Joanne's Eulogy

As I refolded my notes and placed them back in my jacket pocket and started to head back toward my seat I could feel my legs shaking for the first time; they had probably been quaking all along, I just hadn't noticed.  As I scanned the faces in the church I saw the collective look of sadness that was the common thread among all those in attendance.  How awful, I was thinking that this was probably the first and last time I would see many of those in the church.  How much I would love to have spoken to each and every one of them to try to see what special memory they may have of our son.  I knew I would have an opportunity at the reception after the service to engage a few but not nearly the entire group.  As I passed Joanne on her way up to the lectern to continue the service as it was now her time, I think I grabbed her hand or squeezed her shoulder but I don't have a clear recollection.  In any event I was attempting to channel my most positive and supportive self, knowing how difficult this would be for her.

Joanne bravely looked out over the assembly and began her presentation, speaking softly but clearly, her love for our son bounded from every word:

"Today I wanted to share some memories and express some feelings that I feel I owe to my lover, my partner, my best of all friends, my shoulder, my inspiration, my Geoff.

We started as good friends working at Virgin Records in the city. After a year or two as friends and after quite some time teaching me about quality music and how to arrange his house music section, this friendship developed and so our love blossomed into a beautiful relationship.

Our 3 year and 8 month relationship changed my life and will change my life forever. We developed and grew, not only as a couple, but as individuals exploring in this complex, yet simple life. I believe and I am certain that Geoff was brought to this world by his dear mother and father, Robin and Craig, to show us all something beautiful. I’m sure that those of you fortunate enough to have known him are thinking of the way he touched your hearts. I, on the other hand was blessed with many. His positivity and outlook on life was his most admirable quality. With that, he showed me love and how to love. He taught me patience and to wipe out negativity.

When he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in November of 2007, I felt our world crumble, but Geoff was tenacious and displayed nothing but perseverance and in turn, changed me as a person. With the undying support of his family, he fought the cancer and we were stronger than ever.

During our time together, I had the opportunity to learn what a beautiful, loving and caring family Geoff came from. Each and every one of you contributed something special in his life, whether that was teaching him something, making him laugh or simply being there for him. Geoff as a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, partner, colleague and friend, will be so dearly missed by all.

In the last 3 weeks of Geoff’s life, he would express to me “I want nothing more than to feel better, to be able to go back to work as normal and to enjoy being outside.” To these requests, I remained positive, just as he would have appreciated. I would often talk to Geoff about dreams I’ve had and he would tell me that he hardly dreamt and if he did, he would rarely recall them. One week before he passed he asked me to have a dream of us at the beach together… I am yet to do that for you Geoff.

Dear Geoff, the person who enjoyed the simplest things in life,

I’m not sure if we got to say goodbye properly, maybe that’s because you knew I hated that word. When I saw you on Saturday 2^nd Oct, I felt you say bye in the way you told me you loved me and missed us and mostly in the way you held my hand and wouldn’t let go. I just wanted to let you know that I know. In my last messages that you didn’t get to read, I wanted you to know that I missed you with every fibre of my being. You brought out the best in me and showed me how to overcome the worst. I will miss you everyday. I will miss the way you used to talk about things you learnt from Jiu Jitsu class and the way I pretended to be so interested, I will miss you reminding me to clean my fish tank. I will miss your face, your beautiful green eyes and the way you looked at me. I will miss your presence, your amazing and creative talent, your voice, your passion, your music, your positivity, your laugh, your humour, our passion for food, your love, your scent, your everything.

We had so much planned that we didn’t get to finish – but I wont dwell upon what we missed. I can not even begin to fathom what my life would be like without you, but I will forever remember, appreciate and admire all that we did achieve together. I’m keeping your fish tank clean and your Angel fish is safe in my hands. I hope I didn’t miss anything. I love you and you will forever remain in my heart."

Joanne looked up at the sympathetic audience through tear drops and returned to her seat.