'Gonna bury him in his van': Ice Cream King marks 40 years

For four decades, Alex Deak has been a familiar and cheerful presence in Mount Gambier, South Australia, his distinctive Greensleeves melody announcing the arrival of the "Ice Cream King." Now 86, Deak is celebrating 40 years of serving ice cream from his beloved 1972 Bedford CF van, a vehicle that has become as iconic as the man himself.

“

If I would listen to it all the time, I reckon I would be mental by now.

Deak, a Hungarian migrant who arrived in Australia in the 1960s, found his calling as an ice cream vendor in his mid-40s after a varied career. He recalls a childhood memory of an ice cream man bringing joy to his street during wartime, sparking a lifelong aspiration. Locals know him affectionately as "Mr Whippy," and he is credited with serving three to four generations of families in the region.

“

I'm not blue blood at all.

Despite the challenges of maintaining a 53-year-old van and the repetitive nature of his work, Deak expresses immense enjoyment. He believes running the business keeps him "alive" by ensuring he remains mentally and physically active. His son, Byron, initially found his father's career choice amusing but now recognizes it as an integral part of his identity, joking that they might have to "bury him in it." Deak intends to continue his sweet trade until he reaches 90.

“

You're talking three, four generations of kids and adults.