Louise Woodbury

Hi Gav

On Thursday we received the first copies of our new book and William & I want YOU to know that you and your spirit are alive and well and will touch many people. We thank you for your guidance and support. You got us clear and became our unreasonable friend on this project.

As I scan the Contents page there are three chapters that are dedicated to you:

Chapter Five: Being Unstoppable in the Face of Fear

Chapter Seven: Be Inspiring

Chapter Nine: Making a Difference

We cannot thank you enough for being our unreasonable friend and providing us with the insights about how to live courageously, inspirationally and to ensure our life’s work is focused on what we can do for others!

You always have, and always will be, the essence and spirit of: being unstoppable, being an inspiration and making a difference.

Lots of love and wishing you the most amazing day today! We continue to be grateful to have you and Maryanne in our lives.

Louise & William

Mark Billson

Gav,

There are so many people thinking of you right now in so many different time zones throughout the world.

What I know of you has been mainly through our times together on the golf course at the Classic. Much of why it is a classic is down to you and all the photos and video footage. I remember vividly your second jacket......mainly because it was you and me in the play-off at Hope Island. Nugget recalled how you won it from the bush....I remember it a bit differently......

I teed off first, feeling nervous having never been in contention for the jacket before. I duly sprayed my ball right (an ugly high cut!) and into the crap....You then teed up, everyone thinking this is Gav's jacket. You went driver even though you all you had to do was put it in play....You lined it up and let it rip.....you pulled it seriously left...tiger country. What a couple of choppers!! We pulled out another ball each. Unfazed, you then played a flawless hole to win in a canter.

This said a lot about you as a golfer but also a person. Why play safe when you can give it a red hot go.....you tackle every challenge with guts, creativity, enthusiasm and determination, not to forget humour. It shows through with your family, your career choices, RUOK, and the classic. Its why you are so successful.

I will always remember your advice to me on ordering a tequila......"not the cheap s**t.....only the top shelf"!

You are off the top shelf, Gav.

You and your family are in our thoughts every day.

Much love

Billo

The Rattrays

Gav,

I don’t see you all that often…..the golf weekend and maybe the odd xmas lunch….but when I do see you we always seem to have a great time. I have heaps of great memories of you. Winning the shield together was a highlight.I remember the golf weekend when you won the jacket and, as is customary, you wore the jacket and tie to the pub that evening. I remember some likely, local lads,full of piss, said “check out the homo in the jacket and tie”. I thought ‘hello….it could get ugly here’ and placed my schooner on the bar ready for things to heat up. The next thing I know…..the local lads have changed their tune and all backed down. I immediately asked you what you said to them and you replied “nothing….I just smiled at them”.It was then that you showed me your dental plate and your missing front teeth….I certainly didn’t blame the local lads for backing down…..you are one scary, ugly Murray Farquar without your front teeth!

I feel very honored to have won the Leura shield with you and what a win it was….thank god for the back 9. I also feel honored to be a fellow green jacket winner. You have been such a huge part of the golf weekend….I will miss you greatly every year in May. Kate and I think of you, Maz and the kids often. The courage and spirit you have all shown through the past couple of years is extraordinary. Good luck mate…..Ratters and Kate

Ray Barton

Dear Gavin

When I first met you, and since, I have been impressed with your enthusiasm and get up and go attitude that has always been an essential part of you.

From my eyes, and as time passed, there is another part of you that I have admired even more – your love and attention to Maryanne, Gus , Josie and Van.

Go easily Gav, in the knowledge you are a good man – your legacy is with your beautiful family.

Love Ray

Jenny and Des Bassett

Dear Ones

It was great to catch up with your darling Mum and Jeff, when they visited us on their trip to WA (even though we hadn't seen them for a while they are the sort of people that you pick up with where you left off) also meeting Brian and Irene - we connected with them straight away. They are so interesting and great fun. Gavin.... Alex and Kelsey in their messages to you related to the Baileys you consumed as a 14 year old. If your Mum reads any of these tales, she will think that Jenny condoned her kids drinking under-aged.

We have fond memories of your visits with your Dad, Aya and Danny, then as a grown man with your beautiful wife Maz who I loved on sight, and your lovely little son Gus. Our hearts and thoughts are with you always.

Love Jenny and Des xxxxx

Nick Souter

Hi Gav,

Even though we worked together only briefly, I want to add my name to the many others who have been touched by your life.

