in your warmth and generous spirit we bathed.
You were taken from us by a fate so cruel,
I ask in sorrow and in vain;
why o why are we forced to give up our dearest?
My pen is poor and not a match
for your life of acts so kind and thoughts so true.
Yet driven by grief to find a way,
let now my words at least record that by your deeds
have our lives been the more enriched.
In your company fun and joy were ensured.
Even when you were beset with worries
you would not with them lay burden on us.
Although no more will those occasions be, fond memories,
more needed now, your parting will not take from me.
I see you now, with apron on and glass in hand,
creating another fine meal for our enjoyment.
A bon viveur and generous host, with whom
camaraderie and humour were always on the menu.
May there be yet many a time when I can raise a glass to thee.
Goodbye Geoff, dear friend and kindred spirit;
may you be loved as much where you are now,
as we who have lost you, still love you here;
although in life you are not with us now,
in our hearts you will forever be.
Good night sweet prince;
and flights of angels sing the to thy rest!