Gavin Raymond Ellis

Goodbye my friend. I will always value the patience and guidance you showed me over the last couple of years. I could always count on you for a long chat about solving the words problems, ruthlessly teasing each other and genuine practical thinking. I have an email from you, giving me a giant pep talk when I really needed it - I will treasure it always.

It is still impossible to believe that Gavin has gone, but he will never be forgotten. Gavin will always have a special place in our hearts - such a genuine, caring man with the cheekiest smile & most wicked sense of humour. No words can explain the great loss Penni, Bronte, Jack, Lizzie & even Archie must be feeling. Sending you all our love & biggest hugs. Our thoughts are with you, love From Tanya, Lindsay, Ambrose & Tyson xox

Gav and family welcomed my family to Albany many years ago. He was an inspiration. RIP Gav

It is with great sadness that only this evening I learn that Gavin has left this world. Neighbours in Ipsen Street Manji, primary through high school. Gavin was my friend and playmate. He sure did leave an impression as although we never met again after high school until the reunion in our 40th year, I have always thought of Gavin with fondness and love. I had heard that he had done great things with his life and I knew he would because he was very smart and very kind. He was a beautiful boy from a beautiful family. I have just watched the service and I'm so happy that he has had such a wonderful life and beautiful family. A man like him should have stayed in this life a whole lot longer. I can see that you are all strong and will keep his memory alive. It has been an absolute privilege to be able to share in his send off, so thankyou for the opportunity. Love to all of you, cherish the memories and keep those very important values strong. Farewell my childhood friend & classmate x

Gavin truly made our world a better place & he will continue to do this through his wonderful family. Absolutely beautiful send off for your beloved husband, father, son & brother. You should all be incredibly proud. Thankyou for allowing us to share in this online. All our love to you Penni, Bronte, Jack & Lizzy Christine, Richard, Thomas, Chris, Tim & Rebecca

Penni, Jack, Bronte and Lizzy, We have watched Gavin's life on Zimeo and cried the tears of loss and laughed with joy at the shared memories. Jon knew Gavin in passing at Cosi Cosi's where promises to catch up were always made and never kept but smiles and laughs flowed along with occasional quips. He also knew Gav through stories told by Roy "Pig" Piggott as they worked on common projects in Manjimup. Grytsje was blessed to work alongside Gavin at the GSDC and remembers well the shift in office culture - for the better - after he arrived. Peace Love Memories Grytsje and Jon Doust

Dear Gav, It breaks my heart to have you taken from us so soon. Thank you for being my “D#2”, I’m beyond grateful for your generous, kind and gentle nature that always made me feel at home. Your humour I admired and intelligence always left me inspired. I think you managed to teach me something every time I saw you and certainly always made me laugh. You were hands down an amazing man and I will treasure everything you taught me. I’ll always be here for your beautiful family. Rest easy Gav, you will be missed by many xx Love Abby

I was so very very sad to hear of Gav’s passing and cannot imagine the heartache Penni, Bronte, Jack, Lizzie and his family and close friends must be feeling. I know I was one of the lucky ones to work with Gav. It may be over ten years ago now but it is so easy to remember his dry wit, his mischievous smile, yes – those stories and jokes - his enthusiasm, his integrity and his strength of purpose. Steve you made me laugh remembering Gav and his excel spreadsheets and pivot tables and so much more. I so enjoyed our trips down to Albany and getting together with you guys - Gav playing the spoons at the Earl of Spencer and him winning the waiter race at your sister’s vineyard. To hear Bronte, Jack and Lizzy speak showed what an amazing family Gav and Penni have raised with such love and it is easy to see his most precious qualities will live on in them. Can’t believe you’re gone Gav. You will be remembered with love by all those you touched. ❤️

Thinking of you and your lovely family Penni. It was a privilege to teach Lizzy in Pre-Primary and to know you and Lizzy. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.❤️

Gavin, I haven't seen you for some years now but somehow the shock of hearing about your loss made me feel like it was only yesterday that we were all back working at GSP in Albany. Your calm energy and ever present laugh in your eyes made you so easy to work with and just a pleasure to be around, you were most certainly a true gentleman. I will never forget your support for me when my own father was unwell.. My deepest sympathy to Penni and your family, much love and eternal respect, I was blessed to know you for a time ❤️ Tracie.

