Help with Funeral Arrangements for Artist John Klyza

Hi, my name is John Klyza Jr and I am fundraising basic funeral & burial costs for my dear father, artist John Klyza Sr who passed away recently, a shock to us.

Who was John Klyza? He grew up in the war-torn surroundings of the Bergen Belsen concentration camp, born to two Polish captives. Immigrating to Australia in the early 1950s, he made this country his home.

Principally an award-winning landscape artist, he was also at different points a carpenter, scientist, geologist, shorts filmmaker, photographer and crocodile hunter. He also assisted important indigenous art behind the scenes. John remained a humble man who never overtly sought credit or accolades for his endeavours.

John was practically an institution of the Sydney inner-city town of Glebe. Daily for decades he sat outside the famous Badde Manors Cafe with his cigarette and cup of coffee. Photographers were often drawn to his characteristic face full of weathered lines, soul-peering eyes, and wild, woolly white hair.

His reaction when surviving countless injuries over the years such as a close-range explosion, cliff fall, and multiple cardiac events was to simply shrug and say "that's life", only concerned with moving forward.

John was beloved by his family, and his passing left us quite unprepared for the staggering costs of the most basic funeral ceremony ($7000) & gravesite with simple name marker ($5000).

It was his firm wish to be buried. We children don't always follow our parents suggestions throughout life, but I would give anything to do what my dad wanted, this one final chance.

Any donation you can provide will be appreciated, deeply.