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VALE – Geoff (Paddles) Orr
It is with great sadness the Brisbane Masters' hockey committee advises South West United Masters' player Geoff Orr (aka Paddles) passed on Tuesday 22nd October, aged 64 years.
Geoff was a fierce but fair competitor who loved playing goalkeeper (as well as sometimes as a field player) was highly respected by all who had contact with him.
Even though Paddles was suffering the combined effects of his cancer and very heavy chemotherapy, he was determined to keep playing hockey.
Such was his determination, and even though he had become blind in one eye due to the heavy dosage of treatment drugs, in a game at Qld Uni in August this year for SWU v Easts in MHL5, Paddles was disappointed for his team mates he let in a goal because the ball came down his "blind side". When asked why do you keep playing whilst you are so ill? His response was, "Why not? What else can I do? Sit around and twiddle my thumbs?"
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Geoff’s passing will leave a big void in the South West United Hockey Club, according to MHL5 SWU coordinator, Russell Tuck.
It was "Rusty" who organised a special event prior to the 2019 Grand Final night when SWU played Southbank Storm in the MHL5 Grand Final.
For those who were able to get to the SHC for the 6:30pm early start, they witnessed Geoff being celebrated by both teams in a guard of honour prior the start of the match.
And even though Paddles was suffering severe effects from his illness on the night, he revelled in the chance to be involved in the Grand Final in which he had helped his team to progress to throughout the season.
Many thanks to Robyn Comino for supplying photos from the Grand Final occasion.
Below is a message from Geoff’s wife, Jayne, who has asked for the following to be circulated to the hockey community.
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Our courageous warrior Geoff died at 1:20pm today (Tuesday 22nd October 2019) at home after valiantly battling metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with brain metastatic disease and leptomeningeal disease for the past two years. We are utterly bereft. We are also immensely grateful that he loved us with all his being and fought so hard to stay with us, and that he was able to spend the last nine weeks of his life surrounded by his close family and friends in his own home. As Geoff has generously donated his body to medical science, in place of a funeral, a memorial to celebrate his remarkable life will be organised before the end of this year. In lieu of flowers, should you so wish, please consider making a donation to the Charlie Teo Foundation www.charlieteofoundation.org.au/donation/ which works tirelessly to tackle brain cancer.
If you are able to pass on the news to Geoff’s hockey mates, that would be very helpful. Many thanks and best wishes, Jayne.
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