Bodger's Hovel
Some light-hearthed ideas in apparently darkening times
Funeral
Below are the music and words of Geoff's favourite spoken track -
The Balance by The Moody Blues and other music he loved.
Just click the PLAY triangle on the Player or click on the track.
If you click on the low resolution photos they will open a closer clearer shot in a new window.
To send pix and videos of Geoff or the funeral go to the Contact page
Jump to new photos added 21/4/10
Condolences
The Balance from A Question of Balance
After he had journeyed,
And his feet were sore,
And he was tired,
He came upon an orange grove
And he rested
And he lay in the cool,
And while he rested, he took to himself an orange and tasted it,
And it was good.
And he felt the earth to his spine,
And he asked, and he saw the tree above him, and the stars,
And the veins in the leaf,
And the light, and the balance.
And he saw magnificent perfection,
Whereon he thought of himself in balance,
And he knew he was.Chorus:
Just open your eyes,
And realize, the way it’s always been.
Just open your mind
And you will find
The way it’s always been.
Just open your heart
And that’s a start.
And he thought of those he angered,
For he was not a violent man,
And he thought of those he hurt
For he was not a cruel man
And he thought of those he frightened
For he was not an evil man,
And he understood.
He understood himself.Upon this he saw that when he was of anger or knew hurt or felt fear,
It was because he was not understanding,
And he learned, compassion.And with his eye of compassion.
He saw his enemies like unto himself,
And he learned love.
Then, he was answered.
"Here is a test
to find out if your mission on Earth is over:
if you're alive it isn't!"
Richard Bach - IllusionsThe funeral was held on September 4th 2009 at Lismore Crematorium in the gardens outside. The rain held off and Geoff's family and extended family of about 300 gathered at 3.30pm.
Denise Paitson conducted the service beautifully. First some of Geoff's tracks were played - Mad World and No One's Slave.
After that Geoff's son Chimie did some great Tibetan chanting dedications before Vanessa's mum Lyn spoke, followed by Geoff's sister Kate plus a selection of friends including Andy, Ari, Amanda, Gilbert and Rusty.
Then, in a time of reflection, one of Geoff's favourite passages 'The Balance' from the Moody Blues album A Question of Balance was played.
People were then asked to write messages to go with him and write in the condolence book.
Finally, everyone gathered in a circle and he was given a farewell Aum and screams and applause.
The coffin was then covered and carried by friends and family to the Chapel where Chimie read a Tibetan dedication in English before Vanessa sent him on his way.
We all Aumed again and gave him a standing ovation.
Download Funeral Program flyer in jpeg format:
Front and Back. (270kb each)
These new photos were supplied by another photographer. Many of the ceremony shots were similar to the original ceremony shots so only ones of the coffin, 'bearers' and chapel have been added below.
For those who can cope there is one close-up photo of Geoff's face in the coffin. Please, only click the link if you really feel strong enough. Close-up.
Please send any pix, videos and tributes via the Contact page.
