After spending a very enjoyable Christmas in our new house we received some very sad news on Thursday. My closest blood relative in Australia had been involved in a road accident on the way back home from their daughter’s home in Esperance and very sadly died from his injuries. His wife, Margaret, who was traveling with him suffered several injuries but thankfully they are not life threatening.
Joe Burdass was a true gentleman – he and Margaret always made the effort to keep in touch with me and call in at the dealership whenever they were over from their home town of Albany. Denise and I would also call in and see them if ever we were visiting Denmark, Albany or on one of our road trips. We were honoured to be invited to Joe and Margaret’s diamond wedding anniversary celebration in June this year. It was a lovely occasion and Joe went round each and every person with the microphone introducing each person and explaining their connection with him and Margaret – all without notes! He was a great story-teller and always had some lovely memories to share about his and Margaret’s time in Australia since they emigrated in the sixties and before that on the farm in Yorkshire.
When I made the decision to transition we traveled down to Albany and met them at the usual place for lunch, after we had eaten the main course of lunch I told them that I had a story to tell them and they listened while I explained what i was doing and the reasons why. After a some contemplation Joe came out with a classic as usual, he said “it’s a bit drastic but we’ll get used to it”. Margaret said “It will take some time to remember not to call you Robin” but they were both absolutely fine with my plans and we had many more catch-ups after that. He will be greatly missed.
Sending love and condolences to Margaret, Jill, Keith, Joe and Lewis for the loss of their beloved husband, father, father-in-law and Grandfather.