Sandie and I had 22 happy years together and were married for 17 and a half. I will be eternally grateful for the time we had. But will always feel it wasn’t enough. We were married in Sydney, at the Opera House. She was so beautiful. When the Vicar at the wedding spoke he declared that “Service is Joy”. He went on for some time, explaining that the route to a successful relationship and indeed marriage, is to serve one another. Not to look for what we can get out, but for what we can put in. By serving one another you lay strong foundations onto which you can build your life together. A beautiful sentiment. It immediately became the running joke in our relationship. Whenever we wanted the other to do something for us, “Service is Joy”. Make the Tea “Service is Joy”. Take the bins out “Service is Joy”. Change the baby’s nappy “Service is Joy”. But whilst it was a joke on the surface it was a way of life for Sandie. She worked tirelessly to build a place our family would be happy in. Planning, decorating, styling our home. When we had children, she read every book she could find on pregnancy, parenting and childcare to make sure we left nothing to chance. As they grew, she consumed all the available information about toddlers, pre-school, primary education, teenagers. She never stopped learning and dedicated herself to our beautiful children. She made sure they had an interesting, exciting, varied childhood, creating social and learning opportunities all the time. They are a credit to her, and she was unbelievably proud of them. We didn’t always agree on everything. Apparently, my golf society days are not more important than my child’s birthday. We agreed to disagree. It turns out that we didn’t actually need a gazebo for the garden, despite Sandie imagining all sorts of fun ways it would be used, none of which happened. But when it came to important stuff we shared the same feelings and approach. Sandie was diagnosed with Cancer over 3 years ago. Despite getting such a serious diagnosis, she didn’t hesitate in her resolve to fight for every extra day she could get. She took on the fight with humour, positivity and without complaint. She focused on positives all the way through. Sandie was diagnosed at a time when Covid was kicking off, it was a scary time for everyone, we felt some sense of fortune to be able to fight and have time together as a couple and a family. Through her determination and positivity Sandie was able to give 3 more years to us all. Most importantly to Skyler and Ashton. In that time we laughed, cried, shared special times, made new memories. Sandie never complained. She focused on fighting as hard as she could and seeing the positives in front of us. As well as my partner in life, she became my inspiration too. Before we had children, Sandie and I participated in a number of musical theatre productions. Sandie enjoyed the rehearsals more than the actual shows. Having fun with lovely people was really what she was there for. That and she hated missing out. She was prepared to perform on a stage in front of 800 hundred people each night, for a week, so she didn’t miss out on the silliness, fun and time with friends. She loved people, was a great friend, had a fantastic sense of humour and was very intelligent. They say “Always leave the crowd wanting more” - Sandie has certainly done that. I miss you and I love you.

Dear Sandie, A beautiful lady inside and out and very brave. Thank you so much for making Brett happy and giving your life to him, also for the two lovely grandchildren you gave to me. Fly free from pain my darling and find a special place where you can watch over Brett and see your beautiful children grow. My love goes with you always. You will forever have a special place in my heart. Love Jan/Mum xxx

Sandie, I am going to miss you so much and will always remember our long chats and fun outings. Rest in peace now and I will think of you often. XX