some very sad news...

[Chayote]

My dear friend, Gordon has passed away. We talked to him on the phone last Wednesday, planning our next visit at the end of June and how we would borrow a wheelchair and take him outside to see our new van and scooters. He was excited for us. Apparently that evening he had a devastating fall in his bathroom and was taken to hospital but lost his battle on Sunday evening.

Gordon was our breath of fresh air during COVID lockdowns. For most of 2020 he came in for afternoon tea and we all looked forward to his visit. Those afternoon teas continued until he suffered a stroke and was eventually sent to a nursing home.

We will be travelling to Melbourne next week for his funeral...

Rest in peace, my pommie friend...

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[rosie]

My deepest sympathy Chayote. Totally devastating to lose a dear friend.

[CharleneG]

I’m so sorry to hear about Gordon, I know how much you both enjoyed his company.

[Chayote]

Thank you, my friends... I've been thinking about Gordon all day. I gave him such a hard time (jokingly) for never becoming an Australian citizen, hence me calling him my "pommie friend". He was only 7 years old when his mother died, after which time he and his brothers were sent to an orphanage by his father, who went on to remarry and have another family. His brothers were adopted but he remained in the orphanage until he was finished school. After he married, the family became what were called "£10 poms", i.e. they could immigrate to Australia for the cost of £10 sterling. They settled in Australia and went on to have four children. Gordon bought the house next door to us 37 years ago. His wife, Bunty befriended our son, Charlie and she told him all about her world holidays, planting the seed with Charlie to travel. Speaking of seeds, Gordon taught me about self-sustaining gardening, growing roses, making a wicking garden bed and designing native gardens. I'll never forget him.

[Vera]

Chayote - I have been gone most of today and looked in on CopyKat and saw your headline. I never expected his passing and am very sorry to hear this. I know you and John enjoyed his visits in your former house. He had quite a life and at least you were able to speak to him before he passed. I'm sure you will remember that conversation for a long time. RIP Gordon.

[D'sMom]

((((Chay))))Rest in peace Gordon

[Chayote]

Thanks Vera and D'sMom... I still struggle to accept that he's gone. We've decided to drive to Melbourne in the new Renault so we are leaving home on Tuesday morning.