Jennifer Ley

Dear Gavin and Maryanne, You are often in our thoughts and we are so pleased to have met you last year. Your courage and strength is an inspiration to us. R U OK is often in our communication with friends n family now. Thanks to you,we recognize that those words open more channels than asking' How are you?'Hope all the family are feeling fine today. Our thoughts n love- Jenny n David Ley

Nick Morgan

Gav,

I don't know you as well as many people, but it's not hard to understand what you mean to them, and to admire you for your determination and strength.

I just wanted to write to let you know I am thinking of you and your family and I hope you continue to find courage and comfort in the knowledge that you mean so much to so many people.

Nick

Michael Ellsmore

HI Gavin…..

Our thoughts are with you today.

Another special day to celebrate with Maz & your three beautiful kids.

Here is a poem for Fathers Day

A Father means so many things...

An understanding heart,

A source of strength and support right from the very start.

A constant readiness to help

In a kind and thoughtful way.

With encouragement and forgiveness,

No matter what comes your way.

A special generosity and always affection, too.

A father means so many things

when he's a man like you....

I think when I tick each line I come up with a B+ for myself

……..When I do it for you I come up with an A+

Love always

Michael, Carmel,

James, Jonathon, Jared & Oscar

Marie Cooper

Gavin,

It is wonderful to read all the lovely comments from your many friends. I came into your life when you were just seven years old and you were going through the hardship of having your father only of a weekend (you got me as the boarder instead). I was impressed by your strength, intelligence, enthusiasm and charm as a seven year old and still am. You have grown into a great man who is loved and respected and has influenced many and will continue to do so. I’ve included a couple of photos of a day at the beach in the sand dunes at Windang.

Much love to you, Maz, Gus, Josie and Van.

love Marie

Carol Nedov-Supierz

Dearest Gav,

I too thought about writing something profound about you here and within seconds I realised that all I wanted to write was that it is YOU who is profound dear Gav.

You are truly an amazing soul with wonderful insights, the highest of spirit, courage and strength. Your life has been your gift to your family - to your beautiful wife and my best friend, those awesome little people, (who don't even know quite the man you are yet but yes, absolutely, one day they will see it and you clearly), and of course the many other loved ones in your world. I know you have been celebrating the moments of this your special life.

I could always see through Mazzy's eyes how you were and are the love of her life and is it any wonder? I love your depth of understanding and breadth of acceptance as you negotiate your life's experiences and how you have helped others just by being you. I have always felt so unconditionally supported by both you and Maz and your absolute friendship gives me happiness and comfort. So thankYOU for this!

All my love and support is right here with me to give to Mazzy and the babes 24/7 as you know and one huge big warm hug to you across the internet waves and hope to clap eyes on you again soon.

I'll be helping with RUOK day just so you know Gav... And Jules, thanks so much for setting this blog up!

Take it easy profound gorgeous man and keep breathing all this wonderful truth in !

Love you lots

Carol, Anna and Vinnie

xxxxxx

Michael Wilkins

Hi mate,

I only heard today of your struggle and frankly couldn’t believe it. How could someone so bulletproof be struck down by such an insidious disease? But then of course I remembered something you told me about why you started the RUOK campaign – bad things can happen to anybody.

I remember the last time we met we had a few beers in that French joint in Surry Hills. It was funny, poignant and I had met a bloke without a shred of self-doubt. I’m reminded of a quote and think your travels through life have been governed by such words: “The path of least resistance leads to a place called mediocrity. Those with courage seldom travel it.”

I wish you and your family the best mate. If you want to try the restorative climate of North Queensland give me a call. I’ve got a room with a view and a cold one on ice.

