Cars were parked along every street in Donald, with the Memorial Hall packed to capacity. 

This remarkable scene was testimony to the love and respect that poured forth on Friday for the late Gregory William (Greg) Godkin, who died on August 8, 2023, at the age of 75.

 A more modest achiever would be impossible to find, and hundreds travelled to be with Greg’s wife, Jenny, his son, Matt, daughter, Sally, and members of their families, at this sad and reflective time.

Officiating at the gathering in the hall, was the Rev. David Poole.

Following the funeral, refreshments were served at the Donald Fire Station, Greg’s headquarters, and meeting place for more than half a century, including 22 years as Donald Brigade captain.

He was also the recipient of many awards, including CFA’s Outstanding Service Medal.

Leading the long procession from the hall was Jason Blake, official piper of 22 Regiment Royal Victorian Association, of which Greg was a member.

From far and wide, tributes flowed for a man who had done so much for his community, both through his trade as an electrician, and as a volunteer and leader in so many ways.

Over coming days, some of those tributes from Greg’s family, and from CFA and Army colleagues, will be published in the “Buloke Times”.

In the meantime, the “Times” expresses its gratitude for its decades-long association with Greg, particularly when concerned with fire fighting issues within the district.

Never would he fail to come up with accurate, sensible, and helpful answers to our questions – and never were we made to feel that we were intruding on his busy schedule.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 29 August 2023.