Sydney Real Estate Agent, Vaclovas Narbutas

Vaclovas Narbutas

Vaclovas Narbutas, of 83 Enmore Street, Newtown, NSW (telephone LA 4791), worked as a house and business purchasing agent for two and a half years. During that time, he successfully assisted in the sale of more than 120 homes to Australian and migrant buyers of many nationalities. Approximately 50 Lithuanians also benefited from his services.

Vaclovas believed that honest and dedicated service to buyers was the greatest form of advertisement and the foundation of business success. He often said that satisfied clients would recommend him to three or four acquaintances, allowing his clientele to grow naturally through trust and reputation.

“I do not work only for money, but to serve buyers, so that with their hard-earned savings they can purchase properties they will be happy and satisfied with,” he explained. “The only thing I lack is time to serve everyone who comes to me.”

This energetic and generous man dedicated much of his life to helping others.
On 19 July 1975, former Lithuanian Army Major Vaclovas Narbutas passed away in Sydney Hospital after a long struggle with kidney and heart disease. He was born on 28 September 1901 in Garliava, near Kaunas. After graduating from the Voronezh Gymnasium, he returned to Lithuania and entered the Lithuanian Military School. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Regiment in Kaunas.

During his military career, Vaclovas rose to the rank of captain and was appointed regiment adjutant. He was highly respected and admired by both his fellow officers and the soldiers under his command. Because many of the regiment’s administrative, economic and financial responsibilities passed through his hands, he became known as a person who always sought ways to assist others. Vaclovas continued his service in the Lithuanian Army and Lithuanian military units until his departure to Germany after the Second World War, where he was eventually promoted to the rank of major.

In Lithuania, Vaclovas married Kotryna, and together they raised three sons. The entire Narbutas family was deeply involved in Lithuanian community life wherever they lived: in Lithuania, Germany and later in Sydney. Vaclovas was a member of the Sydney Lithuanian Club and the Lithuanian Veterans’ Association Ramovė, supporting Lithuanian organisations through both his involvement and generous donations.

Following the war, the Narbutas family found refuge in the Würzburg Displaced Persons Camp in Germany. Because of his leadership abilities and integrity, Vaclovas was appointed commandant of this large international camp by the American military authorities.

When emigration opportunities opened, the Narbutas family left Europe for Australia, arriving at the Bathurst migrant transit camp in 1949. After completing his compulsory employment period, they moved to Sydney, where Vaclovas immediately began working in the property industry as a house and real estate sales agent. After completing the required examinations, he became a licensed real estate agent, first working independently and later joining a large real estate agency in Ashfield.

Vaclovas Narbutas, like his entire family, became a respected and well-known figure throughout Sydney’s Lithuanian community. His sincerity, kindness and constant willingness to help others became almost a legend among his compatriots.

Many Lithuanians who today live in their own homes remembered Vaclovas with gratitude, knowing that his guidance and assistance helped them achieve that dream.

On one occasion, I asked him, as I watched him continue to work tirelessly, when he would finally allow himself the rest he deserved.

“I will only rest in the grave,” he replied. “For now, although my legs are already badly swollen, I still have much work to do. My last wish is to visit my old friends in America and Canada one more time.”

Sadly, this final dream was not fulfilled. Only a few weeks later, he was admitted to hospital, where he passed away and said farewell to this earthly life.

Father P. Martūzas conducted the funeral service in the church. As an honour guard stood beside the coffin draped in the Lithuanian flag, many friends, relatives and members of the community gathered to pay their final respects to a man who had devoted his life to service, friendship and the Lithuanian cause.

Mūsų Pastogė Nr. 30, 1975.8.4, psl. 2 by A.L

The men behind the Lithuanian Business, Maistas continued....

 Vaclovas  Ambraška

After a long and serious illness, Vaclovas Ambraška died on 26 June 1970 at the age of 70. He was a volunteer soldier and participated in the liberation of Klaipėda. After serving in the army, he worked on his parents' farm and also served in the Surviliškis Cooperative Bank as an accountant. He was an active shooter. After the collapse of the front in the east, he retreated to Germany and worked. In the UN and self-defense units. In 1951, he arrived in Australia, worked in various jobs, including as a stonemason and painter, living in Sydney without having closer ties with the Lithuanian community.

He was accompanied by a circle of friends and relatives and buried in Rookwood Cemetery. He left behind a grieving wife, four daughters and two sons in Lithuania.

1970-07-06-MUSU-PASTOGE.pdf p.2

The names behind the Lithuanian Business, Maistas continued...

Jonas Šlyteris

Jonas Šlyteris was born on 29 August 1895 in Smunkučiai village, Jurbarkas district, Lithuania.

During the First World War, Jonas was mobilised into the Russian Imperial Army and served in its ranks. After returning to Lithuania, he answered the call to serve his newly restored homeland and on 14 January 1919 volunteered to join the Lithuanian Army. He took part in the struggles for Lithuanian independence, fighting against both the Bermontian forces and the Polish army.

Following the establishment of independent Lithuania, Jonas joined the Lithuanian Postal Service. Throughout his career, he served as a postmaster in Vievys, Šėta and Vilkija. In recognition of his contribution to the country, he was awarded the Medal of the Tenth Anniversary of Lithuanian Independence in 1928.