Wilko

Joseph Talcott

Gavin

Nearly three years ago you came to see Campbell and me about R U OK? Day. And now we’re just a few days away from the third R U OK? Day in Australia. Its success is truly a tribute to your vision and tenacity. I think you should know that although we haven’t had our regular chats about how things are going and how we could do more, Nina and the the team have certainly kept that tradition alive! There is no question that R U OK? Day 2011 will be the biggest and best yet. It is simply remarkable to see something go from an idea to a national event of immense proportion in such a short time. I hope you are very proud, not only of the organisation but of the difference it is making in the lives of people who are asked “Are you OK?”, and those who do the asking.

And now, about you:

You've told me that we must live each day, fully. And we must leave rationalisation attempts behind. I remember when you said “sometimes you can’t look for a reason that something happens...it just is".

Whilst I understand that on an intellectual basis, I still think the current "is" is bloody awful!

Gavin, you have been an inspiration to me. And not just after you got sick. Since we first met I have admired your drive, commitment, energy, common sense, persistence, good humour, and sense of fairness. I count myself very fortunate to have crossed paths with you, however briefly.

Thank you for making a difference in my life.

Kate Joseph

To my old/new friend LA Gav,

We met in the back bar of will & toby's. You were not long home from the bright lights of LA. Back to sprinkle some Gav magic on our shores. And joy in my jaegermeister you were! You spoke of your amazing love for maz and your love and wonder for your kids. You were an inspiration for the great love I now have with my Adam and our new baby Coco Jude.

When my brother passed, you wrote me the most wonderful letter. So kind and knowing and such a comfort in our dark days. I have kept your letter. The light slowly returned as you said it would and it now shines bright my friend. Thank you.

I send you a shower of healing white light angel Gav and wish much love to you, maz, Gus, josie and van

Kj xx (Kate Joseph)

David Howarth

Dear Gav,

It's has certainly been a while, and thought a blast from the past is in order!!

I hope my recounts give you a cracka of a smile and rekindle's the memory stick with some of the great times we had as young kids playing at Stanley Street or Saywell, making cubby houses in one of the rooms from chairs turned upside down covered with sheets and blankets, or swimming in the above ground pool. Playing cricket or footy in the backyard (or lounge room), and the good old "dress up box"!!!!! cowboys and indians or cops and robbers. And who could forget the countless rock shows or plays we all used to put on????

Boy, how time flies!!

How bout the convoy of bikes, scooters, skate-boards (or pogo stick if need be..) to transport us all to the corner shop for twenty cents worth of mixed lollies from Beryl, and without fail many a journey ended in a stack or two! (Go the scabbed knees and elbows!). How bout the late nights when just before bedtime we'd all decide to play the all time favourite.... "murder in the dark" and scare the crap out of ourselves. Then there were the Saturday mornings in pj's, sitting in bean bags with a bowl of coco-pops, watching the super flying fun show with miss marilyn, cartoons et al. BBQ's at Saywell street and your mum's famous spag bol! Thug - the dog, Clancy of the overflow, Tasha, yo-yo's, tree house, etcha-sketch, slinkies, GI-Joe, wacky races, and of course Sunday footy... it's just endless.

"Are we there yet?"... Remember the trip to Talbingo in your mum's Fiat wagon? I sure do.. there was you and Aya (Del hadn't hit the scene yet), Bob and I, Mozzie and Auntie Shirl. It seemed such a long drive with the famous catch phrase uttered every 10 minutes. It was bloody cold, but we kids were all lucky to get warm by swimming (and bombing each other) in the magical thermal pool (all that steam rising out from it - spooky stuff) and waking up in the freezing mornings and peeking out the window into what seemed a never-ending bushland to glimpse kangaroo's breathing heavy morning air, quietly sitting, watching and looking straight back at you! And trout fishing, not catching much but we were there together and having a great time. (Yes photos attached).

