It ’ s difficult to put into words the magnitude of a loss like Gaz ’ s . The world will be a lot less bright without him ( and his outrageously coloured shirts and alligator skin shoes ). I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared a special relationship with my uncle – though , he wouldn ’ t want me calling him that . He insisted that I drop the title ‘ uncle ’ when addressing him , and just call him Garry , because “ we ’ re mates .” Gaz was one of my biggest supports ; he afforded me so many opportunities that have helped make me who I am , today . As well as supporting me , he was my brother , Tim ’ s , biggest fan ; forever asking about his mate , Timmy . From the Greek Islands to Arizona ’ s Super Bowl , Portsea to Mount Buller ; I was lucky to share in some of Gaz ’ s happiest moments , all of which were with his treasured family . I know Gaz will rest peacefully in the knowledge that he and my aunty , Lisa , have raised resilient , bright , and compassionate children , who will undoubtably do his legacy proud . Rarely a week passed where I wouldn ’ t get a text message from him checking in , Gaz signing of as “ G ”. It is heart wrenching to know that I won ’ t be receiving one of those messages again , but I will treasure the memories , always . So , signing off one last time , Rest easy , G . Annabel Rodway