By BRIDGET COOK
THE largest convoy to date is expected to take part in the 13th annual Peninsula Toy Run this weekend to honour the event’s founder who sadly died this week.
Well-known Pearcedale resident John Smollen passed away suddenly on Saturday of a heart attack at the age of 78.
The motorbike enthusiast had been busy organising his annual toy run, which he started in 2000, to help collect food and toys for underprivileged families on the Mornington Peninsula.
His wife Maureen said the event would still go ahead on Saturday in his honour.
“I think it will be bigger than ever,” she said.
“Everyone is wanting to going along on the last ride organised by John.
“The event will continue in the future, with another chap offering to take it over, just as John would have wished.”
Mr Smollen was born and grew up in the East Prahan area.
He met Maureen when she was just 13 years old and he was 16.
The couple married in 1955 and moved to South Oakleigh before moving to their family home in Pearcedale 34 years ago.
“We had been married for 58 years,” Ms Smollen said.
“He has done a dirty on me. I was waiting for a letter from the Queen when we reached our 60th anniversary, but he hasn’t hung around long enough.”
Ms Smollen said her husband death had left a huge hole in their large family and he would be dearly missed by them all.
“We are all in deep shock,” she said.
“He was a hardworking, family-orientated and community minded man.
“He always helped me a lot, especially with the Remembrance Day and Anzac Day services I organise for Pearcedale.”
Mr Smollen leaves behind his four children, Carl, Tracy, Meriel and David, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be held on Monday 9 December at 11am at the Peninsula City Church, 252 Frankston-Flinders Road, Frankston.
The Peninsula Toy Run will take place this Saturday, leaving at 9.30am from the Frankston Pier car park.