So you were born in a leap year!! Hmmm.. as a kid I thought it weird you only having one birthday every four years and what about the parties??? Well, your mum and dad sure made up for that!! You had the coolest of cool parties, however I think a fave was the one at Luna Park. Picture it.. the Big Dipper.. I was sitting next to your dad (you and Aya in front of us in the very first carriage), and as we were approaching the the big one, I was holding on to the railing so tight, eyes shut and holding my breath till blue, you guys had your hands in the air and screaming with laughter, then as we came over the peak into the down run, I let go of my hands and smashed my nose into the railing.. what a ride! After many, many rides later and filled up with pluto pups, fairy floss and coke we all decided to hit the Rotor for one last spin! Picture it.. the rubber door was sealed, everyone standing along the wall as the Rotor began to spin, the floor gave way and so did my stomach.. that poor person next to me stuck to the wall spinning, spinning covered in chuck chunda... what a ride! Anyhow, back to that leap year.. come on fess up, just how young are you?

Well, as a purveyor of family photos, I felt it my duty to slip in a few classics that I hope again bring both a smile and terrific memory to life for you. I treasure these and hope you will too!

Now down to the serious business.. I am deeply saddened to hear of your illness Gav and although not seeing you for some years, and as I read through these amazingly humorous and heartfelt blogs, I feel privileged to have been given a glimpse into your later life, a life that is a pure testament and inspiration to us all on how to live, which in turn has enriched all people around you. I'm thinking of you and your family now and always and wish you every best.

Thanks for the memories cousin Gav! God Bless and love you always.

- Dave

Mark Lucas and Fiona Gallagher

Hey Gav

From reading the blog you have touched so many peoples lives and are so loved. You have led a fat, juicy, generous life. Your achievements speak for themselves. You leave having given so much more than you have taken. The three jewels of your life Gus, Josie and Van are such gorgeous kids. I remember them from when they were really little and they are such a tribute to you and Maryanne. Speaking of whom- love you Maz. You are a wonderful, courageous woman. I remember when we first met you out the front of your house at Eastbourne Ave and I was struck by how gorgeous you both were and then got to know that this beauty was not just on the outside but you both were such beautiful people on the inside too. I think of you Gav and all I see is a big warm welcoming smile. Your generous spirit leaves our world a better place. Please guys, know that you are all in our prayers and thoughts at this unbelievably difficult time. If there is any thing we can do to make the load a little lighter, don't hesitate to let us know.

Love Fiona, Mark, Hugh and Liam Lucas

Neil Johnston

Dear Gav

Just wanted to thank you for being such a huge inspiration while I've known you.

Your confidence, courage and thoughtfulness have been things I've tried to emulate. You helped me up a few times when I was down and were always willing to listen and give advice.

I actually doubt I would be where I am now if I weren't for you. Your suggestion to try Landmark was a real turning point for me, and it gave me the confidence and determination to follow my dreams and make things happen for myself. I'm now a copywriter and am loving my job, so thank you.

You've always been an inspirational leader and what you achieved with RUOK Day is incredible. The fact that you did all that whilst coping with illness makes it all the more extraordinary, and makes me proud to have known you.

All my love to you and your family.

Neil

Darren Schaeffer

Hey Gav,

Mate it’s been too long, but the word has spread. I can’t begin to describe what I feel or how often you and the family pop up in my thoughts. Judging by the sheer volume posts and how positive they are I feel like that it has all been said - so eloquently, and so worthy.

The last time we saw each other it was for the briefest moment as I passed you in the foyer of the Ogilvy offices in Christie St. It was my second day on the job after a 10 year absence from the fold, and it was great to see your familiar face. We signalled that we needed to catch up, but as life would have it, we haven’t been afforded the time.

If we did meet now, the conversation probably would not revolve around our time at Singo’s. It wouldn’t be about our touch football prowess and your ability to get that huge frame through the smallest of gaps. Nor would it be about our Saturday morning exercise regime with boxing, Bondi sand runs and the dreaded Coogee stairs. And to speak of that loose behaviour (of which you freely encouraged), that would see the emergence of the ‘White Man Overbite’ on the dance floor would be trivial in such circumstances. Or would it? When I think about it, reflecting on this, and that triumphant victory over Roger Eaton and Greg Creed we had in doubles tennis, or all of those times I had to pay for your coffee after my continual losing streak when ‘rocking’ you for the privilege, I find some comfort in that. See that’s the thing mate. I’ve read some of the posts and as sad as this time is, having read some from the old crew it lifts me up, and I hope it does you too.

