Bodger's Hovel
Some light-hearthed ideas in apparently darkening times
Below is Vanessa's story for the Terania Times
plus the eulogies from the funeral by Lyn and Kate
and a selection of stories about Geoff and the impact his passing has had.
Please send your story to Jay.
They will be published with first name only or no name if requested.
Vanessa I Lyn I Kate I Jay I Steve I Chimie/Dechen
Vanessa - story for The Terania Times 5/10/09
Geoff Moxham
1950 –2009The time leading up to Geoff’s death was one of increasing activity and commitment to the survival of the environment and humanity. As we all know, Geoff was only too willing to share his insights into the effects of unlimited growth and materialism such as climate change, peak oil, peak resources, peak water, economic collapse and overpopulation to name a few.
It was his ability to truly open his eyes to the early warning signs from the planet combined with his love of humanity that drove him, in the recent past, to such levels of activity. He was regularly doing presentations and demonstrations on bio-char to community groups as well as dedicating much time to building a low emissions bio-char kiln, here on Rainbow, to produce carbon negative bio-char for agriculture. This was under a grant from APE and RIC and called Project 540. The project is going ahead and volunteers are welcome. Video footage, photos and text relating to Geoff’s recent endeavours are on his website www.bodgershovel.com
After a long day working involving things like standing on the rafters of the prospective kiln shed and notching poles with a chainsaw, Geoff headed up into the forest on the tractor to snig (cut) some more poles for kiln shed roof. A vine dragged the top of a very small sapling down behind him as the tree he cut fell. He was struck at the base of his head causing massive haemorrhaging, fracture of his skull and fairly instant death.
Geoff loved being at home and found many creative ways to meet his need for contribution to the community while staying at home. His son Manu was his little shadow, constantly relocating his tools for him, lighting fires with him, pulling things apart with him and absorbing in many ways invaluable teachings from his Dada.
Geoff was a great source of interesting and unconventional home schooling projects for Alita as well as being a willing companion for her many adventures into the bush to learn how to make camp, light a fire, eat bush tucker, listen to the wildlife and so on.
For me Geoff was a loving partner who truly accepted me for who I am. Although his love of collecting just about anything that might possibly one day maybe be useful was damn annoying, I came to accept it as part of the genius he was. I watched many times as he conjured something much needed from the chaotic piles of ‘rubbish’ in his ’workshop’. Or fix something that looked utterly beyond it to me. He was deeply committed to his family and was a great source of strength and inspiration to us. He is utterly irreplaceable – the loss is immense.
Despite his dire predictions for the future, he was still able to stop and play and enjoy the moment that presented. The week before his death we spent a few hours as a family in Terania creek, a short walk from home. It was a really beautiful time and Geoff communicated to me what a strong sense of connection and love he had for this place, for Terania and the land here. It was well and truly his home and the source of great sustenance and inspiration for him.
Vanessa Morris
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Lyn - speech from funeral.
On behalf of our family I would like to say a few words.Geoff was many things to many people – to us he remains the man of vision whose ideas inspired so many to think beyond the ordinary.
Geoff is the man who brought joy, new purpose and Buddhism into the heart of our daughter Vanessa – the man who fathered our beloved grandchildren – Gem Alita and Manu - the man who loved our girl.
It is painful to realise that we will not see him again – he will not be strolling around the Channon Markets, philosophising at the organic Markets or discussing politics at the hemp bar, or wandering around the streets of Lismore.
Geoff was the guy we loved to bump into because Geoff was interesting and interested in the world – in us – receptive to and inspired by environmental activism, pre-occupied with ideas to save our planet and always up for a laugh.
Geoff was passionate about community remaining steadfast in his commitment to the environment that he so loved.
As Geoff left us his dreams of community came to fruition. He would be uplifted by the strength and support of the many people who have rallied around Vanessa and the children – to all of you we are forever grateful – the loyalty and love you have given so willingly – for the respect you have given for Vanessa’s needs and wishes – you – all of you – are the most compassionate, beautiful people and it is a privilege to know you.
Geoff was big hearted, kind and compassionate. His heart was full of love for his children and their future on this planet.
Chimie the first son of his heart has grown up to be strong, honourable, loyal and wise. Zhiyana the first daughter of his heart – a beautiful young woman – her life ahead of her – the daughter Geoff spoke of with much tenderness.
