Geoff D Memorial Pud – Saturday 19 Oct 2013, Brisbane.
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Geoff D’s recent passing saddens us. Geoff was an extraordinary contributor to this forum, and the now defunct SSSF, and the world. A no-nonsense career Hydrogeologist, Geoff contributed immensely to the discovery and development of underground water supplies in African and Asian developing countries, bringing clean, sustainable water to millions of people who would otherwise be without water for parts of the year. After the Boxing Day Tsunami, Geoff gave freely of his time to re-develop water supplies in the devestated Indonesian province of Aceh.

In a way, that’s how he was on the forum. Quick to help and free with his knowledge and time. But he couldn’t stand nonsense and would take on buffoons instantly with a dedicated passion.

It is sad that soon after retiring, Geoff started his long battle with a very nasty cancer. He documented this battle, and we have all read of his ups, downs, treatments and thoughts. Almost without exception, he was positive about overcoming this disease – which he named “Rupert”. An extraordinary thing, being so positive, considering the immense privations he endured.

As soon as Geoff’s health improved a bit, he volunteered his help to the Sandgate Historical Society, adding to and cataloguing their photographic and print media collections. Recently, he wrote a book for the society. The book launch had locally- to nationally-known identities attend. He won a prize for his efforts. It is good that his work was properly recognised by our country, and face to face, before Rupert delivered the final punch.

Now it is our turn. To recognise Geoff as the important contributor to our society that he was. To say goodbye. To raise a glass or few. To reflect. To have a laugh. To chew the fat. How amazing it is to have been part of this gentle giant’s life. How we’ll miss him.

To Geoff!

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Hello Honky Tonks!

Please come to a Pud (or wake if you wish) in memory of Geoff D, at Michael V & Mrs V’s place in Brisbane’s inner southside, starting midday Saturday 19 October 2013, finishing whenever.

It’s Saturday afternoon and night, to allow people to recover…

Many of you have been here before. Similar system. You bring your favourite tipple and some nibbles. I’ll make an evening meal. I’ll have ice-filled containers to keep drinks cold. There’ll be plenty of seats and tables and stuff.

Those who plan to stay the night, bring whatever you need to make yourself comfortable for sleeping. We have some camping matresses – first in best sleep – or bring your own. There is plenty of floor area, though much if it is not particularly private (lounge room, garage downstairs etc). Oh, and let me know you plan to stay.

If you need emailed instructions, sssfmv at the place of hot males could get me. ;)

I’ll keep a running list in this thread of who’s coming (for catering purposes, etc).

A nice obit, Michael. Rest assured I’ll be there in spirit and raising a few glasses this end :)

:)

its unlikely i’ll be able to come.

I had been watching his posts about his health for a while

Spockette and I are likely to be there.

I’ll be there all things being equal.
If the prawns are running in the bay I’ll try and net some the night before.

>>Rest assured I’ll be there in spirit and raising a few glasses this end

Perhaps we could synchronise watches for a nationwide toast to him at some point during the evening.

Peak Warming Man said:

I’ll be there all things being equal.
If the prawns are running in the bay I’ll try and net some the night before.

Brilliant! :)

Spiny Norman said:

Spockette and I are likely to be there.

Excellent! :)

Neophyte said:

>>Rest assured I’ll be there in spirit and raising a few glasses this end

Perhaps we could synchronise watches for a nationwide toast to him at some point during the evening.

Good idea.

Neophyte said:

>>Rest assured I’ll be there in spirit and raising a few glasses this end

Perhaps we could synchronise watches for a nationwide toast to him at some point during the evening.

Good thinking 99!

Beautifully penned OP Micheal.

There’s an outside chance that I can make it.. My health has not been so great lately but I am improving nicely.

<BR>

It’s not going to be too maudlin is it?

Ian said:

Beautifully penned OP Micheal.

There’s an outside chance that I can make it.. My health has not been so great lately but I am improving nicely.

<BR>

It’s not going to be too maudlin is it?

Geoff wouldn’t want maudlin. So I won’t let that happen. :)

I hope you can make it.

Yep. I’ll do the best I can to make it.

It’d be good to see you and Mrs V again… we only had a short time together that night the 3 of us slept together :) and I can still taste the after burn of your uniquely strong brewed coffee.

At least with me and PMW at the same gig we can do the entertainment ;)

Unless my lotto numbers come up in the next few weeks, I won’t be able to make it. :(

Regardless, I will start using the term “underground aquifer” as often as possible in the hope that Geoff D will turn up and smack me in the mouth for being a dick.

Kingy said:

Unless my lotto numbers come up in the next few weeks, I won’t be able to make it. :(

Regardless, I will start using the term “underground aquifer” as often as possible in the hope that Geoff D will turn up and smack me in the mouth for being a dick.

I’ve got a brother in Perth.. he’s a complete maniac (and not a bit like me at all). He’d quite happy to hop on 300 kph BMW bike and run down and smack you in the dick with his mouth.. if you want I can give him a bell :)

>Hello Honky Tonks!

I have been trying to remember that greeting!

:)

I won’t be there, but my heart will.

Too early for me to say if I can make it, but of course I’ll try.

Definite

Michael V
Mrs V
Spiny Norman
Spockie
Peak Warming Man

Possible

Ian
Pommie John

Definite

Michael V
Mrs V
Spiny Norman
Spockie
Peak Warming Man

Possible

Ian
Pommie John

Regrets

Doktar Alex

Definite

Michael V
Mrs V
Spiny Norman
Spockie
Peak Warming Man

Possible

Ian
Pommie John

Regrets

Doktar Alex
+ Stumpy

i put myself under, doc alex.

Boris said:

i put myself under, doc alex.

Wait, what???

I shall face towards the South East and raise a glass at the appropriate time.

