Monday 28 November 2022

For my Uncle Geoff

Geoff.

Let me start by saying you truly were a master chef.

The best Easter leg of lamb I ever ate.

And though you’re very sadly gone,

your crispy chicken recipe - absolutely - must live on.


I remember one particular garden barbeque vividly.

Kath came into the kitchen, raving, that you’d single-handedly revealed KFC’s secret recipe,

and it blew me away.


But I think it knocked us all for six when we learned you’d passed away.


Geoff was such a wonderful man. A leader of his adopted dynasty. A friend to so many.

I hope I can get even half the turnout to my party when I turn eighty.

Churchfield house celebrated a diamond that day.


Amongst my fondest memories will be Schwanden.

Our Swiss adventure. We were Scouts in Geoff’s pack.

I adored our journey on one of Geoff’s beloved trains,

and it’s safe to say, in his life, he’s kept many of us on track. 


A scout leader. Rotary member. School governor. Magistrate.

And in times of need his family and friends had a caring and supportive mate.


It’s been a year to reflect on lives dedicated to service,

and Geoff was amongst our finest.

They say time is the most precious gift of all,

and Geoff gave the community so much of his.


Uncle Geoff, you’ll be greatly missed.


But you’ll live on in our hearts.

And every time we raise a glass of Peroni you’ll be in our thoughts.


And we can toast to the wonderful man you were,

and the people we ought to be,

and be warmed that you’re with your beloved Kath,

together in the skies for a rightful eternity.