Sorry Dad, it's big and strong like you, but it has out lived you!

Dad was born in Yass on January 30, 1932. He was the second youngest of six children born to Kathleen and Ernest Longley. Jack, Harry, Len, Mary, and David have pre-deceased Gerald.

The Longley family initially lived in Yass, but later moved to ‘Longaroo’, Wee Jasper. Dad helped his parents and siblings on the family's property.

Dad was educated at St Lawrence's, Galong, and completed his intermediate certificate at Holy Cross College, Ryde.

After finishing school, Dad worked for several years on Longaroo before he left the property and joined the Australian Infantry and served in the Korean War, from 1951 to 1953.There will be an RSL tribute to Dad at the Murrumbateman Cemetery.

After the War Dad came home to again work on Longaroo.

On September 16, 1955 Dad married my mother Jackie at St Christopher's Cathedral, Canberra.

Mum and Dad had three sons, Ian, Bruce and Sam.

They moved to Yass in 1968 where Dad worked on our family property ‘Merrimba’. Dad spent the rest of his life working on Merrimba. He ran Merino and crossbred sheep and grew crops, including wheat, oats, canola, triticale, field peas, lupins, lucerne and brasica.

My father was very well read. He could hold a conversation on a variety of subjects as diverse as general world history, particularly American history; exotic and native trees to urban street design and the pastoral development of Australia. Dad had a great interest in aviation and he held a pilot's licence until recent years.

Dad had a special rule, and in later life I grew to love him for it.

"One rule for him and one for us!"

Mum was telling me a story about a trip they had years ago in a Chipmunk plane. Mum told the story about how they had departed Goulburn to fly on a sightseeing trip to photograph Yass and surrounding properties.

Mum recalls how she had her instructions. At the appointed time, Dad would pull the canopy back and she was to take photos.

Dad took the opportunity to take very low runs of Yass Bridge, Comur Street and then they went to Vale View, Koomora, Merrivale and Ravensworth. On the way back to Goulburn they did Lake George for good measure.

Mum still dutifully taking photos, remembers they were so low over Lake George, she could clearly see the pelicans!

Dad, obviously excited by the day's events, said to Mum “did you get all the photos?”. Mum said “yes Gerald”, still trembling from Dad's dare devil feats. They finally got the film developed and to Dad's annoyance there was nothing on it!

Dad endured great hardships in his life; he lost a brother, Harry, at an early age and later in life my brother Bruce was tragically drowned at 18 years of age.

Like most War Veterans Dad never ever talked about what happened on the Korean Peninsula. I do know he was wounded by mortar fire in 1952 and spent some weeks undergoing treatment having the shrapnel removed.

He also talked about the freezing temperatures in Korea and what it was like to live in temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius.

Dad and Mum have instilled in us some true values: such as a sense of duty and care for the community; respect for all and having a good work ethic. The importance of a sense of humour and an appreciation of oysters!

As many of you would know Dad never retired. Until recent times, he drove his old Toyota truck to Merrimba and back. To both the amusement and terror of the Yass community!

Dad loved entertaining, and times spent with his family and friends. He especially treasured his granddaughter Caitlin.

My father's health deteriorated rapidly over the last 12 months following hip replacement surgery.

I would like to pay tribute to my mother who has always been such a faithful support to Dad. When Dad was unable to care for himself, Mum took care of him over a long period of time at home.

Mum carried that burden, physically and mentally without complaint.

My Mother is a loyal and compassionate person and Mum, I would like to say thank you.

Finally, I would like to thank Yass District Hospital, Boorowa Hospital, Atherfield Medical Centre and especially Dr Douglas Gilles and Dr Owen Graham. My sincere thanks to the staff at Linton for the way you helped my father in his time of great need.

Father Mick thank you for your spiritual care and support of Dad and our family.

God Bless you Dad.