It would be easy to characterise you as 'A Good Bloke', a very Australian thing to say. And it's true. You are great company - interested and interesting, good fun, easy manner and easy sense of humour. You're a pleasure to be with.

But, you are a great deal more than that. You are a truly good person.

In our various meetings, occasional lunch and beers together, I found you to be an inspiring example of someone who could maintain strict personal values in the murky world of corporate life - always honest, always focused on what was right for the situation and not for yourself, fair and loyal to the people who worked with and for you, encouraging, optimistic and never cynical. And caring.

You're a shining light, Gav. You set a fine example of how people should behave in the role you chose.

I'm thinking of you and send you my hopes and best wishes.

Nick

James Hayes

Hi Gav,

I am just back from a couple of weeks in Hawaii and as I walked around Waikiki memories of the 2009 TLC came flooding back. Some of those memories sent a shiver down my spine but most brought a big smile to my face including sharing a few cold schooies with you. Needless to say there wouldn't have been a Hawaii roadtrip for the Buffaloes if the weight of your personality wasn't applied to that outcome. You cajoled and convinced everyone that the 20th anniversary of 'the tour' had to be celebrated in style and only Hawaii would do. But your contribution extended well beyond getting us all on a plane - the video you put together celebrating 20 years of TLC history , the Jackets you arranged for the past winners, and above all the 'joie de vivre' you displayed on and off the golf course. So all in all you were the heart and soul of a fantastic event, and you created lifelong memories of good times and reinforced old mateships.

But the 2009 TLC is just a tiny example of how you have approached your life. I know the same character and ardour has been brought to bear on your professional endeavours, your friendships, the brilliant RU OK initiative, your massive battle with cancer, and most importantly your family.

So whilst we are all angry and confused and sad at the moment, the indelible mark you've imprinted on us wont contain anything but happiness and joy and great affection.

Much love Mate

Hayso

Jane Basset

Hi Coogee Bear

I bet you haven’t heard that nick-name in a while. Al and I didn’t get to see you as much we would have liked, being the other end of the country and all, but we always have extremely fond memories of when you Aya, and Del used to stay with us in Perth. I remember Alex and I were really excited to meet these cousins from Sydney that we had never seen before. We sure did have some fun. I remember we were around ten or eleven and were on strict instructions to go to bed while the folks were out to dinner. But no, you dared us all to stay up and watch a B-Grade horror flick called “The Robe”. We were all ended up having to sleep in the same room with the torch under the bedcovers. In the middle of the night, we heard a noise and peeked out the door of the room to investigate. By coincidence Barry was walking around the house at 1am in the darkness with a long red towel around his waist, which happened to be the same colour as “The Robe”. I just remember us all screaming like banshees and bashing into each other in the dark as we ran around in circles trying to escape from the “The Robe”. Barry went ape at all the noise we were making.

You also introduced us to that game of champions, Dutch Ovens... The object of the game was to see who is the first person to pass out. You challenged me to a game while Alex and Danny looked on in horror. You declared yourself the winner, but I distinctly remember making your eyes roll back in your head…but you wouldn’t admit it. Dutch Ovens was just the beginning for you it seems, as a person with great tenacity you went onto bigger challenges and refused to let things knock you down.

A lot of people say “Life is too Short” and people always have regrets of what they should have done and should have said……. but the thing is Life is Enduring and you will always have fond memories that bring a smile to your face, or there is always someone that you have influenced in some way who will pick up where you left off…… and so it goes on.

I couldn’t find any photos of when we were younger, but here is a photo of me and my new husband Daren, Alex and a friend of ours.

Take care, and all the best to Maz and the kids xxxxx

Chris and Mel Sims

Dear Gav,

the Zoot family arrived today in Zagreb, Croatia.. we are halfway through our European vacation. ( bit like the Griswald's.. I feel more like Clark every day!). We have conquered London, Brugge, Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Vienna, and are now heading south as far as Dubrovnik, before turning west and heading back eventually to France for the start of the school year.

I'm not sure if you have ever done much travelling with kids..I find it frustrating...I have to constantly remind myself that I have to see the world through their eyes, not mine..As a result, we see very little Rembrandt, but a mighty lot of ice cream and souvenir shops, where in the latter they appear to be obsessed with key rings.. Why this should be so.. is completely beyond me, as none of them have any keys! Yet every town we enter, they make a beeline for the first souvenir shop they find... and we proceed to buy more and more key rings. I think my wife has something to do with it all as she tells me they will have a collection at the end of the trip.. All I can see is that I will wake up one day and all my keys will be gone.. artfully disengaged by skilful little fingers, and distributed on to their prized key ring collection.

