Colin Robert Schwebel, known to many as Col or “Butch”, was a lifelong Glenorie local and a deeply respected member of the community. A fourth-generation Schwebel in the district and third-generation Hughes, Col’s roots in Glenorie ran deep, with up to six generations of his family connected to the area he proudly called home.
Raised in Harrison Lane, Glenorie, Col grew up helping on his family’s mixed farm alongside his siblings Les, Helen and Phillip. From an early age, he developed a strong work ethic, learning responsibility through farm life, school, and community involvement. He attended Glenorie Public School and Carlingford Rural High, cycling long distances and sharing experiences common to rural life at the time.
Col left school at 15 and began an apprenticeship as a butcher in Dural, eventually managing and then purchasing the Glenorie butcher shop in around 1969. For more than four decades, Col’s Butchery was a cornerstone of the community. Known for quality produce, friendly service and genuine conversation, the shop was a place where locals felt welcome and connected. Col treated customers as friends, always greeting them with warmth, humour and a smile.
His award-winning sausages became legendary, including a special gluten-free recipe that followed him through his career. Col took great pride in traditional butchery, once personally selecting carcasses at the Homebush abattoirs in the early hours of the morning. Long days and late nights were common, supported by his family, who worked alongside him in the shop and catering business he later expanded into.
Col met his wife Chris on a blind date in Galston, and they were married within six months, sharing 46 years together. They raised five children — Jenine, Robert, Michelle, Stacie and Brett — and were blessed with 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, most of whom still live locally.
Beyond work and family, Col was known for his love of Holden vehicles, cattle, and community connection. He was widely described as a true gentleman — kind, loyal, hardworking and quietly generous.
Colin Schwebel gave his heart to Glenorie and its people. He will be remembered with affection and gratitude by all who knew him.
Rest in peace.