To Penni, Bronte, Jack and Lizzy, As far a human’s go, Gavin was simply perfect. He was so kind and made everyone around him happy and this world a better place. You will continue his legacy just by being. Look after yourselves. With love, Jean-Maree

A beaut service to celebrate a life well lived. Daddy cool was an apt tribute and reminded me of his solo dance to that song at the wrest point casino around 2 am on a week night while attending an STBA AGM in Hobart. Tree breeding was not all genetics and research that night. Rest easy Gavin and condolences to your family.

A beautiful service, watched together with my girls, all via wonderful technology that allowed us to share our bereavement together and with you and your family. Tracey, Kaelen, Denae and Ella

Sending our love, thoughts and Prayers to Penni, Bronte, Jack, Lizzy, Aunty Pat and families, a beautiful service to a true gentleman RIP Gavin xxx

Gav We loved having you as our colleague and friend here at the GSDC. We will miss your many qualities, which included (but were by no means limited to); a perceptive, but gentle, sense of humour – you were a font of good stories about people and situations; always considerate of those around you – goodwill towards others came naturally, and as a colleague, meant a collaborative and helpful mindset; great intelligence combined with a down to earth approach; a love of the outdoors – farming, fishing, forestry, to name a few aspects of this; courage and forbearance in the face of ill health; we even loved your deep affection for numbers and spreadsheets! You might have had some faults, it’s just that we never found them. Go well our friend. Deepest sympathy to Penni and family. Board and staff at the Great Southern Development Commission

Gav I’ll miss your wise words and cheeky humour. Real shock to depart this world so soon, and I’m grateful for the experiences and time we shared together. Sincere condolences to Penni, Bronte, Jack and Lizzy.

My deepest condolences to Penni and family, I am very sad to know Gavin is no longer with you. He was of a lovely man. I worked for him for a short time and will remember him for his integrity, good humour and genuine enthusiasm for all aspects of forestry. My thoughts are with you Penni

To Penni, Bronte, Jack and Lizzy. Gavin was a genuine man who treated everyone with respect and as an equal. He had the best dry humour (even the dad jokes) and always made you feel welcome. He always spoke very highly of you all when we had cause to chat. We didn't do to many things together professionally but the one time we shared a car to Esperance he made me pull over so he could collect a handful of his most favourite sand just east of Ravensthorpe and i remember that and smile every time I pass it. Both Sally and I are saddened by your loss and he will be missed.

Thinking of all the family at this very sad time. It was always such a pleasure (and a laugh) working with Gav or catching up at events. He will be missed and always remembered.

Dear Penni, Ellis family and friends of Gavin, I was sad to hear the news of Gavin and want to pass on my condolences to you and your family and all his other friends. Although I haven’t seen Gavin for many years (too many) I still have great memories of him and our friendship from uni days. I’ve been thinking of him recently and over the past year or so since we reconnected. As others have said, Gavin was a special man with a wonderful dry sense of humour and will be missed by many but will remain in our hearts and minds with good memories. My thoughts are with you and those of us who knew him and will miss him.

Dear Ellis family - of everything that has gone down this year - this is by far the saddest and biggest loss. Gavin was a very special individual - a straight shooting caring person and forever positive. I’m sorry it’s been so long since we shared a beer and a face to face catch up and that I can’t be there today. All the best to you all now and he will always be remembered here

Gavin It is so sad and heartbreaking for me to see your funeral. The fun times we had spent in Borneo last year are still alive to me, so I can not believe you are leaving forever. I hope you go to heaven and have good times.

