mine had a son who was getting married,” he said.

“The doctors let me out because I was supposed to be the one to propose a toast to the groom’s parents. I was out for a day and a half, then went back.

“I still carried my arm in a sling for many weeks afterwards.”

While all this life was being lived, every year he was part of the Marburg Show.

He became a steward at 14, before he met and married Eileen, before the farming accident and long before he became a father of four.

Merv’s beginnings with the Marburg Show Society happened by chance.

“It was accidental. I went with my father to the annual [Marburg Show Society] meeting and at the end of the meeting the president said ‘my committee this year is going to be all those present’.

“It took me by surprise and I was on the committee, just like that.

“I remained on it because it was the right thing to do.”

He’s been offered the role of show president but declined, preferring roles as chief steward and even vice-president at one stage.

“I was always active in something that was going on in Marburg.

“I was in the dairy industry and I could tell you a lot of things but it would take too long.”

Merv and Eileen’s children were all born in Ipswich and lived on the family farm until getting married to their respective partners.

He has 13 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

At this year’s Marburg Show, Merv was presented with a certificate formalising appreciation for the 80 years he’d spent as a volunteer.

This year’s show was no exception, he helped clean the showgrounds on the Monday before showtime and was there most of Friday and Saturday helping out and giving advice.