Rest In Peace, Geoff Winnington-Ball

[DaveCox]

I've only just found out about Geoff, as I've been away from here for a few years. Had a good chat and a couple of beers when he came to the UK back in '04.

We've all lost a friend, and one of life's 'nice guys' has gone ahead of us.

Geoff

Regards

Dave

[Pat Holscher]

Like Dave, I only just learned of Geoff's passing. We had a little correspondence years ago, when I first found this forum, and I always found him to be very helpful and enthusiastic on the topics. I'm very sorry to learn of his passing.

[Brian Gough]

It was one year ago today that Geoff passed away. I found it very worthwhile to reread all the postings in this thread. Geoff's creation of MLU and the Forum certainly resulted in an amazing world-wide community. I am sure he would be pleased that it continues to thrive.

Thank you to all those who carry on for him.

Brian

[Keith Webb]

Thanks for bringing it to our attention, Brian. It is indeed a fitting and excellent legacy.
I still miss Geoff's erudite and entertaining posts.

[r.morrison]

Very well put Brian.....a toast to his memory!

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Brian,

Thanks for the heads-up!

Geoff is sorely missed, but is still among us in spirit.

Hanno

[Howard]

Wow time does fly, doesn't it?!
Brian's prodding of our memory has also reminded me that I never wrote a tribute at the time of Geoff's passing. The fact that I did not respond tormented me at the time, and still does today, as I struggled to find the words to sum up what I felt/feel without rabbiting on too much and without recycling what has already been posted. However, here goes...
I met GWB when he visited Australia in 2008(?) for Corowa and he stayed with us for a few days. Even then it was obvious that he was ill, and was facing a big battle. I guess that this is why I did not post on this thread at the time. It's that feeling that maybe I might have failed Geoff, by not offering help. By not even discussing his condition. It's just sad. A waste.
However, without Geoff's efforts with this wonderful community that is the MLU would not be. Through MLU I have made some close friends, made many acquaintances, and have a list of contacts all over the world. I know more about the mighty Blitz than my Dad knew, and he worked on/with them for most of his lifetime. I have a yearly trip to Corowa with my two young Boys and I hope that they will be taking me one day in the distant future.
So, in closing it is a belated “Farewell Geoff”. I am sorry if I failed you in any way. And, thank you, for allowing me to be just one member of the wonderful fellowship of mapleleafup.net/forums!