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

[blondguy]

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

[white knight]

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

[Sophie_M]

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

[mmMekitty]

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

[Croix]

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

[Summer Rose]

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

[Matchy69]

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.

[demonblaster]

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 💗

[Ggrand]

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…

[Just Sara]

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.