And then there is Gem Alita, our precious grand daughter whose agility and capabilities have been so carefully nurtured by her parents. Alita darling you are a wonder to us all.
And last but not least there is Manu – our handsome little man who will forever remind us of Geoff.
I ask that you to speak to these children - tell them stories about Geoff – to keep his memory strong in their young hearts.
Our grief is shared with Geoff’s gentle sister Kate, and his brother Jay – they have put much effort into making this ceremony special – also their sister Jennifer who could not be here today.Chimie’s mother Dechen and Zhiyana’s mother Leslie have raised their children to be fine adults – their grief, memories and emotions at this time are hard to comprehend and our hearts go out to them. We are hoping that these two strong women will be a steadying, wise influence to the little ones who have so much growing to do.
Geoff was inspired to brilliance and was not able to fulfil the many visions of his ideas – if he touched your hearts with his enthusiasm then carry on with his work to completion – this would make us all very happy and the world a better place.
There is a man who stands among us today whose sadness knows no bounds – he has lost his dearest friend, a man he has loved for such a long time – Andy knows Geoff better than most – he has been witness to his beautiful women and children, his ideas, his battles, his losses and his victories. You are family to us Andy and more than ever we want you to know this.My parents are here today and I take this opportunity to thank them for their tolerance and understanding of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who have followed diverse and different paths in life. Our daughter Layla and her children Rachel, James and Ethan are here in spirit as is my brother Les who loves his family so much.
I look around at all the truly good folk who have come to honour Geoff and support family – Geoff will be expecting joy and happiness to prevail – a celebration to mark his successful ascension – on this day we will do our very best for you Geoff – we will laugh and cry and remember all the times we shared.
Let us take a moment to look into our hearts – to weave a veil of love, affection, kindness and forgiveness to cradle Geoff – to send him on his way with gentle thoughts and heartfelt thanks for his time on Earth with us. Have a safe journey - until we meet again – keep smiling...
Thank you for listening.
Lyn Rvby Morris – on behalf Alan and our daughter Vanessa
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Kate - eulogy from the funeral.
Hi, my name is Kate and I'd like to say a few words about Geoff, my brother, from a sister's point of view. Please bear with me if I get upset.
Growing up, we were a family of six. Geoff's older sister Jennifer, myself and younger brother Jay, all adored Geoff and marveled at his amazing abilities. We were blessed to have the most wonderful parents in the world, in Geoff and Norine. Not only were they besotted with each other to the end, they loved us all immensely.
Until Geoff arrived, 6 girls had been born to Dad and his brothers so our parents were more than keen to have a son. You can imagine their delight when Geoff arrived on July 14, 1950 and he soon took over our hearts.
From an early age, Geoff was interested in how things worked. He had a Mechano set, which was always in use, with intriguing structures and machines. He was known as 'Buster' in our family and would regularly throw his toys off his highest roof ... the cubby house, watch them come apart and then try to work out how to put them back together.
He was his Dad's shadow and learned so much from him. Geoff could re-wire, re-jig and fix most things in his childhood. Always experimenting, Geoff never surprised us with loud bangs, strange noises, smoke and unusual smells emanating from his bedroom, which was the enclosed verandah in our Killara home. Of course there were injuries, but he laughed them off as part of his experiments.
Geoff went to North Sydney Boys' High School, as his Dad had and of course excelled, before going to Sydney Uni where he immersed himself in Uni life ... Industrial Arts; Science; protests; and special cigarettes. Sport played no part in Geoffs' life, but his near-genius IQ, earned him plaudits everywhere. One of his main loves was his MG that took up a lot of his spare time. He wet-sanded its duco well into many nights, up in our backyard under arc lights.
His gentle and quiet nature, mixed with his utterly caring attitude, made him a natural teacher. His students adored him and learnt so much, even if some of his teaching habits were unconventional. One time he asked his young class to bring their pets to school ... and one student brought his horse!
Another time, in an Industrial Arts class, the conversation turned to sex and they were soon talking about vaginas. Geoff answered all the taboo questions the kids asked and to show he wasn't afraid, he wrote the word 'vagina', in huge, 24" capital letters, on the blackboard. Of course he was asked to erase it and explain in the office, after the Principal had walked past and seen the word on the blackboard.
Geoff had a great childhood and we had quite pioneering parents. We had many great adventures in tents and caravans, holidaying in some of the most beautiful parts of Australia's coast and hinterland.
