Denise Butler, Celebrant.

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28/08/2026

The Neale, Bieman, Costin and McCallum clans gathered at the Simpson Recreation Reserve this afternoon to farewell their matriarch, Leona. Along with their many friends, they listened closely as grandson, David Costin, paid tribute to Nana/Ona in a beautiful eulogy. Dear friend Biddy Weel also shared stories of 52 years of treasured companionship.
Born in 1942, Leona spent her first years in Colac with her 3 sisters, leaving high school to work in a local milk bar and supermarket. She met Les Neale in 1961; they married in 1962 and were later joined by their 5 children: Lynda, Wendy, Brian, Karen and Wayne.
Les and Leona share-farmed around the district before settling in Nowra Court in Simpson, where these two capable and knowledgeable farmers were called upon by many as relief milkers. But in some ways it could be said that these years were the ones that prepared Leona for her most fulfilling ones: as Nana and Ona to her always growing family. Becoming a grandmother at 41 changed her life in the most wonderful way; as David noted, “That’s over 50 of us all up under Les and Leona.” Family Christmases were spent in Simpson; camping with the clan in Apollo Bay was another yearly treat, always enjoyed with a shot or two of Sambuca.

Her family praise her devotion to them and even an outsider like myself could not help but appreciate this upon entering Leona’s home. Every available surface is a celebration of her people, with photographs from every stage of their lives on display for all to see. David’s salutation to this “witty and funny, modest and honest” woman was this: “She showed us how to love and love unconditionally. She showed us a total, selfless devotion to Pop as well as her children and grandkids. And we’re all awesome because of you, Nana. We are all extremely proud to be one of yours.” What a wonderful legacy.

19/08/2026

I received this lovely message from Ann Keating this morning; Ann is the daughter of Clive John Henry Bustard. Clive’s family ensured his life was celebrated in the most glorious way.

“Hi Denise
Thankyou so much for making our Dad’s day so special.
You did a great job.
Regards, Ann.”

17/08/2026

Fond memories of the character that was Clive John Henry Bustard entertained mourners at his funeral at Wesley Place in Colac this afternoon. His rapier wit and teasing good humour were key elements of his personality. Apart from his few years as an apprentice mechanic in Geelong, Clive spent his entire life in Lismore and the surrounding district. He and brother Bill bought a sheep and cropping farm in the late 1960s, building every fence, shed and dam together as was the practice in those days. And to honour his life on the farm, a bunch of golden canola adorned Clive’s coffin.
Clive kept remarkable health over his 95 years, only experiencing a decline in recent weeks. Still behind the wheel and ‘terrorising’ the Lismore locals until 6 weeks ago, the story of Clive having his licence removed earlier in the year by VicRoads, was inspiring. When he sat a driving test in Camperdown a few months ago, the assessor told Clive’s daughter Ann, “I have no reason to prevent him from driving.” And as his son John remarked today, “I think I’d struggle to pass the test!”
Along with John, Clive’s grandchildren Grant, Mark and Stacey shared wonderful stories of a their devoted Pa, a fisherman and game shooter who always brought his catch home for wife Lorna to skin, pluck, gut, fillet and cook while he relaxed after a day of BCFing, minus the camping. As John said, his mother was the backbone of their family.
Clive was a Life Member of the Lismore Golf and Angling Clubs and also contributed to his local community through his time as a councillor on the Shire of Hampden.
Clive’s great-grandchildren - Elsie and Til - each read a poem written for Clive about the fun they had with him, and as 7 and 9 year olds, they did an amazing job. Clive’s ashes will be interred with Lorna’s at the Lismore Cemetery in the weeks ahead.

07/08/2026

Lorraine Copeland’s husband, Roy, ensured his “lovely girl” was farewelled in style this afternoon at Wesley Place in Colac. Lorraine’s coffin was ‘wrapped’ in beautiful pictures of pink blossom and Blue Wrens against a lavender and blue sky. Her garden had given Lorraine great joy for many years, especially her yellow and red roses, and so the garden theme suited her to a T. In addition, there was a huge bouquet of yellow roses on the coffin, along with roses in her other floral colour palette of lavender and pink.
Unfortunately, Lorraine had passed away suddenly a week ago and so her family is bereft, both with shock and their loss. Lorraine’s daughter Shiralee and grand-daughter Maddison each paid tribute to her with a poem during the service.
Lorraine grew up in Elliminyt, moving into Colac after her marriage to Roy in 1972. The dances held at Victoria Hall played a vital role in their courtship, as this was where Lorraine set her cap for Roy in 1970, with him falling under spell immediately; he said they “just clicked” right from the start. Lorraine was a nurses aide before her children - Daniel, Matthew and Shiralee - arrived, and once they were at school she moved into the local family day care program, with happy toddlers greeting her children upon their arrival home from school.
Tragedy arrived 10 years ago, when Lorraine was struck by a car, breaking both her legs, with her recovery highlighted by months of hospitalisation and rehabilitation. But this determined woman forged ahead, learning to walk again in her 60s moving from crutches to a walker and finally a walking stick when a little bit of assistance was required. As a result, gardening became difficult for Lorraine, but Roy stepped up, taking instructions from his ‘supervisor’ with good grace and a hearty dose of patience. Lorraine and Roy were married at Wesley Church and so it was most fitting that he chose Quinn Funerals and Wesley Place as the location for her funeral.

