By KATH GANNAWAY
NO-ONE who knew Gavin Maxwell was surprised that the theme he had requested for the celebration of his life back in November, was “Love One Another”.
Gavin, a Healesville resident, passed away on 10 November, 2015, aged 60.
Drawing attention to a photo of the stylish Gavin, on his wedding day, resplendent in a pale blue suit and blue velvet bow tie, Dale Maxwell said the story of love one another really started when his mother, Meryle, and Gavin met and married.
It started a love story that spanned over 35 years … and instant fatherhood.
“On his wedding day, age 25, Gavin accepted the greatest responsibility of all, the responsibility of fatherhood,” Dale said.
“He became the stepfather of my brothers, John and Rodney and myself, before the gift of his own son, James.”
The theme also connected with Gavin’s great faith, which Dale described as ‘the most defining part of his life’. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for over 31 years.
Gavin was born in Finley, New South Wales on 3 August, 1955, to a farming family. He was raised on a farm in Coonawarra, South Gippsland, for the majority of his childhood and young life.
It was an upbringing that instilled in him practical life skills that stood him in good stead for the rest of his life.
It was also where he met and married Meryle.
A stint in the Australian Army in the 1970s also shaped his outlook on life.
In 1982 the Maxwell family moved to Gruyere where Gavin managed a stud farm for several years.
He was in his element, and so were the boys, with freedom to explore, rabbiting, camping and paddock bombs. It was on the farm that Gavin’s amazing talent for wheel-standing a motorbike for as long as he wanted to became a legendary claim to fame.
Unfortunately, illness and injury caused the family to move to Healesville.
Despite his illness, he maintained a full life.
He was an avid reader, possessing an extensive general knowledge of current affairs, politics and war, and of course, scripture.
He quietly helped many less fortunate people with food, clothing, shelter and, Meryle said, the occasional stern talking to.
He was well respected in the church community, and in the Healesville community with a friendly smile, that often belied his own health struggles, and always time for a chat.
It was a familiar sight to see Gavin and Meryle walking hand in hand around the town.
You just knew, if you saw one of them, the other was not far away.
Dale said they had provided a role model for what marriage was about, demonstrating how great marriage could be when two people love one another with unwaivering loyalty, love and commitment.
He was a wonderful ‘poppy’ to grandchildren, Brett, Kyle, Ash, Mikey, Jake, Tarlee, Thomas, Benny and Lucy – learning just the evening before he passed away that he was a great-grandfather.
The words chosen by Dale to sum up Gavin – including loyal, loving, devoted, integrity, accountable, knowledgeable, were echoed and expanded on in several tributes delivered at the service.
He was remembered also as a true gentleman.
Gavin was ill for many years, but bore his illness with grace and acceptance.
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be sadly missed.