From Kiama to Nora Head, from Black Mountain (ACT) to Surfers Paradise, we had treks to behold. We all had our jobs with tent building and camping, from hammering in tent pegs, to filling the canvas water bag, which Dad would hang on the front grill of the old Dodge.
We shared a farm with another family in Megalong Valley. The vistas and happy times we enjoyed there as a family, were unforgettable. I'll always remember the lot of us going out roaming for blackberries, on those misty mornings and then racing each other back to the warm, farmhouse kitchen, to demolish the berries, which we'd drizzle with tinned, condensed milk.
Geoff was his Dad's shadow and there was nothing they couldn't make, fix, build or knock down. Being a regular at Redfern tip, Geoff would often bring home some 'new stuff' which he could quite clearly, not live without. His ultimate early 'pull-apart', was when he used a 'block and tackle' to dismantle his car, in the garage, much to Dad's surprise. He then, of course, put it all back together, to the very last nut.
Geoff was very excited when Mum and Dad took us on the trip of a lifetime, after they decided to take the family overseas to broaden our horizons. We visited many of the world's major cities, including LA, NY, London Paris and Rome. It was interesting and loads of fun, especially Disneyland and Universal Studios, we thought. We laughed when we fell over on the icy footpaths at Niagara Falls and we often reminisced of just making it under the little bridges in Venice, when the canals flooded.
From a sister's point of view, Geoff was always caring, gentle, sweet, kind and above all, constant. We didn't live near each other and still, we always managed to maintain our loving closeness, which never altered. Geoff was always accessible.
Geoff's luminous spirit lives on in his beautiful and talented children; Chimie, Zhiyana, Alita and Manu. He was such a proud Dad and has imparted in them life's lessons: to live with love, to explore, to live life to the full, with compassion for all beings, whilst still being humble.
I wish to thank his previous partners and I especially want to thank his partner, Vanessa, for their caring love for my amazing brother, Geoff. It is also a great comfort to know and see how much you, his friends, cared for Geoff and his family.
Geoff will always be my gorgeous, kind, caring, generous-of-spirit, divinely wonderful, fixer-of-anything, white magician and genius brother. His loss for me is immeasurable.
He has earned his place in his Paradise a million times over.
Thank you,
Kate (Kathryn) McPherson
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Jay
This was of course an immense shock for me. Perhaps it is the busyness of funerals and sorting out Geoff's life that has kept me both distracted from events and still connected with him and his work just as I was before, but I seem to be accepting and understanding this quite well.I have heard the 5 week mark is the tricky bit when all the fanfare is over and we are faced with the day to day reality. Today I heard that at 6-7 weeks the seretonin runs out and your brain goes back to normal. Well... normal less Geoff. I have gone through many different stages... I was angry at trees for a while and even pretend-punched the trunk of the tree that fell on him... then angry at God for developing such a dumb and flawed system... then Vanessa said something profound - "It is his karma". So simple but it seemed to make everything right. Later, I found my own version in the quote from the back cover of Illusions by Richard Bach "Here is a test to find out if your mission on Earth is finished: if you're alive it isn't". This seemed to work both ways - for me dealing with Geoff's passing plus also with my 'survivors guilt'.
Work and family had taken Geoff's focus over the last few years and I was grateful that he was able to visit me for the first time in ages just 3 weeks before the accident. We had a great time streaming YouTube videos of old TV shows we watched growing up - Dragnet, Kung Fu, Laugh-in, Outer Limits. We had a great fun night. It was also fortuitous that less than 2 months before it happened, our sister Kate was able to visit Terania for the first time and we all had some time together there.
Geoff had been my mentor and guide for the last 53 years and was very much part of my being. He will be very sadly missed by me but I am also lucky because I have so much of him still as part of me. I just need to look at the hands typing this... and they're his... just a bit cleaner. I will have to find my own way now and that is both scary and strangely exciting. Most of my life and perspective has been influenced by him for which I'm grateful. I was always his 'young apprentice' as were Chimie and Manu. I moved to the North Coast 10 years ago mainly to be nearer Geoff. How great I did that and could spend even more time connecting.
I have strong beliefs about reincarnation. Not the traditional Buddhist view. Different from Dzogchen which is about emptiness. I'm more of a spiritualist. An Alice A. Bailey person. I like to believe we're on a mission that we have agreed to on some level and are guided to complete as part of a plan. I see nature as ordered and complex and I can't see why it would not continue that way as the vibrations become more refined. White magic is all about the Table of Correspondence. As above so below. The Tree.