30/07/2026

It was an Arctic start to the day in Camperdown, but the Camperdown Golf Club provided a warm and welcoming greeting to all who gathered with Robert Justin to pay their final respects to his sister, Faye. Faye grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Cross Forrest Road where, as a very young girl, she would use bailing twine as a bridle to ride around on the calves she helped raise. These pretend horses gave way to a pony and finally horses, as her parents - Arthur and Marion- encouraged her love of horses, buying her first pony, Trigger, when she was 12 years old. Faye and Trigger joined the Cobden Pony Club where her life long love of riding and show jumping was developed under the guidance of Allan Warden. Later on, Faye and her Palomino, Misty, achieved great success at the local shows over many years, with Robert telling me they won a dozen ribbons in one year; Best of Breed and Supreme Champion among their titles. As her interest in all things equine continued to develop, Faye became a qualified riding instructor, teaching hundreds of other “horsey people” the vital skills they required to ride safely and successfully; a job she cherished for 15 years. Later, she worked in Allansford and Mortlake, but remained actively involved in the local eventing calendar for many years.
Faye moved into Little Street in Camperdown 10 years ago, after deciding she wanted “a town life” which she certainly found, with stalwart neighbours who looked out for her as her health declined. Faye’s health issues over the last few years meant her riding days were behind her, but her love for those gentle companions never wained and in honour of her continued passion for horses, Robert gave Faye a final gift: her coffin was covered with pictures of horses. Majestic Palominos and chestnuts accompanied Faye on her final journey today. Faye will be cremated and her ashes placed with her parents in the Camperdown Cemetery at a later date.

26/07/2026

I received these two lovely messages after Sandra Walker’s funeral. The first is from her sister Trish, while the second is from Sandra’s husband Wayne. I am very fortunate to be able to help families plan their loved one’s farewell.

“Just a short note to thank you for today Denise. It has been such a difficult time but I really appreciate everything you have done for the family. Kind regards Trish.”
“ Hi Denise. I’d just like to thank you for today. Everyone said it was a lovely service. Sorry I missed you at the cemetery, but honestly, thank-you once again. Wayne.”

21/07/2026

Wayne Walker and his daughters - Kate, Sophie, Danielle and Brooke - laid their beloved wife and mother to rest in a private service for the immediate family at Cressy Cemetery, yesterday. Sandra’s life was cut short as the result of a shocking road accident on July 1st. All such accidents bring unimaginable sets of grief to families, and when the loved one is only 52 and in the prime of her life, the devastation weighs all the more heavily. The family’s loss is only compounded by the fact that Sandra’s father, Hilton, died last July and so Frances Bourke has buried her husband and younger daughter within a year.

In the afternoon, the family joined over 500 mourners at Wesley Place, Colac, for a memorial service. Sandra’s daughters each wrote a eulogy for their mother, as did their cousin Kelsey, along with Wayne. The girls wrote about their mother’s endless interest in their sporting endeavours; her sense of fun and infectious laugh; her steadfast support of their father and the family farm, Belldale; her love of peony roses that will continue to bloom in her garden. Sunday roasts around the kitchen table were precious family times, with extra guests always welcomed, while Sandra’s need to be busy and productive amazed them. But crucially they also wrote about what they’ll miss: their mother’s hugs; regular conversations on the phone; questions about their love lives and that when they have children, there will be a gaping hole in their families. Kelsey filled us in on Sandra’s love of shopping, especially when it came to Christmas. Sandra hit the Boxing Day sales, planned the menu in the middle of the year and sent messages throughout the year to remind the whole family how many sleeps there were until Christmas: 148 as of yesterday. Wayne wrote about a young love, the constant support Sandra offered him and the wonderful family she was able to give him. His quiet devotion shone through.

