This clip goes thorugh the events of the year since losing Gary. There have been big ups and downs thats for sure, but there has also been wonderful support. The backing track on this clip is another song by the Newton Faulkner who sang Dream Catch Me (the only Matty sang at Garys funeral) and is just perfect for how I feel. ~ Jaimee
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
New Video - Gary Teaching Jake to Read
Jamie discovered a video from her old mobile phone capturing a special moment.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
A Message from Jaimee
On behalf of myself and Matthew and Jake, I wanted to take a moment to thank everybody for their support. Gary’s loss is something I am not sure I will ever fully come to terms with, but through all the hurt and frustration and confusion I have been able to recognise how lucky we have been to have such wonderful family and friends.
Ray, Rosemary and Sharon and her family have been an absolutely wonderful support. We not only share our grief and sorrow, but happy memories and goals for the future. Ray and I will forever share a very sad bond of losing Gary on our birthday. I cant explain how it feels to have such a trauma happen on what is meant to be a happy day, but Ray and I both know and understand in an unspoken way and it helps to have someone who “gets it”. Rosemary has been the usual pillar of strength and reason for me and I will look to her for direction from time to time as I know a lot of Gary’s values came from his mum. Sharon is my sister. Maybe not in blood, but she is my sister and I love her and her beautiful family and even when I haven’t felt like facing the world, she never fails to bring me out of the depths and carry on.
And then there are our mates. There was a national debate years ago about the validity of the term “mateship”. I believe it is defined in what I’ve seen since our loss. I saw it the morning after Gary’s passing when the phone calls and visits started. But most importantly our friends haven’t slowly dwindled away as you would imagine while others get back to their lives. There is a sense of being left behind when you have such a loss, because there is a point when your pain is still so raw and real and those who knew him gradually begin to move on. We have been so lucky that Gary’s friends have been determined to show their support on a long term basis. From people arranging fundraisers, to help me try and save our family home, to visits to our home to play with the kids or have a cuppa and a chat with me, to invites for meals and inclusion in events and celebrations, that may have otherwise been overlooked and even with a bit of help around the home.
As a mother, my foremost fear is for my children. They have lost such an integral part of their lives, such an important influence on their development as individuals that I fear for their futures. This fear has lessened to a degree due to the brilliant show of support, from friends and family. Already I can see that Matthew and Jake have developed some wonderful bonds with some of Gary’s mates and in years to come those bonds will become increasingly vital when our boys become young men.
So thank you to everybody that has contributed to ensuring that the memory of Gary will not be lost, that his children will be well cared for and that his parents, sister and I wont lose one of the most important links we had with him, your friendships.
Sincerely,
Jaimee Witcombe
Ray, Rosemary and Sharon and her family have been an absolutely wonderful support. We not only share our grief and sorrow, but happy memories and goals for the future. Ray and I will forever share a very sad bond of losing Gary on our birthday. I cant explain how it feels to have such a trauma happen on what is meant to be a happy day, but Ray and I both know and understand in an unspoken way and it helps to have someone who “gets it”. Rosemary has been the usual pillar of strength and reason for me and I will look to her for direction from time to time as I know a lot of Gary’s values came from his mum. Sharon is my sister. Maybe not in blood, but she is my sister and I love her and her beautiful family and even when I haven’t felt like facing the world, she never fails to bring me out of the depths and carry on.
And then there are our mates. There was a national debate years ago about the validity of the term “mateship”. I believe it is defined in what I’ve seen since our loss. I saw it the morning after Gary’s passing when the phone calls and visits started. But most importantly our friends haven’t slowly dwindled away as you would imagine while others get back to their lives. There is a sense of being left behind when you have such a loss, because there is a point when your pain is still so raw and real and those who knew him gradually begin to move on. We have been so lucky that Gary’s friends have been determined to show their support on a long term basis. From people arranging fundraisers, to help me try and save our family home, to visits to our home to play with the kids or have a cuppa and a chat with me, to invites for meals and inclusion in events and celebrations, that may have otherwise been overlooked and even with a bit of help around the home.
As a mother, my foremost fear is for my children. They have lost such an integral part of their lives, such an important influence on their development as individuals that I fear for their futures. This fear has lessened to a degree due to the brilliant show of support, from friends and family. Already I can see that Matthew and Jake have developed some wonderful bonds with some of Gary’s mates and in years to come those bonds will become increasingly vital when our boys become young men.
So thank you to everybody that has contributed to ensuring that the memory of Gary will not be lost, that his children will be well cared for and that his parents, sister and I wont lose one of the most important links we had with him, your friendships.
Sincerely,
Jaimee Witcombe
Friday, February 13, 2009
Gary Witcombe Family Man
As much as Gary loved his sports, I heard him say on a couple of occasions that his family was the centre of his universe, and he showed this in action also. As a friend, I know how proud he was as a dad and as a husband.
