Lofty was born at Wynyard to Alice Maud and Tony Graue. He lived at Wynyard and Devonport and is married to Amy. They have five children: Barry, Robert, Dianne, Kenneth and Sharon.
Lofty worked in the bush as a bushman on Tasmania’s North West Coast. His favourite pastime of all time is Woodchopping. Lofty is an all-round axe man, competing in the Standing Block, Underhand and Sawing.
His achievements include gaining renown as a Butchers Block cutter, winning at all Royal Shows in Australia with various partners.
Lofty has also been an active administrator and organiser in this sport which he loves:
- Elected to the North West Executive Committee 1967-2009
- Elected President of the North West Committee 1974-1987
- Elected Tasmanian President for 10 years
- Helped organise the 1970 World Centenary of Woodchopping, contracting with Neil Perry to supply the blocks for the 1970 and 1974 World Championships
- Helped design portable sawing cradles 1970
- Helped build the North West Woodchopping Headquarters in Penguin 1979
- Inaugural Committee Member of the Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame 1992
- Life Member of the Devonport Show Society organising woodchopping for 57 years
- Life Member of the Devonport Apex Regatta Association for 45 years
He has won many awards in recognition of his contribution to the Sport of Woodchopping:
- Awarded Axeman of the Year 1975
- Awarded All-round Axeman 1981
- Toured America 1985
- Awarded Life Membership of the NWAA
- Awarded Life Membership of the Tasmanian Axemen’s Association
Lofty was still competing at 82 years of age (2011).