Graeme Leslie Devenish

My Tribute To Graeme

The Graeme I Know!

On The Outside He Seemed as Hard as Nails

Stubborn, sometimes pig headed, he always gave his opinion freely and only his opinion counted.  It was always his way or the highway and you are always wrong.  You will never win an argument with him, so don’t bother trying.  A hard worker who sometimes worked even though he was in pain but persisted to get the job finished.  Known by many people at the park as the man who sits on the esky with the little white dog.

On The Inside, He Had A Heart of Gold

His family came first for Graeme but he was always there for any of us when we needed a hand.  Never questioned just got in and helped.  From fixing reticulation, repairing lawn mowers, painting, building patios, renovating houses, helping me move house on more than 2 occasions and numerous other jobs I just simply was unable to do.  There was nothing Graeme couldn’t do.

His mateship with Phil was unbreakable.  Phil would come down and stay each week and help Graeme with work around the house.  Some days Phil looked like he had done hard labour, but according to Graeme, he loved doing it. 

He loved his two dogs, Penny and Guess who followed him everywhere.  When Penny passed away, Guess had become his constant companion and today is confused as to why Graeme is not there.

Erica, your Dad loved you so much and is so very proud of you in how you have grown up to a young adult.  You have inherited his strength and determination, which will see you through your life to achieve whatever you want.  I heard him many times when speaking with you on the phone, the love he had for you which is never ending, how he always ended the call with “love you bub”. 

Elsa, although Graeme seemed to us that he was the boss, I suspect his respect and love for you made him a bit of a woosy around you.  The love you had for each other will live on in Erica and his memory will always be there for you.

I will not say RIP Graeme, as I know that’s not something you will do.  You will make your presence known up there and show them who is right and who is wrong.  We wouldn’t expect anything less.

I will miss your arguments, your colourful language, but most of all, your friendship as this can never be replaced.  You were one of a kind.

Vicky