topic Re: Geoff...The longest serving Community Champion passed away Thursday 13th July 2023 in Grief and loss

Geoff...The longest serving Community Champion passed away Thursday 13th July 2023

blondguy — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 00:05:18 GMT

Qualification...the following tribute has been provided by Geoff's family as per their request.

In loving remembrance to Geoff, a true Community Champion and one of the first Life members on the forums in his later years of service.

Geoff was a dedicated, caring, compassionate and supportive volunteer who was able to provide pro-active assistance to thousands of people for over 20 years.

Geoff took inspiration from his own health battles to provide care over his 20,000 posts. He would often spend five to six hours per day caring for people and their mental health, many a time in the early mornings throughout the small hours.

Geoff was loved by many through his posts, as well as elsewhere. Especially by his two adoring sons, two granddaughters, wife, siblings extended family and friends.

You are already sorely missed . Rest in Peace Geoff

In loving memory

** A tribute to Geoff from his family

Re: Geoff...The longest serving Community Champion passed away Thursday 13th July 2023

white knight — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 05:00:49 GMT

Hi Paul

I'm shocked. Geoff was the very first Community Champion here. As you also know what it is to be a Champion he had the dedication and wisdom to give to others and send them on a happier path.

My condolences to his family.

TonyWK

Re: Geoff...The longest serving Community Champion passed away Thursday 13th July 2023

Sophie_M — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 05:55:07 GMT

Thank you so much for sharing this, blondguy.

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a passionate and dedicated member of this community. Geoff was a fierce advocate of these Forums and a consistent contributor to conversations on a range of topics.

He was ever supportive of new members, building the sense of welcome that we so value. Across the many years and posts Geoff has given this community and its members an incalculable service.

We are strong as a community for all of you that share so much of yourselves in the pursuit of a more empathetic and supportive space. For those of you that feel impacted by this news, we are here for you and welcome your reflections here.

If you want to talk, you can always call us on 1300 22 4636. Also, our friends at Griefline are available on 1300 845 745.

We also extend our thoughts and condolences to Geoff's family and friends during this challenging time.

Warm regards
Sophie M

Re: Geoff...The longest serving Community Champion passed away Thursday 13th July 2023

mmMekitty — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 06:09:49 GMT

My deepest condolences & sympathy to Geoff's family & friends, of whom there are many here on BB.

Geoff showed his caring & kindness, with such dedication to this community, it will be hard to equal.

However, his presence here will continue through the thousands of posts he has gifted this community with. I, for one, don't think I said 'thank you' enough, because sometimes my views were at odds with hid. Then I would return to particular threads & notice how the people he was responding to expressed how well supported & understood they felt by what he had said.

We will miss him, indeed.

Big hugs to his family & close friends

& thank you, Paul, for bringing us the tribute from Geoff's family. I thank them as well.

mmMekitty

Re: Geoff...The longest serving Community Champion passed away Thursday 13th July 2023

Croix — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 12:25:36 GMT

Dear All~

Geoff has been a real mainstay in the Forum since it started, and he often gave support and comfort to many early morning posters over the years when most of us have finished for the night. There are countless people he has helped and his presence wil be sadly missed.

I too would like to offer my condolences to his family and friends.

Thank you Paul for letting us know.

Croix

Re: Geoff...The longest serving Community Champion passed away Thursday 13th July 2023

Summer Rose — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 13:14:58 GMT

Hi Paul

Thank you for letting us know the sad news. I trust you will pass along my deepest condolences to his family.

I so admired Geoff—his commitment to helping others, his sage advice and his generous spirit. Not to mention his tremendous courage in dealing with OCD. And I loved his advocacy to help shape the forums in the best interests of our community.

We’ve lost a really good man who will be greatly missed.

Kind thoughts to all at this sad time

Re: Geoff...The longest serving Community Champion passed away Thursday 13th July 2023

Matchy69 — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 19:13:32 GMT

I am very saddened to hear this news about Geoff.He put in so much dedication helping people with their mental health.His kind words and support will be truly missed.May he rest in peace.