Your strength is admirable, your leadership incontestable and your charisma, magnetic. That big smile on your shaven head provides warmth for all those in your company, and to be in your company as a colleague and a friend is a privilege. Know that you have influenced my life and have a hold a big place in my heart for you and the family at this time. If I am in Sydney again soon I might bring coffee – but you’ll have to rock me for it first!

Keep up the fight Gav. I know that you know no other way, but I’m saying it anyway. Keep up the fight mate.

All my love to Maz and the kids.

Darren

Hamish McLennan

Dear Gav (and Maz),

I heard from Ashton, who was asking for any funny old photograph of you that we could dig up. We found this one which shows you wearing a typically understated shirt-hilarious !!! Gav, when you joined Y&R you made such a difference to our office with your brilliant leadership and high energy. There was never a dull moment, the staff loved you and I’ll always be grateful for what you did for us during those frenetic days.

My enduring memory of you is you constantly chatting about your family and how proud you were of them all . I’m sure they are as proud of you now and your wonderful legacy.

My best wishes to you all.

Hamish

Clare Baker

Hey Gavin and Maz

Thinking so much of you both, your children whom I haven't had the fortune to meet but am sure are as amazing as their parents and the wider Larkin/Vaughn clan.

Gavin, for a significant part of my early 20's you were like another brother to me. Always big, strong, solid, secure and comforting. Rock-like. You always had a funny nickname for me when our paths crossed and stupidly now, I can't think what they were - Clunk or Clunker (noice!) or something similar, may have been one. For some reason I always very formally called you by your full name 'Gavin' but often referred to you as 'Big Gav'.

You and Maz did then and I know still do now, make an amazing team - confident, positive, generous - whose love, power and energy goes beyond the physical. Your kids are blessed to have this combined spirit in them and I hope it helps to give them some strength in the face of this most difficult and incomprehensible situation.

It has been such a while since I've properly seen you and thank the stars that I did see you, albeit briefly, at the Skunkhour Sydney reunion gig. You hadn't changed that I could see except for a shinier head (not unlike your big brother and your dad and making an even closer family resemblance!). Your smile as always was huge and beaming - you were having so much fun and clearly proud of your brothers. You were fully enjoying the moment.

They say no man is an island and your organisation, RUOK?, helps us to remember this. We need people around us, in good times and in bad. Having people around us to support, help and care for us can help to make a bad time, maybe not always good but certainly, better. It is beautiful and inspiring hearing of all the love, support and care you have around you now and reassuring to know that your loved ones will have special people around them to love, support and care for them when you are not able.

Maz, take care of yourself and all my thoughts are with you.

Rest easy Gavin/Big Gav. I am glad and proud to have known you and to have had you for that short while, as another brother in my world.

Love,

Clare

Leon Saunders

Dear Gav,Maz, Gus Josie,Van, and all your family,

We just wanted to touch base and say how much we are thinking of you all at this truly difficult time. We send you lots love .

I don't know what to say except that you are constantly with us .

Lots Love P&L

Marie and Dick Persson

Dear Gav

Dick and I want you to know that your presence on this earth has made a difference to our lives and to the lives of so many people who have met and known you.You have made an indelible mark and will always be remembered as someone who lived life to the fullest, cared for your beautiful family, made those around you laugh and faced the greatest battles with incredible courage and quiet determination. Because of you the sun will shine a little brighter, the wine taste a little better, the sea bluer, the snow softer and the jokes funnier. So many people are thinking of you right now. We hope you can feel the love all around you.