At the end of the Second World War, as the front once again approached Lithuania, Jonas was forced to retreat westwards. Like many Lithuanians of his generation, he left his homeland behind and eventually arrived in Australia in 1949. Initially settling in Tasmania, he later moved to Sydney, where he became an active member of the Lithuanian community.

After retiring in 1960, Jonas shared his life with his former business partner and close friend, Juozas Grybas. In retirement, he enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially fishing and hunting.

Although he had built a new life in Australia, Jonas never forgot his family in Lithuania. From the savings he had earned through his work, he provided strong financial support to his wife and daughters, Irena and Nijolė, who remained in Lithuania.

Jonas was deeply involved in the life of the Sydney Lithuanian community. He was a committed member of the Lithuanian Veterans’ Association Ramovė, serving on its committees, and also contributed to broader community activities, including serving for a time on the district board.

Jonas Šlyteris passed away in Sydney on 7 January 1978. Until the end of his life, he waited with hope for the arrival of his daughter from Lithuania; sadly, she was only able to reach Australia after her father had already passed away.

His funeral took place on 20 January 1978. Following the service, his remains were cremated at the Rookwood Crematorium, marking the final farewell to a man whose life reflected courage, service, resilience and dedication to both Lithuania and the Lithuanian community in Australia.

1978-02-06-MUSU-PASTOGE.pdf p.2 J. Kapočius Military volunteer

The names behind the Lithuanian Business, Maistas continued...

Pranas Švarcas

Pranas Švarcas was born on 6 May 1905 in Sudargas village, Šakiai district, Lithuania, into a farming family. After graduating from the Jurbarkas Secondary Gymnasium, he was called up for military service. Following his discharge to the reserve, he remained at home for a period before joining the Lithuanian border police.

During his service in the police force, Pranas married, although the couple did not have children. When the Soviet Army advanced into Lithuania for the second time, Pranas and his wife were forced to flee their homeland and seek refuge in Germany. There, he found employment at the Wolff arms factory.

In 1948, Pranas arrived in Australia. After a short period in a migrant transit camp, he was sent to Sydney to complete his two-year employment contract as part of the post-war migrant labour program.

He worked in the water supply department, where his duties included digging trenches for the installation of sewerage pipes. After completing his contract, his dedication and reliability were recognised, and he was offered a position in the laboratory of the same organisation. He accepted and continued working there until his retirement.

Pranas was remembered as a devoted Lithuanian and a strong patriot. He had a particular love for Lithuanian history and maintained a deep connection with his homeland. Although he did not belong to formal organisations, partly because he preferred to avoid organisational disagreements, he supported Lithuanian life in his own quiet and practical way.

During the construction of the Lithuanian Hall in Bankstown, Pranas willingly volunteered his time and skills, helping with various building tasks. He took great pride and happiness in seeing a permanent home being created for the Lithuanian community in Sydney.

On 6 May 1983, Pranas Švarcas passed away suddenly at his home in Bankstown, on his 78th birthday.

His funeral Mass was held on 11 May at Lidcombe Church and was celebrated by Rev. P. Butkus, with Fr. A. Savickas playing the organ. Following the service, family members and friends accompanied Pranas to his final resting place at Rookwood Cemetery.

May he rest peacefully in Australian soil, far from the beloved homeland he carried in his heart.

 1983-05-30-MUSU-PASTOGE.pdf p.2

The names behind the Lithuanian business, Maistas

Juozas Grybas  

1909.3.13- 4 December 1995

Juozas Grybas was born in Kudirkos Naumiestis, Lithuania. After his parents moved to Jurbarkas, he spent his childhood and part of his youth there. Later, he moved to Kaunas, where he gained valuable experience working at the Lithuanian “Maistas” enterprise.

Returning to Jurbarkas, Juozas continued his involvement in community life. As an active member of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union (Šauliai), he established a Shooting Club in the town. His professional journey later took him to several locations and organisations, including four years working at Baltijos Lloyd in Klaipėda, as well as positions with “Maistas” in Klaipėda, Šiauliai and Naujoji Vilnia.

In 1944, as the Red Army advanced towards Lithuania for the second time, the Grybas family was forced to leave their homeland and seek refuge in Germany. After spending five years there, they emigrated to Australia, arriving in 1949 and being placed at the Greta Migrant Camp in New South Wales.

After completing his two-year employment contract, the family settled permanently in St Ives, Sydney.

Drawing on his extensive experience in trade and the meat industry, Juozas, together with his partners, established a meat products factory. The business became a great success, and for approximately ten years its products were enjoyed not only by the people of Sydney, but also by communities in Newcastle and Wollongong.

After retirement, Juozas enjoyed a quieter life surrounded by nature. He found happiness in fishing, gardening and spending time outdoors.

The Grybas family was a wonderful example of dedication to the Lithuanian community. They were regular participants in Lithuanian church services, cultural events, preparations and concerts. Lithuanian affairs always remained one of their highest priorities. They supported the community wholeheartedly and never passed the donation table without contributing, regardless of who was collecting funds.

Following the funeral service, Juozas Grybas’ remains were accompanied by family, friends and members of the Lithuanian community to their final resting place in the Lithuanian section of the cemetery.

 1995-12-18-MUSU-PASTOGE.pdf p.11 by AVK