From Jaimee:
Colin has asked me to explain what Gary was like as a husband and father. As hard as I try I cant explain what he meant to us.As a father to Matthew and Jake he was someone who saw their potential in everything and had faith in them to do things they never thought they would be capable of.Matthew and Gary had found a wonderful connection in sport, specifically footy and the hawthorn football club. The shine in Gary eyes when they talked about their team was priceless. Gary was very proud earlier this year to be arranging for Matty to play in his first ever junior footy side. It was a day he had been looking forward to so much.To Jake, Gary was his world. Jake saw Gary as his protector, teacher, playmate and fellow delinquint...lol. Jake started school not long after Gary passed away. There will be so many firsts for him that Gary will never see. So many firsts for them both.As a husband, Gary was my world, nothing less. He was a huge personality and we both had strong opinions, and we clashed like nobody's business, but we had so much fun. We would laugh together all the time and no matter how things seemed on the outside between us, I always knew that he would be there for me.He will be sorely, desperately missed and loved forever.
From Jaimee:
Colin has asked me to explain what Gary was like as a husband and father. As hard as I try I cant explain what he meant to us.As a father to Matthew and Jake he was someone who saw their potential in everything and had faith in them to do things they never thought they would be capable of.Matthew and Gary had found a wonderful connection in sport, specifically footy and the hawthorn football club. The shine in Gary eyes when they talked about their team was priceless. Gary was very proud earlier this year to be arranging for Matty to play in his first ever junior footy side. It was a day he had been looking forward to so much.To Jake, Gary was his world. Jake saw Gary as his protector, teacher, playmate and fellow delinquint...lol. Jake started school not long after Gary passed away. There will be so many firsts for him that Gary will never see. So many firsts for them both.As a husband, Gary was my world, nothing less. He was a huge personality and we both had strong opinions, and we clashed like nobody's business, but we had so much fun. We would laugh together all the time and no matter how things seemed on the outside between us, I always knew that he would be there for me.He will be sorely, desperately missed and loved forever.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Video Tribute to Gary Witcombe
A beautiful video tribute to Gary as played to a large and emotional gathering at his funeral.
Friday, February 6, 2009
What Gary Meant to Us
Please comment below on what Gary meant to you, thoughts about Gaz or thoughts you'd like to express to him or his family.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Gary's Pool Achievements
Gary ~May 2008 at Waurn Ponds playing for the White Eagle Chokers
He's also a semi-finalist of the Doug Gil and Ballarat Open 8-Ball events and co-founder of the Geelong 8-Ball Open which is one of Australia's premiere pool events.
More information will be added here documenting Gary's many achievements in pool.
Gary's Cricket Achievements
Gary is famous for his one handed sixes. This is all he needed to launch a ball well over the fence. One performance well remembered was when he hit 5 sixes and 1 four, for a total of 34 runs off one over at Thomson.
His many other cricket achievements will be collected and added to this post.
His many other cricket achievements will be collected and added to this post.
Gary the Footballer
Gary was a fearless, powerful and skilled footballer, having played for Thomson and Eastern Suburbs in his junior years.
He was invited to the try outs for the Geelong Falcons at age 15 or 16 and was only eliminated in the final round of cuts despite having kicked 4 goals in the last practice game. It is suspected his lack of enthusiasm for training or following orders was the only thing that kept him from playing for the falcons. He was quite jaded by this experience and lost enthusiasm for participation in the game.
In his last game aged about 17, he leaped for an uncontested mark, landing awkwardly he broke both bones in his leg.
A video remains of Gary playing pool in a GDFL final. We'll hopefully have that uploaded and available for viewing here soon.
He was invited to the try outs for the Geelong Falcons at age 15 or 16 and was only eliminated in the final round of cuts despite having kicked 4 goals in the last practice game. It is suspected his lack of enthusiasm for training or following orders was the only thing that kept him from playing for the falcons. He was quite jaded by this experience and lost enthusiasm for participation in the game.
In his last game aged about 17, he leaped for an uncontested mark, landing awkwardly he broke both bones in his leg.
A video remains of Gary playing pool in a GDFL final. We'll hopefully have that uploaded and available for viewing here soon.
Gary the Golfer
Gaz enjoyed his golf, getting increasingly keen on the sport in recent years and especially in his last few months.
Only recently he shot his best round of 83 around the challenging Kooringal 6,076m Par 71 Championship Golf Course with his boss.
Gary's drive was remarkably long and he was well known for his 'Happy Gilmore' shot that could travel in excess of 300 meters.
Below is a video of myself and Gary playing in the early summer of 2007. I think at Curlewis Golf Club. I was talking to my Chinese friends who I was sending the video to.
Only recently he shot his best round of 83 around the challenging Kooringal 6,076m Par 71 Championship Golf Course with his boss.
Gary's drive was remarkably long and he was well known for his 'Happy Gilmore' shot that could travel in excess of 300 meters.
