Our dad, Geoff, passed away peacefully on the 19th of February at 8:15am - the very same time he was born. It feels poetic in a way that only life can be. He was only 54-years-old.

Dad was a butcher by trade, following in the footsteps of his own father. From owning the Bairnsdale Butter Factory with Pop, to serving the Korumburra community through Korumburra Quality Meats, he was proud of his work and even prouder of the people he served.

But Dad was more than a butcher.

He was the kind of man who would quietly donate meat to local schools and charities. The kind who would give someone down on their luck a few hours of work, no questions asked. The kind who believed a small-town butcher shop was as much about community as it was about business.

He had me young, and over the years welcomed seven more children and three step-sons into his life. His family was his world. No matter what life threw at him, he loved his kids fiercely.

When Dad was diagnosed with cancer, he worked as long as his body would allow. He went from being self-employed and independent to navigating life on a pension, something that was incredibly hard for a proud man who had always been self-sufficient. He didn’t choose this - his body made that decision for him and left him with nothing but a load of debt.

Being the executor of the estate, naturally the costs fall back on me and any other siblings that are able to contribute, however, with two young kids and having a multitude of health problems myself- including a brain tumour, it causes a great amount of stress when you want to have a send off one deserves but with most of his kids just starting out in life, we also can't pull all the funds together.

He leaves behind his lifelong friends, his children, his extended family, and a community that meant everything to him.

Dad wanted to be laid to rest in Bairnsdale beside his parents. We want to honour that wish.

Unfortunately, due to the financial strain of his illness and ongoing care, there are no funds set aside for funeral costs and no money in his estate. Asking for help is not easy, but we want to give him the farewell he deserves - one that reflects the generosity, humour (terrible jokes included), and big heart he carried throughout his life as well as be able to make sure his children are able to heal.

If you are in a position to contribute, no matter how small, our family would be deeply grateful. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page would mean just as much.

With gratitude,

Brooke and family.