I only knew Gavin for a short time but he made such an impression in that time. I can only imagine the difference he made to the lives of all of those who were lucky to have known him for many many years. He will be missed. Love to you Penni, Bronte, Jack and Lizzy.

Dear Gavin, you demonstrated consistent integrity. It showed through your family and friendships, your forestry and your management. You were always willing to share knowledge, stories, a joke or two and a friendly smile. You were an inspiration to me and many others. You will be missed by me and many others. Condolences to Penni and your children.

Our heart goes out to you Aunty Pat on the loss of Gavin. Please know that we have many treasured memories of growing up with your family and value the impact you have all had on our lives. Forever in our hearts.

Such a kind, caring and truly considerate man, Gavin will be missed by all that were lucky enough to know him. Our hearts are with you Penni, Bronte, Jack and Lizzy, may the love you have for each other and the strength of everyone around you help you through. Jon, Gill, Kara and DD Atkinson

Rest easy big Gav. All your colleagues in the world of tree breeding will dearly miss your friendship. Lots of love from all your colleagues in Tree Breeding Australia.

It is sad to see the passing of such a wonderful person at such a young age. Gavin always had a great sense of humour and was easy going and friendly. He exhibited great diplomacy and knowledge in his forestry roles, but always exhibited honour in some difficult negotiations. Pat and family, I am saddened by Gary's passing and can not imagine the pain you are feeling, however remember his goodness. My thoughts are with you in sympathy. Ray Sullivan.

Gavin, the bravery you showed was an inspiration to us. That "cheeky" humour and intellect will be sadly missed. Love to Penni and kids.

Gav, you are going to be so very missed. I always remember walking into the GSP office to give dad a coffee and you coming in to say hi, talk about fishing and cricket. You are a true gentleman, always smiling, always happy in which you can see those beautiful traits in your kids. Lots of Love Alyce Burton

Gavin, you were truly a lovely man , with a truly wonderful sense of humour. You time has been cut far too short but know that you made an impact on many. Much love to Penni and the kids

I miss you Gavin, It is one of good memories in Albany to catch up on Saturday mornings with cafe while watching kids soccer games which Jack is coaching. Always fun to talk with full of wit. A little bit earlier, but May your soul rest peacefully.

Rest in Peace Gavin. As someone who benefited greatly professionally and personally following behind you and the ‘WA Embassy’ in Canberra, you leave an indelible and guiding marker for many to follow, not unlike a shield tree in the forest you loved so dearly. Deepest sympathy to Penni, Bronte, Jack and Lizzy. Also to Brad and family. Tym Duncanson

We have lost a great man, friend and all-round contributor to our lives and world. For PJ, Bronte, Jack and Lizzy, you were so eminently lucky to have spent so much time with Gav and to have been the loves of his life. But you will remain part of our lives and friendship as the years go on. Gav’s life and approach to living can be best summed up by this snapshot. On visiting in January this year, we went out to inspect the farm. Gav showed me an oak tree he had planted when this journey first began; he said, ‘this is a tree for me’! The depth the consideration, the humour and a forestry angle; what more can one say. All that was missing was a fishing rod. Rest in peace my friend and we will enjoy the shade of a ‘tree for me’ and your memory will not dim.

We were so shocked to hear of Gavin's passing. I guess your kind spirit is needed elsewhere. It was a pleasure working with you at GSG and GSDC, always a gentleman. Sincere sympathy to Penny, Bronte, Jack and Lizzie. Pauline, Mark, Fergus and Stuart Anderson

Gav, you were always a good friend and a very generous and caring person. I value greatly the times we spent together, the adventures and the story telling. Your love of fishing and uncanny ability to catch them in places where to ordinary people there were none was down to skill, not luck as some would have it. Although you have left this world your influence on those who have had the privilege of you passing through their lives remains for all to see. Penni, Bronte, Jack & Lizzie, I am so sorry for your loss. But I know Gav won't want any of us to dwell on his passing. Rather, let's celebrate the good times we have had and the knowledge of a life well lived. Rest in Peace.

