Yokine community to honour beloved crossing guard
From 2013 to 2024, he was often the first and last smile children saw each school day, a constant and comforting presence on the busy street as their trusted traffic warden.
Sadly, after a short illness, Arthur died late last year, leaving behind many fond memories and grateful families.
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Now, the Yokine school community is rallying together to raise funds to create a lasting memorial in Arthur's honour.
Natasha Davidson, president of the school's P&C and a close friend of Arthur, has created a GoFundMe to support a memorial plaque and Corten steel branch with djiti-djitis (willy wagtails) to be installed on a fig tree near the Woodrow Avenue crossing.
Ms Davidson said the school was blessed to have Arthur as their crossing guard for so many years.
'He was always out there, rain, hail or shine, looking after the kids,' she said.
'He was a great friend to everybody ... never with a word of complaint, and loved talking about his beloved West Coast Eagles.'
By early this week $745 had been raised toward the memorial's $1000 target, giving those who knew him the chance to contribute to a special tribute. Natasha Davidson, president of the school's P&C said Arthur often took part in the school's dress-up days. Credit: Supplied
Arthur lived in Morley with his wife Lillian and before becoming a school crossing guard, he worked as a carpenter in the occupational therapy department at Royal Perth Hospital for nearly 30 years.
His love of birds is at the heart of the memorial, inspired by the afternoons he shared feeding them mealworms with students, according to Ms Davidson.
'(The birds) recognised Arthur's car. They would land on his shoulder and they would land on his chair,' she said.
'He would bring enough worms for the children to have them in their hand, and he would teach the birds to come feed from their hands.' A corten steel branch with djiti-djitis (willy wagtails) set to be installed near the school as part of a memorial for Arthur. Credit: Supplied
Mt Lawley MLA Frank Paolino said Arthur embodied the vital role traffic wardens played.
'For many, Arthur was more than a crossing guard; he was a friend whose kindness made a lasting impact on our community,' Mr Paolino said.
'This memorial is a testament to his unwavering dedication and the deep affection he earned from local families.'
Once the weather clears up, a morning tea is expected to be held later this year outside the school near the crossing to unveil the memorial.
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