Geoff Goss' life of service

Geoff Goss (picture from
Rotary Club of Claremont
Facebook page).

THERE was big attendance at the funeral last week of respected local community member Geoff Goss. Born in 1936, he died at the New Norfolk District Hospital on December 17, aged 82.

Before retiring, the father of four worked for Telecom (now Telstra) while also helping wife Mollie to run the family business - the corner store at the junction of George St and Humphrey St - long known as Hunter's shop.

A tireless community worker, he served as chairman of the local organising committee for the Australian Bicentenary in 1988 and was president of the Rotary Club of New Norfolk in the same year. He was also a member of the local Australia Day Committee for a time.

In 1991 he was chairman of the Derwent Valley Community Services Association when the group proudly receive the keys to its first mini-van to provide transport for sick and elderly people.

During Centenary of Federation celebrations in 2001, Geoff was named one of 50 "Local Heroes" of the Derwent Valley community for their contributions to the municipality over many years.

A longstanding Rotarian, Geoff transferred to the Claremont club following the demise of Rotary in New Norfolk, where he continued to live up to the organisation's motto: Service Above Self. He served as president of the Rotary Club of Claremont and was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Geoff Goss is survived by his wife Mollie and their four children, and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His funeral service was held at St Peter's Catholic Church on December 21. Donations to the district hospital were requested in lieu of flowers.