If an appropriate time can be determined.

Bugger it, I’ll raise one now!

Cheers Geoff.

Definite

Michael V
Mrs V
Spiny Norman
Spockie
Peak Warming Man

Possible

Ian
Pommie John

Regrets and Apologies

Doktar Alex
stumpy_seahorse
boris
Teleost
Bubblecar
wookiemeister
Neophyte
Kingy
morrie

I would love to come. I think the man is having holidays, will check

Michael V said:

Definite

Michael V
Mrs V
Spiny Norman
Spockie
Peak Warming Man

Possible

Ian
Pommie John

Regrets and Apologies

Doktar Alex
stumpy_seahorse
boris
Teleost
Bubblecar
wookiemeister
Neophyte
Kingy
morrie
Us

I’ll be there in spirit.

Witty Rejoinder said:

I’ll be there in spirit.

I’ll be here with spirits.

Michael, please put us down as a Maybe. I’ve popped it in the diary, shall try to wander over the hill for a visit.

-M

Definite

Michael V
Mrs V
Spiny Norman
Spockie
Peak Warming Man

Possible

Ian
Pommie John
Meg
Pigman

Regrets and Apologies

Doktar Alex
stumpy_seahorse
boris
Teleost
Bubblecar
wookiemeister
Neophyte
Kingy
morrie
Spider Lily
Carmen_Sandiego
Witty Rejoinder

Michael V said:

Definite

Michael V
Mrs V
Spiny Norman
Spockie
Peak Warming Man

Possible

Ian
Pommie John
Purple
Meg
Pigman

Regrets and Apologies

Doktar Alex
stumpy_seahorse
boris
Teleost
Bubblecar
wookiemeister
Neophyte
Kingy
morrie
Spider Lily
Carmen_Sandiego
Witty Rejoinder

MV, I’m fairly sure the ‘appologies’ will cover 99.99999999% of poster who can’t actually make it.

Not trying to be a smartarse, but you’d end up with those who are going to make it, and then a very long list of those who won’t, but wish they could.

I do love the idea of setting a time for a ‘raise the glass’. A time that, for all us who remember Geoff so fondly, can raise a glass in celebration, shed a tear or two, reminisce about what a complete bastard he was, and then shed a tear again.

Bump.

I’m in charge of the rosters now so I can definitely make it :) Not sure about Mr Mutant, he feels very uncomfortable about these things.

purple said:

I would love to come. I think the man is having holidays, will check

Would love to see you there, Purps.

Divine Angel said:

I’m in charge of the rosters now so I can definitely make it :) Not sure about Mr Mutant, he feels very uncomfortable about these things.

I know, have you met us???

Mr Mutant is a sensitive soul. I’m used to youse now.

Bumpity bump bump.

Neophyte said:

Perhaps we could synchronise watches for a nationwide toast to him at some point during the evening.

As noted further up this thread, an excellent idea.

AussieDJ said:

Neophyte said:

Perhaps we could synchronise watches for a nationwide toast to him at some point during the evening.

As noted further up this thread, an excellent idea.

Nationwide? What about the poor schmucks who are in other nations?

AussieDJ said:

Neophyte said:

Perhaps we could synchronise watches for a nationwide toast to him at some point during the evening.

As noted further up this thread, an excellent idea.

Also noting that Australia will be observing Daylight Saving Time by the 19th of October, so that’s three hours we’ll have to get our timing right.

Then again, we could raise a glass as the clock ticks over in each time zone – that’d be five glasses by the end of the evening.

(Just working through the practicalities)

Oh, and add me to the 99% list of people who’d love to join you, but won’t be able to make it to Michael V’s place.

Unfortunately myself & WG will not be able to attend. We did so want to, however other stuff has come up. I will Toast Geoff & those that are attending by opening & drinking a bottle of boogoop (Geoff liked this stuff). I will do this upon a text or phonecall from this special pud. MV, CS/DO has my mobile number & has my permission to pass it on to you.

yeah I was just thinking about Geoff today

Bulgarian Umbrella said:

Unfortunately myself & WG will not be able to attend. We did so want to, however other stuff has come up. I will Toast Geoff & those that are attending by opening & drinking a bottle of boogoop (Geoff liked this stuff). I will do this upon a text or phonecall from this special pud. MV, CS/DO has my mobile number & has my permission to pass it on to you.

Cool Bananas!

Will contact DO.

:)

Found it

I’ll bring the programme from the funeral for anyone who wants to have a look at it. It was such a lovely service.

Ta. I have Geoff’s book here for everybody to look at, too.

Divine Angel said:

I’ll bring the programme from the funeral for anyone who wants to have a look at it. It was such a lovely service.

The photo on the back was a good one.

Peak Warming Man said:

Divine Angel said:

I’ll bring the programme from the funeral for anyone who wants to have a look at it. It was such a lovely service.

The photo on the back was a good one.

Yes, his son looks so much like him…

Bump.

bring a crowbar.

Has a time been arranged that we all can raise a glass?

ChrispenEvan said:

bring a crowbar.

Don’t need to. I have two crowbars, and two jackhammers and two mining picks. However, extra crowbars are welcome…

sibeen said:

Has a time been arranged that we all can raise a glass?

No. I figure we can organise that on the night.

I was hoping Fee would see this, and reply.

I won’t be there at midday.

Divine Angel said:

I won’t be there at midday.

Working?

I think I’ll be having the first memorial drink on the day (after work). I’ll leave it up to youse to drink the rest of the day and night away…

Michael V said:

Divine Angel said:

I won’t be there at midday.

Working?

No, I finish mentoring about then, and Mr Mutant has scheduled a short lunch with a friend who is passing through.

Ah. Hope that goes well, and that you can make it some time.

:)

I will defs be there, more like 2-3 though.