Reading your blog, I've been touched by the words and thoughts of so many people from all over the world. One of the postings I read turned out to be from my next door neighbour in St. Ives, John Giro, who knows you through RUOK. Some would say that's an amazing co-incidence, but I rather suspect it says more about the huge number of people who you've either helped, or call you a mate.

I'd like to say thankyou for being a huge part of the tour for over 20 years.. The memories are very special. A huge thankyou for all your work in organising the Hawaii tour, it was a fantastic tour that I will never forget, particularly that gorilla of a course where I lost the shield.. Koolau..a beautiful approach from Dick, only a metre short of the green.. but drilled oh so deep into that soft yellow sand..

You will live on in my memory, and in others.. in check pants, timing the ball to perfection, with a magnificent follow through..You have played the game of life very well Gav Larkin. I hope one day, to be as good a dad as you have been to your family.

All my thoughts and love are with you and your family at this time.

Zoot.

Lucie Janouskova

“You are about to meet this great, handsome, funny, and very, very, very (!) smart bloke!!”

I still remember this sentence David told me before meeting you for the first time in your Brandshop office in 2007. When I was walking down the little streets in Paddington, instead of focusing onwhat I needed to talk about at the meeting, the sentence was playing on a loop in my head, over and over again… (luckily I knew enough of Aussie slang to understand what ‘bloke’ meant).

Minutes later I understood that David was right, indeed.

This meeting, which resulted in introduction to your creative director and recommendation to Yello brand design, was a door for me to get my first job in Australia in the industry I wanted and it got me the important working visa so that I could stay in Oz with beloved David. I was always very grateful for the advice you gave me then. Not just about the branding industry, which was the purpose of the meeting, but more importantly, about really working hard and deserving great results, and having the willpower to achieve what one believes in and desires.

I remembered it many times since, each time I needed to add a little humbleness into my attitude (this resulted in way too many overtimes but hey, the job was well done!) and also when I needed moreINSPIRATION. I think this would be for me the word that describes you, Gav – an inspiring person. I have seen you on several occasions during my time in Sydney, and although our chats were usually quite brief (as everybody wanted to speak to you so kept jumping in!), it was obvious that you truly are an inspiring husband, inspiring father, inspiring friend and inspiring boss.

When I lived with David, we always talked of you with high regards. In fact, the first time I heard of Gavin was when I still lived in Prague, Dave was on the phone to me, raving about the Brandshop summer party with people all dressed in white! I knew about Gav, his awesome wife Maz (and their friends Wags and Stu) long before I arrived to Oz. It meant nothing to me at the time and I admit, only later on I understood that you guys certainly were worth mentioning to someone on the other side of the globe.

That is where I am now; back in Prague. The difference is, I now know Gav and his loving wife. So I now speak to my European friends about you and I am the one to say “Gav, that great, handsome, funny, and very, very, very (!) smart bloke!!” I speak to people about some Aussie guy, whose inspiration has no boundaries and is not limited by time...

I feel terribly sorry for what you and your family are going through, and my prayers are with you, Maz, the kids, the whole family and friends. I send you all a virtual, but very sincere hug. God bless you all.

Thank you Gavin.

Lucie, Prague

Kelsey Bonnell

Hi Gav,

I heard you were going home soon.......too soon for all our liking. We've missed out on getting to know our cousins who lived in the east. We do have fond memories though of whenever you guys visited. My mum (Colleen) always had a soft spot for your dad and talked a lot about his visits when they were all younger. From reading all the blogs, you and your family are very cherished and very loved, which can only be a reflection of who you are as people. My brother Scott passed away two years ago and we didn't get a chance to say goodbye, so I feel blessed that I am able to send you and your family our love.

Okay now the photos..... I dragged them up from the vault and you will be please to know that not only does this prove your had hair, style, grace (and are you under-age drinking?) but the real good news is volley's are back !!! Your brother's don't miss out on the fashion parade either ! If you look closely at the group photo you can see your good self (of course), Del, Aya and Baz right at the back.

