TWO chapters of Geoff Hunt's life came together today in tragic circumstances.
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His closest friends - one from childhood and the other from univeristy - delivered his eulogy at a community memorial service to close the final chapter of his life that ended two weeks ago.
Geoff Bergmeier, who first met Geoff Hunt on their first day at kindergarten, spoke of Geoff's love for his family, sport and agriculture.
"He had a personal drive and competitive determination that saw him teeing off at sunrise down the paddock in preparation for the local golf club championship or practising his backhand to add some local talent to the Urana lawn tennis club's annual event," Mr Berghmeier said.
Mr Hunt and wife Kim, who married in October 2001, were remembered as selfless and generous volunteers.
"Together, they were the creators of community," Mr Bergmeier said.
"They were involved in so many facets of local life, including the tennis competitions at Boree Creek, picnic races in Lockhart, the Colombo Ski Club, Lockhart football and netbll clubs, and the Fargunyah fire brigade.
"There is no part of our community that has not been touched by their amazing service and goodwill to others.
"Their ability to bring this community together on so many levels is a legacy that will endure."
Mr Hunt was a third-generation farmer, studying at Yanco Agricultural High School and CSU, before returning to the family farm.
"They were a dynamic couple whose generosity and willingness to help out a friend was boundless," Mr Hunt's university friend Paul McLoughlin said of Mr and Mrs Hunt.
"Geoff's personality was just magnetic.
"People were just drawn to him, especially kids - a quality referred to as the Dingle Effect.
"He loved kids and kids loved him probably because he never forgot how to be a kid himself."
A WOMAN of tenacity, Kim Hunt has been remembered as a loving and generous mother.
In a community memorial service that saw thousands half-fill Lockhart Recreation Ground, Terrence Kwan - Kim's cousin's husband - delivered an emotional eulogy that acknowledged her devotion to family and friends.
"Her family meant the world to her," Mr Kwan said.
"She wanted to the best for everyone.
"She was that rare type of person who could alter the world around her by sheer force of will.
"Their lives as well as their untimely passing remind me of the great value of two great human values: the ability to be gentle and the grace to forgive."
Kim led a full and busy life, was incredibly hospitable and generous.
"The sheer quantities of cooking, cleaning and activity were overwhelming," Mr Kwan said.
"Open her regfrigerator and chances are, you'd be knocked out by something heavy falling on you from the overstocked appliance."
He recalled Kim's courage to overcome an accident two years ago that saw doctors inform the family she may not survive.
"And yet somehow Kim managed to win through all of these challenges," Mr Kwan said.
"Let's put it down to tenacity.
"The same tenacity that allowed her to regain her drivers licence and return to work."
He would test her memory during the recovery process using her beloved Home and Garden magazines.
"She was able to name every flower in every photograph," he said.
"She had an eye for beauty.
"Kim was driven and tenacious and she was as sharp as a tack.
"That combination allowed her to achieve excellence in so many areas.
"It also meant she had very high expecations of herself and those around her, but she was kind and generous and she took the time."
By Ella Smith
"If your beloved Swannies do win the flag, you will become St Fletcher to us all."
As Fletcher Hunt's favourite AFL team, the Sydney Swans, prepare for their grand final this weekend, a close family friend paid tribute to him and his two younger sisters at a community memorial service today.
Thousands of people rolled out to the Lockhart Recreation Ground to farewell Fletcher, 10, Mia, 8, and Phoebe, 6, who were found shot dead at their Lockhart property "Watch Hill" two weeks ago.
Noreen Richards, the family friend who helped care for the children after mother Kim Hunt was in a near-fatal car accident two years ago, gave a joint eulogy on the three children.
Fletcher was an April Fool's baby, who loved tractors, motorbikes and sport.
He had two idols: his father Geoff Hunt and motorbike rider Jackson Strong.
Fletcher spent hours making motorbike jumps, had a natural ability on the water and loved AFL.
He was the leading goalkicker for the under 14 Lockhart AFL team midway through the season, despite being only 10.
"We shall miss your cheeky smile and go-go nature," Mrs Richards said.
Mia Hunt loved art and craft, books and dress ups, with a wicked imagination to match.
Mia was described as a perfect textbook baby, who later developed an interest in tennis, netball and piano.
She was so health conscious she once removed beer from a fridge at a 40th and replaced it with soft drink.
Phoebe - the youngest and bossiest - was the opposite and loved lollies, chips and icecreams.
She was sassy and bossy, but she had big brown eyes and long hair she'd curl around her finger to melt any heart.
Geoff had taught her to waterski by telling her she wouldn't be able to do it and if she did it, he'd give her lollies.
"Our darling Fletcher, Mia and Phoebe, the angels have come to gently guide you away," Mrs Richards said.
"We will see you sparkle in the stars.
"Take care, my darlings, this is your time to fly."