Memories from Gabrielle Beattie
Lovingly sent by Gabrielle Beattie, Dad’s youngest sister.
I have many fond memories of my brother Michael and here are a few I wish to share …
The surprise I got when returning home from Primary School and told that Michael (who had been in Hawaii for some years) was on the phone. I ran to the phone to talk to him, not expecting to see him in person. There he was - holding the phone in his hand sitting on the telephone seat.
I remember going to Canberra with my sister Cindy when I was about 9 years old where we stayed at the Macquarie Hostel. Michael took us to a Chinese restaurant for dinner one night. I had never eaten Chinese food before and was horrified when he ordered “Shark Fin Soup”.
Michael and Lorraine’s Wedding day was like a Gala Event.
Then there were the Christmas visits where Michael drove down from Canberra with the start of his family and it eventually grew to four kids over several years. I first became an Aunty at 16 years of age.
In 1987 whilst on my Honeymoon in Hong Kong with my husband Ian, Michael rang Ian to wish him a Happy Birthday.
Christmas 1999 – Rhys (my son) returned to Canberra with Michael’s family in the Van and celebrated the New Millennium (2000) with them. They went to a party and celebrated with friends where Michael bought Rhys a Spinning Clacker - sooo noisy!
Michael was always interested in my family and very generous to not only my children (Rhys and Vanessa) on Milestone Birthdays but to Zara (my granddaughter) who he met in January 2020.
Last year Michael sent a Vintage style doll to Zara in the post. She absolutely adores it.
I have also been pampered over the years with gorgeous L’Occitane hampers courtesy of Michael.
Since Michael retired - he regularly travelled to Melbourne and would help our Father. On top of this he was renovating his house in Flemington. He never seemed to tire and was always on the go!
Michael was interesting to listen to and had many stories to tell. His laugh and hand gestures were unique. He was caring, thoughtful, generous and had time for all. He has left a legacy that life is a journey, and we should enjoy each and every day.
I’m proud of his achievements in life and feel his memory of being selfless and giving with no expectations of acknowledgements shows he was a genuinely nice guy.
He was taken too early. He deserved to enjoy many more years with his family.
It saddens me to know I will never get another phone call from him or see him again.
May you, Michael my brother, rest in peace. My love will be with you always.
Love from Gabrielle x