Below is a video of myself and Gary playing in the early summer of 2007. I think at Curlewis Golf Club. I was talking to my Chinese friends who I was sending the video to.
Gary the Card Player and Gambler
(l-r) Ricky, Gary, Patto, Boris, Nathan, ColinIn his late teens he told me he got into the ponies for a while but it stung him pretty bad, so he learned from his mistakes and rarely donated to the TAB after that.
At cards, be it Texas Holdem or Manila, Gaz was always a handful for an opponent. We enjoyed many late nights playing poker with Gaz getting a good laugh out of my miscalculations and bad bluffs.
Gaz once visited Ricky Coleman and I on the Gold Coast with his big mate Dom. He extricated about $300 from a somewhat naive Ricky playing Manila for his first time. Several beers later they were sitting outside and watching a cat sitting on the grass beside a road. A bet was struck whereby Gaz would win $100 if the cat walked onto the path before it walked onto the road. After several impatient minutes Gaz launched a missile in the direction of the cat, trying to scare it toward the path. The cat however jumped in the opposite direction onto the road, resulting in a win to Rick and a story that entertained us on many occasions.
Gary the Fisherman
Gary loved his fishing and had his own boat which seemed to change hands with his father Ray every so often depending on cash flow.
As usual, the fish often finished on the wrong side of the battle when they took on master fisherman Gaz as seen in this photo of Gary and Colin Smith.
As usual, the fish often finished on the wrong side of the battle when they took on master fisherman Gaz as seen in this photo of Gary and Colin Smith.
Click on photo to enlarge.
Gary the Baseballer
Gary played at state level as a junior baseball player and was known for his fast pitching in particular.
If anyone knows any more about his baseball days please contact us or leave a comment.
If anyone knows any more about his baseball days please contact us or leave a comment.
Gary the Athlete
Gary dominated the throwing sports back in his East Tech school days winning the shot put, discus and javelin events.
From what I recall Gary won the inter-school Javelin event with an impressive 56 meter throw with the 600gm javelin. This would have ranked him in the top few of the state had he competed in the sport seriously.
From what I recall Gary won the inter-school Javelin event with an impressive 56 meter throw with the 600gm javelin. This would have ranked him in the top few of the state had he competed in the sport seriously.
Thomson Fundraising Event and 20-20 Match
Sunday 22nd February at Thomson Sports Club.
A special 20/20 Cricket Match and fundraising night will be held at Thomson Oval on Sunday 22nd February. Some of Geelong's best cricket players will partipate and provide a lively and good spirited performance to honour Gary Witcombe and to raise money for his wife and 2 young boys in this difficult time.
----------------
UPDATE!!!
What a fantastic day, held in great spirit where a wide range of friends of Gary came along to remember him and to support the family he loved.
So many put in time effort or dug deep at the auction that it is hard to thank anyone without leaving someone out. So thanks to all who made it a successful day.
I'll try to get some paper clippings or photos from the event up here soon. Email me if you have any.
A special 20/20 Cricket Match and fundraising night will be held at Thomson Oval on Sunday 22nd February. Some of Geelong's best cricket players will partipate and provide a lively and good spirited performance to honour Gary Witcombe and to raise money for his wife and 2 young boys in this difficult time.
----------------
UPDATE!!!
What a fantastic day, held in great spirit where a wide range of friends of Gary came along to remember him and to support the family he loved.
So many put in time effort or dug deep at the auction that it is hard to thank anyone without leaving someone out. So thanks to all who made it a successful day.
I'll try to get some paper clippings or photos from the event up here soon. Email me if you have any.
Geelong 8-Ball Open - Gary Witcombe Memorial
The Geelong Open 8-Ball Singles pool event now features the Gary Witcombe Memorial Trophy in honour of Gary's contributions to the founding of the event and to his contributions to the pool community in Geelong. Matthew, Gary's eldest son presented the trophy to James Delahunty the event winner on Feb 16, 2009.
Call Velo Dulic on 042 5872 083 for more information and visit the event website at www.GeelongOpen.com
UPDATE: The event was a great success with several auctions held and a quite emotional presentation ceremony where Matthew and Gary's father Ray helped present the award to the winner James Delahunty. Commiserations to Paul Hancock who picked up the runners-up award for the second time.
A lovely memorial trophy has been placed to commemorate the Gary Witcombe Memorial at the White Eagle Club. We hope you will find the time to see it.
Call Velo Dulic on 042 5872 083 for more information and visit the event website at www.GeelongOpen.com
UPDATE: The event was a great success with several auctions held and a quite emotional presentation ceremony where Matthew and Gary's father Ray helped present the award to the winner James Delahunty. Commiserations to Paul Hancock who picked up the runners-up award for the second time.
A lovely memorial trophy has been placed to commemorate the Gary Witcombe Memorial at the White Eagle Club. We hope you will find the time to see it.
Photo Galleries including Gary
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