My Tribute To My Loved Brother Grant Armstrong

This is my tribute to my loved Brother, Grant Armstrong 31 October 1947 – 3 September 2015.

I have a sense of emptiness since the passing away of my dearly loved brother, Grant.

Grant was my mentor, my rock in life. I cannot imagine the immediate family’s sense of loss. Grant was so astute, humorous, caring and such a family driven man. I am struggling to come to terms without him.

Grant will be missed by so many people from all parts of Australia. He effected so many lives. His contributions to local and overseas people were so varied. Just to name a few:

1. His local surf club at Old Bar – he built and managed a disabled concrete ramp, helped raise funds for the club through bar-b-ques and general fund raising.
2. He was a major player and instigator for the rebuilding of a hospital in 2009 on an Indonesian Island call Nias after the major boxing day tsunami, along with some other local business leaders.
3. He is a war veteran and sponsored children in Vietnam after the Vietnam War.
4. He was on a committee for the construction of a fly tower in the local Taree Civic Centre. He also contributed considerably in a financial way. He butted heads often with council staff but was still keen to assist the community even though the council owned the property. That was Grant all over, simply a man with a great heart always thinking of others.
5. Last but not least Grant was an organ donor. The process was completed and 3 recipients had successful surgery. Another example of Grant’s generosity.

These are just a few contributions I am aware of. I am sure there would be many more. Grant never broadcast his work or selfless gifts.

Grant squeezed two lifetimes into just 68 years. Many people go through life without a single contribution to others. Grant made up for a large % of people who just don’t get it.

The memorial service for Grant was held last Wednesday. This service was beautifully carried out with some friends and family giving tribute to Grant. I just want to thank all those who attended and gave their time to remember him.

A very big thank you goes to Deidre and Maurie Stack, great friends of Grant’s for their compassion and friendship shown to Grant and his family.

Barry