The Noosa community has paid tribute to popular local surfer and much-loved family member George Corkill, who unexpectedly passed away on Sunday 16 April.
Father to Damian and James, pop to George, Tom, Billy, Jade and Luka, brother to Bill, Joan and Len, and loyal friend to so many; George has left family, friends, and community alike in complete shock, after very sadly yet peacefully passing at the age of just sixty-five.
Having just reached a milestone of thirty-three years of complete bliss together last week, Julia, his beloved wife, describes their special union as one of most beautiful fairy tales.
“I just loved him more every day, we did everything together, we were inseparable, he was my soulmate,” Julia said.
As a successful artist and gallery owner, Julia often exhibited overseas and George was there by her side on many occasions.
He would joke that he was the packer, security, and courier. They were a great team, and he would always hang her work beautifully, as he did only two weeks ago in the Noosa Library, for its anniversary celebrations.
A special friend, Michael Gawthorn said, “They say behind every great man is a great woman, but for Julia, George was the great man behind her.” And Julia wholeheartedly agrees. He was her rock.
Growing up in Sydney, George enjoyed the first half of his life in Epping and the Northern Beaches, with a beautiful family, and love of nature and the beach.
Whilst working in the corporate world, George spent much of his free time surfing with special lifelong friends, who are still so close to this day, even though George moved to Noosa over thirty-three years ago, they will always have the strongest bond.
For many years George worked proudly for the Noosa Council, joining the group protest in Brisbane against amalgamation in 2007.
Whilst his roles were varied, as he was extremely multiskilled, his later position was in governance, which he really enjoyed.
His colleague Cliona described him as “a calm, funny, gentle, humble loyal and caring man”, sentiments shared by so many.
For George, the Noosa Council was like one big family, establishing very special friendships over the years.
George and Julia have been valued members of the Noosa community for thirty-three years.
Through their morning walks, talks and swims at Main Beach, they have got to know so many locals.
Walking along the boardwalk for the first time on Monday, Julia said she was so touched and overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support, that was showered her way, and which she thanks everyone with all her heart.
The reactions on faces, when they heard the news for the first time is a tribute to George’s popularity.
“George? Our George, but he was the fittest of us all?” one shocked friend said with disbelief. It was true George was so healthy, vital, and fit, which makes it all so hard to comprehend.
His surfing buddies at the river mouth will miss him greatly and are planning on a special paddle out this Friday morning (28 April) for family and friends who would like to participate, as a tribute to his life and legacy and to honour such a cherished and respected mate.
George’s absence will leave a great void in so many lives, but so much gratitude and fond memories of such an amazing man.
