The Millicent Health Advisory Council is mourning the passing of its most senior member Ben Aardenburg on the cusp of his 89th birthday in September.


Mr Aardenburg was a resident of the Sheoak Lodge aged care facility attached to Millicent Hospital in his twilight years on account of his failing health.


In past years, he had attended the annual general meetings of the Millicent HAC as these are open to the public.


With this background, he was pleased to accept nomination to the Millicent HAC earlier this year by Sheoak Lodge nurse unit manager Cosi Greo.


With his wide smile and outgoing nature, Mr Aardenburg had become well-known in his adopted home town since his arrival from his native Holland in 1958.


The youngest of nine children, he had followed his brothers John and Lucas to Australia.


Mr Aardenburg worked with a forklift at the KCA Millicent Mill, Cellulose Mill, Mount Burr Mill and the fish factory on Lossie Road.


He was a foundation member of the Millicent Choral Society in 1974 and his other interests included playing table tennis and the Millicent Probus Club.


His funeral was held at the Mount Gambier crematorium on October 1.


He is survived by his wife Dania, son Andrew, daughter Bernadette and five grandsons..