A counselor once said to me... "It has to be perfect, because it's happening". Many people have commented about a sense of ordained-ness regarding this accident. And if that's true how can I possibly be sad. In fact, I have thought... "who better to be sent ahead?" Who would you rather have waiting for you when the planet transforms itself through some major transcendental experience? If Geoff can help bodge-up a way from 'that side' to get us all out of here, I wouldn't put it past him. When the 'door of light' mystically opens beside you in 3 years time don't be surprised to see Geoff's big crazy smile staring back saying "need a lift?!!".
I was reassured by someone saying that in the 7 weeks of the Bardo after death you are assigned a guide to kind of 'process' you and help guide you to find enlightenment before having to choose your rebirth. How great is that! You can still screw up a bit here and then have a 'crash course' guess at enlightenment!? "Ahhh... door number 3!?" I am also interested in the philosophy and stories from hypnotherapist Michael Newton who wrote the Destiny of Souls books. Of course Buddhist don't believe in 'souls' as such so this was always a sticking point with Geoff.
It was always challenging to be confronted by Geoff about the sad truth of what we had all done to the environment, rampaging our way through the late 20th century but his recent passion for Biochar saw him finding a small glimmer of hope. He always lived as lightly as possible on the earth but the massive problems of the planet weighed heavily on him and that was largely responsible for his increased activity and urgency to work harder and longer, perhaps leading to his own demise through tiredness and carelessness. It is a wake-up call for all of us to redouble our efforts in whatever our field and become even more persistent and determined.
In the last few months Geoff had begun to describe himself as "a RAD Hippy!" ...where RAD stood for 'Resolute, Adamant and Determined'.
Growing up he was always into everything. Strange chemical experiments exploding on the side veranda... massive explosions on the tennis court set off by running a 240v cable that plugged into a power point in the house and when the switch was flicked it would burn out the bare wires at the other end and detonate the fuse in the explosion... plus blow the house fuses!!.... he did 360 degree handbrake spins at 3am on the empty, wet freeway at North Sydney in his Vermillion-fire coloured MGA... the same MGA that he disassembled right down to every nut and bolt (including the engine!) and then laid it out in 'patterns of assembly' on the tennis court after cleaning and repairing every component and panel!!! He was radical and loved pushing the envelope, so part of me sees this as no surprise.
Geoff was part of the 300 hippies who fought the logging at Terania Creek in 1979... the first forest action protest in the world - and they won - setting the standard for all the forest actions that followed... he then moved into the forest that he saved, living on Rainbow Community, with the final irony - it was the very forest he saved that claimed his life. Sad but also poetic.
So where do we go from here??
Well, finish your mission, as a focus. Really see the level of passion that Geoff was demonstrating and apply that to your own gift and make it all manifest now... in the next few years. Also take more care... even though you can control things, existence is actually more fragile than you thought. The ice is actually quite thin.
Yesterday I realised this can be a good thing. If reality really is soooo fragile that a tree branch can so easily end it, then it must be conversely just as malleable in the opposite direction, creatively!? Just as easily as it can fall apart so we can impact it, positively. To all become masters, to the degree that the physical body is no longer a limitation or an obstacle when dealing with the awesome, cosmic challenges we face.
I didn't speak at the funeral because there is just too much to say and it was great that Kate covered all the family stuff there. This page is an attempt at my eulogy I guess. Not really into public speaking. As I said at the wake, I don't so much feel I have lost a brother as much as become part of Geoff's wider family of many hundreds who he touched and in who he still dwells. Thanks to everyone.Jay
11/9/09
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Steve - In Memory of My Late Dearest Uncle Geoffrey
My earliest childhood memories of my late uncle Geoffrey were when my brother Michael and I were little, growing up on our family farm "Neranghi", near Orange N.S.W.Geoff stayed on our family farm for a little while, but he showed us how to make fireworks with sulphur, potassium etc... which really impressed us kids, with many great times experimenting.
Though sadly, to my loss, I missed many years getting to know him and his lovely family, but after attending his most beautiful and very spiritually moving memorable service, I see, and feel the enormous deep loss, with lots of love, support, friendship from his wonderful family and friends at The Channon & Nimbin communities to beyond.