Gav you are in our thoughts mate, love Kelsey xxx

Michelle Wood

gav

i hope you truly understand what a shiny light you are

i hope you are comfortable and at peace

i hope you have no regrets

i hope you are soaking up all the love being thrown your way

i hope you know that you have gifted the world with your presence

i hope for miracles

i hope you know i love you

xoxox

mich

Breezey and Stackey

Dear Gav,

I have always admired you in so many ways, especially when the Vaughans/Larkins have a family dinner. You know how big and noisy they can be where you have to put your hand up just to say something. But not you Gav, you always captivate everyone with your charisma,spirit, humour and stories. You hold everyone's attention in the palm of your hand and make everyone feel as if you are just talking to them one on one.

Over the last 13 years Gav, I have seen you blossom into the most amazing Farther I have seen . I see so much of you in Josie especially, Josie and you are like two peas in a pod. The spirit you both share is amazing/beautiful.

We love you gave, You have included Mum and I in your family and I cant thank you enough.

Mum and I think of you everyday.

Love

Breezey and Stackey

Vicki Aristidopoulos

Gav,

You are fierce. One of the most emotive people I have ever met. The rawness and the passion you inject in everything you say and do inspires action. There’s no in-between, it’s full throttle with you Gav.

Every conversation was intense and it mattered. Forget banal chit chat, it’s straight to the heart. Gav you’re a fighter. I applaud your courage. You’ve taught me to fight for what I believe in and that’s lead us to have so many great and heated debates. Fire in the belly stuff. Always I will be grateful for those debates, they taught me so much. You are gracious in defeat and it would be fair to say that you don’t mind a little attention and praise when you do win.

And boy, do you like to win. Gav, the outpouring of love, stories and sentiments I have read shows how much you’ve won. A winner in the hearts and minds of so many people who are touched by your friendship, your ability to cut through and make a difference.

R U Ok. What an amazing movement you started. A revolution inspired through your courage and openness to share your experience with the world and make a difference in the lives of so many.

I smile thinking how much I always loved your gossip girl moments in the corridor of the agency playing cupid with all the single people. Genuinely hoping they would find true love and the depth of friendship you share with the love of your life Maz.

You’re in my thoughts, now and always.

Vicki

Veronica Webber

Hi Gav - it's Ronny ;-)

You seem to consume my thoughts these days Gav, from the time I open my eyes to the last thought of the day.

We haven't spent a lot of time together in the past in deep & meaningful's or even general conversation one on one mainly because when we've come together we are usually surrounded by our big family/s.

It's times like now that the true value of family (& friends) really comes home eh?

The last time we met up was at Leigh's 30th on the roof at Bondi on a balmy spring afternoon, remember? That afternoon I had an overwhelming urge to give you a big hug & I'm sure you were asking yourself "what is crazy Ronny on?"!! Looking back I'm am so glad I gave into that urge. It was just so good to see you that day looking your old self plus beer in hand after the rugged months of treatment prior.

It meant an awful lot to me when you & Maz flew up for John's funeral. I also realised at that time the loss you had experienced with your dad Gav. Well you can be sure he would be extremely proud of you & of all your amazing achievements & especially your role as a dedicated & loving husband & dad to your gorgeous Maz, Gus, Josie & Van. It will be family & friends loving & supporting them into the future.

We all have our journey's to travel in this life. I'm very grateful that mine included you!

Love you Gav

Ronny xo

P.S. Still feel bad about your poor bonsai I managed to kill!!

Stu Gregor

I was going to start with something along the lines that this is hard to write but the sheer ineptitude of writing that would be breathtaking, this is not hard, its letters on a keyboard – what you guys are going through is hard.

I’ve long fancied myself as a writer, it comes easy, wine columns in seven minutes was my speciality – I distinctly remember Gav coming over to my place five or six years ago when I was putting together one of my last wine guides and seeing his eyes light up at the 150 odd bottles of wine opened and ready for his consumption. Like a kid in a candy store – and I swear to god he took 50 bottles back with him in the car – right now I’m hoping he didn’t drive but I’m sure he did.

I’m not Gav’s oldest mate or his best mate, circumstances dictate that those relationships are formed much earlier than when we met but I am a good mate and like everyone else at the moment feeling confusion, despair and anger in equal measure. It’s just shit what you, Maz, Gus and the family have been forced to endure, its just so bloody hard to see what good will come from this. RUOK is I suppose a beacon of hope, an initiative so important, so so valuable and it just seems so bloody incongruous that this was created at the edge of this horrible medical precipice. But long may it survive and prosper. What a wonderful legacy.