xxxx

Tony Dass

I've been reading the blog since day 1

I baulk then ignore , I think then ignore again

I dwell in my own thoughts, I daydream and I wonder

I try and feel what you are feeling, then wallow in my own feelings of inadequacy

I try and relate but know I could never be where you are

You are loved and cared for

Would it be the same if it were me

But this is not about me

It’s about your wife, your children

Your brothers, your mother, your sister, your fathers

Your friends, your mates

It’s about your way, your genuine smile

Your manner and your sincerity

Your achievements and the affect you have

How you share and how you disagree

It's about you

You make not made a difference

You’re the one who cares while at the same time you don't

You make not made a difference

I’d like to think you’re ok and my mate will be ok and Maz will be ok and everything will be ok

Gav, right now I don’t know what to say

So I just tapped on the keyboard and this is what came out

I’m confused about what I feel when I think about it and you and stuff

So I’m gonna just speak from my heart and don’t give a damn what people think

Gav, you done good... in so, so many ways...

You're a champion

Jo-Anne Pitt

Gav,

I've foolishly been holding off, waiting to think of something really cool & witty to write. One of the many things I've always admired about you is your ability to find the right things to say at all occasions. I wish I had your talent! So I need to get a few words down now rather than be perfect, which I'm not ....

I still remember the first day I met you - over on the north shore - I think I was about 6 & was in total adoration of the "big boy". I spent the whole day trying to get your attention and I must have succeeded... I wound up heading home with a bruise on my arm from where you pinched me. Man, I must have been a pain in the @rse!

Later, I admit to curiously sneaking into your room in O'Dowd St when you weren't around. I guess I was still in adoration of "the Bear". Don't worry Gav, I wont tell anyone about what I found. ;-p

Then you bought the amazing Maz into our lives. What follows from there is your wonderful family ... I saw another side of you. Not only are you the charismatic Gav, you are the consummate father and role model to your three gorgeous children. I smile to myself when I hear Josie make a "Gav" statement.

I continued to admire you, Gav & think of you everytime I hear someone say "ruok"

Lots of love,

Jo Pitt & family

xxxx

Kathy Ellsmore

I first met you when I was 6 when you were born and from what I was told by my sister, she said that I had thought she had given birth to a Chinese baby. My next recollection of you was when I lived with you at Stanley St and you loved to collect things. One of them being Cicadas and you would climb the trees in search of them had ice cream containers full of them. I never realised that when you put your mind to something that you believed in that you went with it with such gusto. Especially "Are you okay" campaign in which you have made so many people aware of looking out for those you care about. You have put in place a legacy that will live on and you will always be remembered.

The Nearnies

Gav and Maz were the first locals we met arriving in Oz 6 years ago - we thought we were pretty lucky landing a beach house on Eastbourne Avenue in Clovelly, but getting you guys as next door neighbours was a real result. Your friendship gave us a huge welcome and is one of the reasons we are still here. Gav, you gave us our first barbie advice “no charcoal mate” as you calmly roasted two chickens on your six burner, with a beer in hand entertaining all of us without spilling a drop. After many beers you told me it was ok to pee in your garden.....so I did, Fiona still hasn’t forgiven me.

We were only next door neighbours for a year, but looking back it seems much longer than that. We have fond memories of hopping over the fence to join your family gatherings ... especially when Maz had the tablecloth and tea pot out! Van was just 2 weeks old and Josie would come over to tidy up our house(!). The clearest memory though is you, hat on, great tunes playing, newspaper open grabbing a bit of “quiet time” looking out to sea - with the usual family mayhem in the background. That was the Aussie lifestyle we came to seek and there you were living it!

When you moved into ‘Coogee Towers’ we were sad to lose you as neighbours but Kylie’s old tv show was corny yet accurate .... “that’s when good neighbours become good friends”.

We have watched Josie “jump”, Gus and Van grow up alongside Max and Jess - you are our adopted Aussie family and always will be.

Our love with you and yours, forever

Simon, Fiona, Jessica, Max x