The family has been overwhelmed by the support they received from extended family, friends, their local community and the marvellous Alvie Football Netball community; they all rallied to a silent call. They also thanked those first responders who came to Sandra’s aid, doing all they could in a professional and compassionate manner.

25/06/2026

Despite the cold and foggy start to the day, a perfect day emerged for the Kerger family to farewell the adored Bob. The sun broke through the clouds and the wind that’s usually the uninvited mourner at Cobden Cemetery, was clearly causing havoc in another town. While it may seem inappropriate to mention the weather at a time of such sadness, it definitely makes a difference at a graveside service. A wee bit of sunshine does perk everyone up a little, so it should always be appreciated when it appears.
Bob grew up in the Colac area, the son of Robert and Mary Kerger. As a result of his father’s ill-health, Bob had to leave school at 13 to help keep the wolf from the door. He worked on the family’s dairy farm as well as their potato and onion lease at Mrs Doran’s. So, Bob’s dedication to the value of working hard was established in his earliest teens. Bob married Joyce Evans in 1954, with their 4 children - Beverley, Margaret, John and Kevin - arriving to great acclaim over the next few years. The family had moved to Cobden to farm with Joyce’s parents, Tom and Daisy, and it was here that Bob quite literally blossomed. His love for, and knowledge of, Jersey cows continued to grow as he sought out the best stud stock over the years. Son John joined him on the farm in 1978, and along with the support of his wife Trudy, he ensured the farm continued to thrive.
In 1990 Bob and Joyce moved to Colac where bowls, Bob’s huge veggie garden and stalwart mates saw them embrace town life with gusto. But tragedy struck Bob and Joyce with the deaths of their children Beverley, Margaret and Kevin way before their time; you have to wonder how some families manage to recover from such grief. Joyce died in 2019 and so Bob was once again laid low with grief, but his move back to the farm with John and Trudy saw the spring on his step reappear. His move to Sunnyside House 2 years ago became Bob’s final residence, with his passing on 19th June at the age of 94.
Bob Kerger loved lollies, his garden, his Jersey girls and valued the concept of commitment to your chosen tasks. He was adored by his children, grandchildren and the growing brood of descendants, and the stories they will continue to tell of tractors, Dairy Week, a photo finish at the 1948 Melbourne Cup and potato and onion patches, will warm their hearts well into the future.

09/06/2026

Received this lovely message from Mandy Dawes this morning; many thanks, Mandy. As I say, it’s always both a pleasure and a privilege to help families in their time of need.

“Hi Denise,

Firstly, Michelle and I would sincerely like to thank you for the beautiful service you performed for our dad, Ron Tann. We truly appreciated all your support, even with the changes we made along the way. It meant a great deal to us during a very emotional time.

We were also hoping we could please get a copy of Dad’s funeral service when you have a moment.

Thank you again for everything.

Warm regards,
Mandy Dawes”

05/06/2026

Mylene Tanis, her sons Lucas and Daniel, along with her grandchildren farewelled her adored husband Clyde at Wesley Place in Colac this morning. Clyde’s brother Geoff claimed that Colac “Couldn’t hold him” and so as a 17-year old he enlisted in the Australian Army as an apprentice chef in 1971. Clyde spent 29 years in the army, over 8 postings at different army locations; rose to the rank of Warrant Officer, Class 1; served in East Timor under General Cosgrove and when he retired in 2000, promptly enrolled in the Army Reserve for another 8 years. Clyde’s career as a chef was a stellar one, including training cooking apprentices at Puckapunyal, but it was his 2 x 3 year postings to Darwin that he enjoyed the most. Mylene came into his life via the army, too; they met at a Dining-In night in Townsville where Clyde threw caution to the wind, sidling up to the woman in “black stockings,” eventually marrying her in 1981.
Upon his final retirement in 2021, Clyde and Mylene settled in Elliminyt, in a house that provided him with opportunities to create his own piece of paradise. He built retaining walls for his new garden; planted a large veggie patch; filled the garden with natives and flowering plants and built a comfortable shed for himself. He had plans for an extension too, but his untimely death at 71 after a sepsis infection means those plans will not eventuate. His family describe Clyde as a true larrikin, a man with a ready laugh, sharp wit and sense of the ridiculous. His step-mother said he was kind and generous, “A man who always knew when to say the right thing.” Clyde was a devoted grandfather, inspirational father and man for whom service to others was his watch-word.

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Cobden, VIC
3266

Telephone

61436030180

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