If RUOK has any single message it’s for blokes like us to share our feelings, to be prepared to be vulnerable and to really give a shit about our mates. It’s hard . . but it’s really not that hard.

So I guess Gav might teach us to be better blokes, he is a good enough bloke himself but to leave a society more aware and more caring is a legacy to which we could all aspire but most will not reach. Like many of us blokes I will miss Gav at lunch, Gav on the golf course, Gav offering forthright, no-nonsense opinions on EVERYTHING, Gav watching the footy, Gav on the drink. I don’t know much about Gav the father or Gav the husband but their hearts must be breaking. The Gregor family sends all its love and affection.

Stu, Sal, Aud and George.

Ben Atuell

Hey Gav, you were my new friend at a new school.. it was 1982 and we were instant close mates, 14 / 15. You knew all the girls names, had them rated, and made up merciless names for almost everyone (I was mockingly "Action Man" or "a Spokesmodel"). Too much cryingly funny stuff to mention: your insane impression of winning an Olympic walking race: powering to the line, double pumping overhead claim at the finish; in a "Happy Days" moment we double dated the Wood twins (hi Dani and Michelle); you bought me a fully laminated "licence to get high" (where did you get that?) complete with photo and no expiry date... still partially in use. I got a job at McDonalds so you jumped out of my wardrobe in the uniform including Hamburgler necklace pen, paying out on me brutally - I quit (thanks). You always sported cutting edge 80's fashion on our forays into the night - adolescents, stupid with excitement hunting the unknown. Amazing fun and good times ..you always had an appetite.

Gav, your friendship was highly demanding but you loved your buddies like family. Sure footed when I was self-conscious, you were always fearless, made your shortcomings into nothings, backed yourself beyond expectation and made it work. Commitment - no excuses. Qualities you've lived by. We all shared initial adventures on our pathway to manhood - only we know - you can't replicate that.

Then the real stuff; love, family, hard work, loss, more challenges, rewards and pitfalls.. all dealt with in your inimitable style and with outlandish humour. You and your family have been dealt some painful blows lately and my heart goes out. I've shed tears... I'll give the lovely Maz a hug when I see her next.

We've kind of missed the last 20 years of each other, but now it seems in your post-corporate ascetic period you've become a teacher and convener for human good - an exemplar of truths and a compass to many.. I'm full of admiration mate, you've found a way to live gracefully, and you've become an amazing man Gavin. Good on you for showing the way to others and demonstrating rare and pure ways of being.

I love you.

Ben.

Leigh Webber

Gavin,

I have been having these dreams where we are talking to each other- I keep telling you that I am thinking of you. I am thinking of you. Thinking positive thoughts and of good times shared.

Leigh

Andrew Walsh

Gav

I remember your first day as MD at Y&R Sydney.

Your welcome speech was funny, inspiring and spoke of a brighter future for the business.

You defined your management style by reciting a two word poem by Muhammad Ali:

"Me, we".

You went on to prove - to those who listened - this approach worked, everyday.

They were great days to be in the business, and looking back, I know they will stay a special memory.

Your also introduced 'Gav's Wheel of Fun' to monday morning role call.

Each week, someone delivered a short presentation on something inspiring.

Then they spun the wheel, won a prize.

Trouble was, most of the prizes were dodgy client freebies sourced by account service.

But there was one great prize - and I won it.

Dinner for two at Aqua Dining.

I kept it quiet from my wife and surprised her on our anniversary.

So thanks for the brownie points - I think I'm still spending them!

Gav, reading this blog your special talent is obvious.

It shows how you've helped people, from many walks of life, find their passion and lead better lives.

How one man can make a difference.

How to you, 'me', will always mean, 'we'.

With love

Walshy

Tim Dwyer

Gav,

Thank you for being a friend who always wanted to see others have fun, do their best and participate fully in life. It is this passion, openness and no nonsense drive that inspires us to make the most of every moment when we are together. Thank you for all the laughs and good times and for sharing your life with us. I will miss you.

Thank you for making the Classic what it is today. Your energy and passion for a great event which brings mates together is second to none. You are leaving a tradition which will endure until the last of us is standing. I know that you will be with us in spirit each year and we will toast your presence in all our hearts.

You are a legend and a champion who I'm grateful to have had the pleasure to know. I know that your love for your family and friends will last for all our life times as you have shone so bright and have had such a lasting impact.

Our loving thoughts are now with you and your family.

All our Love

Tim, Jacquie, Phoebe and Thomas