IT WAS a sorrow moment for Stawell residents on Friday, February 12 as the news spread of Dr Robert Norman Castle's death.
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Dr Castle delivered about 4000 babies across a 54-year career.
Many residents in Stawell carry a special and fond memory of Dr Castle - who was involved in so many lives and accomplished so much in the small Wimmera town.
Two people will always carry those bonds with something extra - knowing they were the first and last babies Dr Castle ever delivered in Stawell.
Scott Fraser was born on February 22, 1956.
Blake Hyslop was welcomed into the world on October 14, 2011.
In a moment of delight, photographers arranged a photo with the two together, along with their families, to mark the occasion.
Little did they know, just how special that moment would become.
Mr Fraser said Dr Castle was his family doctor for many many years.
"What he did for the Stawell hospital was absolutely wonderful," he said.
"He was a lovely bloke.
"I always felt very honoured that I was the first baby he ever delivered in the town. As time went on, you understand just how much that means."
Mr Fraser said not only was 'Dr Norm' the family doctor, but he was friends with his parents.
"He would come, and his late wife would come and watch me perform at gigs," he said.
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"It was a long time ago - but many times Norm would come along and watch.
"I grew up with him part of my life.
"My parents were long time supporters of the Stawell Hospital and helped fundraise with Dr Castle."
Mr Fraser said Dr Castle had a way with his patients that other doctors could want to attain.
"The man had very level - nice, soft-spoken voice," he said.
"He was never flustered. I would think if you let a bomb off next to him, he would just look and think 'we'll get through this'.
"That was the way I think he went about his business. I never saw him flustered, and everything went along as it should be."
Karen Hyslop, Blake's mother, said thanks to Dr Castle, her son was brought into the world.
Backtrack to a few years before, Mrs Hyslop said Dr Castle saved her life.
Blake said it had only been in more recent years that he understood the meaning of being the last baby born under Dr Castle's care.
"I want to be generous in my life and helpful, just like Dr Castle," Blake said.
"I felt sad for his family when I heard he had passed away. It's sad.
"I am thankful to his family for allowing him to put so much time into his work and doing things in Stawell."
Mrs Hyslop said it was a special moment when Blake was born.
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"I actually didn't know what was going on - I didn't realise Dr Castle was retiring," she said.
"After having Blake, everyone was all excited, and I was wondering what was going on.
"Meg Blake came in and asked if I could have my photo taken. I asked what was going on and she informed me that Blake was Dr Castle's last delivery, which he hadn't told me."
Mrs Hyslop said Dr Castle had always known both her's and her husband Colin's, families.
"It was all very fitting that Dr Castle delivered the first boy of the Hyslop's," she said.
"As it turns out, Blake's middle name is Robert. He wasn't named after Dr Castle, but it's nice to know he has a lasting memory of a wonderful man who brought him into this world."
Mrs Hyslop said a couple of years before Blake came along, she suffered an ectopic pregnancy.
"He saved my life," she said.
"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him, and neither would Blake.
"Our family will forever be thankful for the caring nature he showed"
Mrs Hyslop said Dr Castle would "bend over backwards" for people.
"He was a doctor that would do anything for anyone really," she said.
"And not just as a doctor - but as a community person as well.
"He is such an inspirational man to many."
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