Re: Geoff...The longest serving Community Champion passed away Thursday 13th July 2023

demonblaster — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 01:56:54 GMT

Hi everyone

Paul thanks so much for letting us know this very sad news.

Geoff gave so much to so many in his caring down to earth kind ways. He was incredibly supportive and well liked.

This is very sad news. Wishing comfort for Geoff’s family friends and to those here too.

RIP good man. You made a difference and helped so many people.

Thank you. Be at peace 💗

Re: Geoff...The longest serving Community Champion passed away Thursday 13th July 2023

Ggrand — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 02:22:09 GMT

Hello Dear Paul….🤗.

My deepest and most sincere condolences to Geoff’s beautiful family and friends…my heart goes out to all who got to know and love Geoff…

This is very sad news…Geoff was a beautiful person and will be missed by so many community members here…including myself….

Geoff dedicated many many years here at Beyond Blue helping many people with his time, patience, love and care….A sincere and gentle man…

May you Rest In Peace..Geoff..

Grandy…

Re: Geoff...The longest serving Community Champion passed away Thursday 13th July 2023

Just Sara — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 22:11:16 GMT

Thankyou Paul for sharing this sad news...

Geoff's legacy will continue on through his thousands of posts supporting members, many times in the wee hours of the morning as the only person online to greet people who needed a helping hand.

His kindness, charity and wisdom throughout his years on the Forums, was truly representative of his giving spirit, dedication and, indicative of Beyondblues' role in bringing healing and recovery to the masses.

Rest in Peace Geoff...you will surely be missed.

Re: Geoff...The longest serving Community Champion passed away Thursday 13th July 2023

tranzcrybe — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 07:42:07 GMT

Hey Geoff (yeah, I know, but the spirit lives on).
I'm pretty sure you were here first and the forums simply grew up around you.
A keen handyman and avid Tigers supporter - well, nobody's perfect I guess!
You will not be missed if never forgotten and your voice will live on in those you supported.
The forums are less without you.

Peace to your family in their time of grief.

Re: Geoff...The longest serving Community Champion passed away Thursday 13th July 2023

quirkywords — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 10:40:17 GMT

Paul

i have just read your post about Geoff’s passing.
Geoff was the first person to reach out to me when I became a champion.
I agree with what others have written here, I extend my sympathy to his families. I feel in shock.I learnt so much from Geoff and admire his support to people on the forum.
he was a tireless supporter of the forum.

vale Geoff.

Re: Geoff...The longest serving Community Champion passed away Thursday 13th July 2023

indigo22 — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 06:26:18 GMT

To Geoff's family, friends, fellow champs and community members,

I have not been here long enough to get to know Geoff, but it is clear from reading this thread that he had an impact on many community members over the years. I think one thing that we should all try to aim for is leaving the planet in a better state than we found it and it would seem Geoff did this in spades. May his words continue to help the lives of those who read them for many years to come.

My condolences to all who loved and cared for him.

indigo22

Re: Geoff...The longest serving Community Champion passed away Thursday 13th July 2023

TRYIN2 — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 11:21:58 GMT

Hi white knight ,

I have just read about the passing of your friend and am very sad to learn of it.

With much caring and dedication and intelligence you both helped me when I reached out.

His family must be so proud,both he and yourself made a difference to me at a time when I needed it.

white knight please keep fighting the good fight YOU make a difference!

I only just logged back in to revisit my first post a couple of years ago and wanted to thank all who helped especially you both.

A lovely tribute from his family.

I will be thinking of you all

Re: Geoff...The longest serving Community Champion passed away Thursday 13th July 2023

white knight — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 03:52:22 GMT

Hi TRYIN2

Such lovely words of gratitude thankyou. We dont expect any such return so when it comes along it has a positive effect.

Geoff was a veteran of over 20 years ang thats remarkable. He struggled with his health in recent years but continued his work here. He had support of Blondeguy a committed member here and Champion alumni.

Thankyou again

TonyWK