My Dad, Geoff.
17th September 1928 to 11th February 2003
My Dad, Geoff.
17th September 1928 to 11th February 2003
This page is a small tribute to my wonderful Father, who we very sadly lost in 2003 after a 3 year battle with gastric cancer. Today I have seen the final Star Wars (Episode 3), and remember almost 30 years ago seeing the original Star Wars (Episode 4) with my Dad.
I think it is my hope that anyone reading this page will, for a small moment in time, think about what my Dad meant to me and know a little about his life. I wrote the following Eulogy for him, and I guess that is a good start. He was cremated on 18th February 2003.
No man is perfect, however rarely would anyone ever see what few lesser qualities Geoff may have had. That is the mark of a true Gentleman, and how most who knew Geoff will remember him. Geoff was often not a man of many words, and few would ever have had a bad word about him.
Geoff had a difficult start to life, and was not expected to survive as a newborn baby. He was one of eight children. Geoff worked hard all his life, having left school at 13 to work in the stables with the hope of becoming a jockey. Unfortunately he grew a bit tall for that pursuit, however he never let a lack of education stand in the way of providing for his family. He grew up in some very hard times, and did not like to see things wasted - "Might come in handy one day" was something he used to say, and he preferred make do with what he had, rather than buy something new.
Geoff was a simple man who appreciated the simple joy's life offered. He reminisced recently about some of the fun times he had with his brother and sisters, in a time when the world was a more carefree place. Placid, quiet, gentle and patient are some words that come to mind when thinking of Geoff. He believed in fairness and wasn't someone to fuss or complain about things.
Geoff loved his golf, having played for 50 odd years. He played his last game two days before going into hospital in December, so it's safe to say he played his favourite sport as long as he possibly could. At one stage his handicap was as low as seven, and Geoff also had the joy of shooting a hole in one during his life. His favourite hole at Royal Fremantle is the second, which runs along Carrington Street opposite this Cemetery.
The beauty of animals was something Geoff loved, and he detested any cruelty to them. His face would light up as the family dogs bounded out to greet him on his return from golf. He also enjoyed simply seeing birds bathing in the backyard birdbath, or seeing a small lizard scamper up a wall.
Geoff was a family man, and spent most of his time at home. Words cannot express what he meant to his family, and what his family meant to him. He had a loving wife who cared for him, and that care was exceptional during the last years and months of his life. Only Maureen and Geoff can fully appreciate the depth of their bond formed over 40 years together.
To his son, Geoff was an inspiration. No thanks could ever be enough for the countless things he did for Phillip over the years, except to try to be as good a Father to his own child now. The lessons our Parents teach, without ever knowing it, help make us who we are today, and Geoff was a fine teacher. It is with a great sense of pride that Phillip bears "Geoffrey" as his middle name.
For the past 21 months, Geoff had the joy of spending time almost every day with his Grand Daughter, Jemma. He especially loved pushing the shopping trolley with her and could be heard singing "here we go, here we go…", down the aisles of the supermarket - Something he still did the morning before going into hospital for the last time. Jemma was what kept Geoff going through the hard times of his illness, and a part of her Grandpa will always be with her.
It's impossible to express a man's life of 74 years in these few words, but the gift Geoff has given those that knew him throughout those years will live on. The sadness of losing Geoff is great, as were the many good times shared with him. Geoff would wish us to remember those happy times.
So maybe when you see Geoff's favourite bird, the willy-wagtail, flitting about - you'll smile to yourself in memory of a wonderful man, who will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
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