Jaromir (Jerry) Simsa
| First name | Jaromir (Jerry) |
|---|---|
| Last name | Simsa |
| Country of Origin | Czechoslovakia |
| Date of Birth | 5/14/2023 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1952 |
| Submitted by | Josephine Simsa |
Story
Jaromir (Jerry) left Czechoslovakia following the installation of a Communist government. Jerry was an only child of professional parents. He had been accepted into the Conservatorium at 16 years of age, but the German occupation closed all tertiary institutions. Having escaped clandestinely, the rigid communist regime in Czechoslovakia prevented good communication with his family for many years, which was very traumatic for Jerry. Following 2-3 years in West Germany, Jerry came to Australia as a refugee in 1952.
Jerry travelled to Australia on the migrant ship ‘Nellie’. He and four or five others were the only ones who didn’t suffer from seasickness, and were able to enjoy the sighting of dophins and whales, while appreciating the Italian cuisine.
Jerry was amazed by the number of bungalows having been used to the highrise buildings in Europe. After some time in Bonegilla Camp, Jerry was sent to Finke in Central Australia to work on the maintenance of the Ghan Railway. Eventually he settled in Adelaide, met Josephine and a daughter, Rebecca, was born in 1957.
Jerry became very enamoured of his new country and refused to return to Czechoslovakia as he had many bitter memories of the regime and the treatment of his parents. His travels were confined to Australia (all over), the Pacific, and S-East Asia.
Jerry was a small businessman for many years in the restaurant and art sectors, where his musical talents and fluency in seven languages stood him in good stead. In later life, Jerry took up golf becoming fanatical about the game.
Jerry enjoyed life, his family, and his adopted country. He died in March 2003, just a few weeks short of his eightieth birthday.