Tragic News

[Bali Belly]

garyjohn951,
Deepest sympathies and condolences from someone that also lives in what was considered to be the heart of the yarra valley region

 

[Ric]

garyjohn951 and mrs,

Words that I like to say have all been said in the above posts, so I would just like to add my sympathies and condolence. Take care!

Ric

 

[munitalP]

I can't even comprehend what you must be going through right now, I can only repeat what everyone else has said - God bless

 

[wallacej]

Anyone else catch the beautiful pictures on the front page of yesterdays Herald Sun (Melbourne).

I have no involvement other than the knowledge of the tragedy that has unfolded, yet tears well up when thinking of the losses that many have endured.

 

[Keith009]

I just saw this thread, and I am thoroughly lost for words. Sincere condolences, garyjohn951. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. *hug*

Having lost friends to the bushfire tragedy, I have to say that it suddenly becomes more 'real' and truly hits home when the already-beyond-sorrowful event is no longer something you merely read on the frontpage of the newspaper or see on tv.

 

[snufl]

I cannot even imagine what you are going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

My condolescences garyjohn951.

It is sad sad days indeed at present.

Many have unfortunately been touched. By daughters boyfried has lost 4 of his mates in the fires. He is in the Army Reserve and is now part of the team seeking those that did not make it. Even though this is a grim task he prefers to be there helping.....

 

[Soundguy]

What a beautiful young family, my deepest sympathies to garyjohn951 and wife.

Revelation 21v4 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

 

[QF WP]

garyjohn951, I too am speechless, after reading both straitman's daughters' web pages on their experience and then reading your thread. We are here as a community (albeit flying related) and it is times like these when we realise just how powerful the spirit is here.

I feel glad to have donated to the Red Cross Appeal to help in the best way my family can at this point. We are also looking to donate Charlotte's toys to the local Red Cross, so they can send down to those family that have lost everything.

soundguy, lovely quotation.

Love and hugs to you both garyjohn951.

 

[Nigelinoz]

As a relative newbie here I hesitate to intrude on the grief of others who have been contributing to AFF for a lot longer than I ,however I am truly saddended that such utter tragedy could befall such young lives.
I am certainly not the most religious of men however I will say a prayer tonight for those that have been taken and those left behind.
N'OZ

 

[UP4014]

Received a mention by name, with photos here in Sydney a few days ago in the paper.

 

[garyjohn951]

On behalf of my wife and myself I wish to thank you for your prayers and kind words. Our daughter-inlaw came from Canberra where a Memorial Mass was held last Tuesday with over 300 in attendance.

Family pays tribute to long-time sweethearts - Local News - News - General - The Canberra Times

We still have no positive news from the Coroner's Office when will receive the bodies for our own closure.

Thanks again for your prayers

 

[Travel Guru]

Hi Garyjohn951,

I apologise, I only just saw this thread.

My deepest sympathies go out to you and yours from myself and my family.

I shall keep you in my prayers and hope you find peace even in this most challenging of time.

God Bless
TG

 

[garyjohn951]

It has now been over 9 weeks since the tragic fires and I wish to thank everyone for there kind wishes.

As an update to what has happened I pen the following

We finally received a progress report from the Coroner's Office late last week. It is not good news I'm afraid and I only give brief details here.

The report stated that 4 of the bodies found are inter-twined and dental records plus DNA are not conclusive for identification due to the intense heat of the fire. They are calling in anthropoligist [ Bone structure expert] so at to identify remains for each body.

They cannot give us a timeline but we believe this will be a lengthy process to undertake. Then they will consider the circumstancial evidence last.

My wife Robyn and I are certain of cause that the 5 bodies in the house are our beautiful loved ones and do realise the need for the Coroner to go through all the processes.

Therefore we have decided to go ahead with a Memorial Service

Details are:

St Francis Catholic Church
90 Mayora Road
Montmorency Vic

Date: Wednesday 22 April
Time: 10.30 am

No flowers please. There will be envelopes available for donations to the Library of the Middle Kinglake Primary School which the boys attended and was burnt to the ground. Direct debit details are available.

Thank you all for your support and prayers over the last 2 months.

 

[parsonstrish]

GaryJohn951, today is Easter. I imagine this is also a very tough time for each of you. I've just read this thread, how incredibly sad I feel for you, your wife and family.

I would like to send a donation to the boys' school library if you feel able to put the address up.

Having lost loved ones in the past, my heart,prayers and thoughts go out to each of you.
God Bless,
trish

 

[garyjohn951]

GaryJohn951, today is Easter. I imagine this is also a very tough time for each of you. I've just read this thread, how incredibly sad I feel for you, your wife and family.

I would like to send a donation to the boys' school library if you feel able to put the address up.

Having lost loved ones in the past, my heart,prayers and thoughts go out to each of you.
God Bless,
trish

Wespac
BSB 033 222
A/c 190007

Please quote following reference
Project 311651 - Library Middle Kinglake Primary School

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and donation.

 

[QF WP]

My daughter didn't get Easter eggs this year (well, at 2 y.o., we are trying to shield her from the commercialisation, as well as the sugar, artifical colours, flavours and preservatives).

Seems that the funds I saved have no better place than to be donated to this extremely worthy cause.

Go in peace, garryjohn1951