Skeeter passed away on 28 July.
Some readers may recall that Skeeter used to have his own column in the Valley Voice – ‘Tails from the Bookshelf’, when he first appeared at the Kangaroo Valley General Store.
There were so many people involved in Skeeter’s life, it is no wonder that there was a large turn-up to help celebrate his life at Skeeter’s last farewell on 5 August.
Originally he was Bill Lawson’s cat, but when Bill had to go into care Skeeter took up residence at the General Store.
From his various vantage points he would observe the comings and goings of village life.
He was especially fond of watching the antics of the local children on their way to and from Primary and High School – often a wave, a quick pat or a quick hello from the children as they passed him by.
Skeeter was also a favourite with the many visitors to the Valley – so many requests for photos. Often these tourists would return year after year specifically to see if Skeeter the Cat was still around.
Fans would even send postcards to Skeeter from around the world addressed as follows:-Skeeter, c/o Post Office, Kangaroo Valley. Mr Lawson would have been so proud.
All the crankiness, the scratches and the bites deterred no one.
He was good company.
Skeeter was much loved.
He will be missed.
Irene Lucas
This poem, written by John Skidmore on behalf of Josie, his third border collie by that name, was read at Skeeter’s farewell.
Skeeter RIP 5 August 2023
Skeeter was a sleepy cat
That sat and sat and sat.
But when I came to visit him
He scratched and bit and spat.
I said that he should be polite:
His spitting was a dreadful sight.
My human said Skeeter’s a lovely cat.
He scratched Skeeter’s head and gave him a pat.
And never did Skeeter rise and stir
But rewarded the pat with a gentle purr.
Licks and sniffs from Josie 3, aged 9, on 5th August 2023.