Every time I think of my uncle's passing, and that most moving day for me at his memorial service, my eyes drown with tears and feel great sadness. Including hearing Tears For Fears song - Mad World. Hard to describe why I feel this way, when with the last many years I hadn't been in touch with him, but had wanted to.
Everyone of us has a purpose in life with a soul's journey, to live and learn from lessons through our choices and events in life to be a better Being. The human spirit or soul is endless, starting back before mankind to the present with our body ONLY a vehicle to the next realm of life. What we say and do to others dictates our destiny to beyond in the next life's path. We all meet others in life for a reason too, though one may not know it at the time. Geoffrey's next life has begun of rebirth, with his spirit living on in his children and a legacy created of continuity.
In these hard difficult times, I thank the Arch Angels and Ascended Masters for their support; guidance; inspiration; protection; rewards; challenges; lessons to the unexpected pleasures to displeasures for Geoff's loved-one's left behind. Wishing and asking for the 'most benevolent outcome' for good, and you shall receive. Thanks to my family and friends, past, present & future, for what they have taught me of self and others.
My deepest heartfelt condolences to lovely Vanessa and to her wonderful children and to Chimie - my thoughts are with you all.
My thoughts and prayers also go to my Aunty Kate and my Uncle Jay too, during this sad time loosing their brother and dearest friend.
Family is so important, which most of us take for granted.
Love, light & peace to you all.
Steve Rushbrook - 8th October, 2009.
Chimie and Dechen - Article for Mandala magazine
When Geoff unexpectedly met his death alone in the forest on his property late one afternoon, he did something quite extraordinary……He lay down on his back and gazing skyward, placed his arms in the position of an Egyptian “mummy”. There was no possibility to leave a note, but by clearly “laying himself out” as he did, he showed to us all that he recognised his inevitable death approaching and did not panic and jump on the tractor which was idling nearby. His death arrived suddenly and quickly, but he demonstrated he was prepared to go calmly with awareness into the death experience, whatever the circumstance. The question is: Will we be able to do that should our death arrive today?
As his mind and heart were always directed to the Dharma, it is very likely Geoff would have practiced Guru Yoga at the time of death. Over the years his main practice had become the “Guru Yoga of the White Ah”.
When his body was found a few hours later by his loving family, he was an unusually peaceful looking corpse resting elegantly on the forest floor.
Geoff first met Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa in 1979 when he attended five weeks of teachings at Chenrezig Institute and he returned a month later to join a two month retreat which was held high on the hill in the temporarily vacant Geshe House.
The following year he returned to live at Chenrezig Institute as an invaluable “handy man” and as a dedicated student and practitioner. In 1982 his first son was born at the institute and Geoff travelled to Italy to Lama Yeshe’s first Universal Education” conference.
Geoff spent four years living and working at Chenrezig, before moving south to live simply on a shared property
For the rest of his life Geoff gave himself willingly to local schools and children, always with the idea to benefit and expand their inquiring young minds. He collected old TVs, radios and clocks and ran hugely popular hands-on “Professor Pull-Aparts” classes at local schools. Geoff could fix anything, but it was also the kindness and understanding in his interaction that really inspired children and was so appreciated by everyone.
He was a truly positive crusader for the planet, the environment and the future of humanity. He instigated and championed many alternative educational campaigns in his local area, including building a payer wheel for a local town.
Geoff also gave healing massages at a local clinic in town, using the Medicine Buddha mantra and other powerful mantras during the treatment. To some of his patients Geoff truly personified the Healing Buddha.
Recently Geoff had become passionately interested in bio-char. Working with a community group Geoff had received a grant to develop a low emissions bio-char kiln to produce carbon negative bio-char for agriculture. He developed a website www.bodgershovel.com. A main aim was a kiln that could be easily built and used in third world countries to increase soil fertility and so feed more people. It was in the pursuit of this altruistic project that he met with the accident that resulted in his death.
Geoff always actively took part in whatever Dharma events were held in his local area. He attended pujas whenever he could and practiced daily.
The dream journals Geoff left behind show he had developed a lucid dream practice and he would often have very clear dreams with Lama Yeshe, Lama Zopa, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his Dzogchen teacher Chogyal Namkhai Norbu.
For Geoff’s partner Vanessa and his four children Chimie, Zhianna, Alita and Manu the loss is immeasurable. More than 300 local people attended his funeral, a small sign of Geoff’s tireless activity for the community.
Chimie and Dechen.
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for Mandala magazine
Unique visits since 1st Nov 2008