Gavin, you are a good man, going to miss you mate, and can only begin to imagine how much your beautiful family will Justin, Kathy, Shona and Rowan

Fond memories of our time working together at GSG, always ready for a chat & laugh. You will be missed in our community. Sending our love & thoughts to Penni, Bronte, Jack & Lizzie. Rest In Peace Gavin. Toni, Iian, Alannah & Mitch Woods

Gav. A gentleman of great intellect, leadership, humour and integrity rarely found in one individual. As a boss you were the best. Many people owe you a big thank you for where they are today. As a friend you were always honest, caring and full of life whether at work, out fishing or checking the cows. Our condolences to Penni, Bronte, Jack and Lizzy. We will all miss you mate but memories of you will last forever. RIP Gavin.

Gavin was my best mate during our school years in Manjimup. Our Birthdays were 13 days apart and we always joked i was older than him. We lived not far way from each other during those years and we walked to school every day and talked about our futures. When we went our own ways we passed each other from time to time during the years and it was like coming home and feeling safe to that fabulous smile and wicked humour. Our last visit together was January 2019 when we had the most magical day fishing off Albany and as always talked about old times and our families which he was so proud of To Penni and family Debbie are thinking about you all and send our love and light at this time to you all. I will cherish our texting in the last month. He was a gentleman with a wonderful sense of humour and i will miss him

To us you were Garp, founding member of the WA Embassy. Liam and I have been reminiscing about cérémonial burning of the pampas grass, and the laugh we had at Toad Hall when you went to change the oil in Penni’s Mazda but couldn’t find any. A lot of life lived since then- families, careers, love and laughter. And now sadness. Vale old friend.

Our deepest sympathies Penni, Bronte, Jack and Lizzie for your loss.. Prayers and hugs are being sent your way from the other side of the world. Rest In Peace Gavin.

Dearest Penni, Bronte. Jack and Lizzie. Our love and thoughts are with you at this time. Taken way too soon and terribly missed. Rest In Peace Gavin. Kristen and Todd McGregor and family

I only knew you for a short time at uni, but it didn't take long to see what an honourable, kind person you are. Your integrity and decency and joy in life shone out in those years. Your kindness (and Penni's kindness) made every day better for those around you. With love to Penni and your beautiful family.

Taken way too early. Will miss our FB banter. If only there were more time. Sincere condolences to Penni and family.

Gav You seem to have left a positive impression on those who have had the pleasure of crossing paths with you. Glad that we had reconnected over social media after many years since uni. Your quick wit will be greatly missed. Definitely taken too soon. Sincere condolences to Penni and family.

Dear Penni, Bronte, Jack, Lizzie, Mrs Ellis, Brad and families, sincere condolences on the sad loss of Gavin. I have many great memories having first met Gav at Forestry training at Bunbury tech. Thinking of you all. Kevin & Anne

Gav you were a truly fun person with an engaging and caring spirit who had the knack of bringing out the very best in everyone around you. We know how proud you were of your family and justifiably so and you were always one to put the interests and welfare of others before your own. In more recent times, you faced up to life's adversities with strength and humour that was nothing short of inspiring. One of WA's most knowledgeable foresters, you were a true professional in every sense of the word and will be sadly missed by all who knew you. Our heart felt condolences and love to Penni, Bronte, Jack, Lizzy and the Hewett and Ellis families.

To the Ellis family. Sincere condolences on the loss of one of Albany's finest gentlemen. A man with an exquisite sense of humour and knowledgeable in all matters forestry and export economics. He will be sorely missed in professional and social circles. A great man with many stories, jokes, and a great outlook on life.

I enjoyed our regular banter over the years and there was nobody better to do it with than Gavin. A truly "nice bloke" who will be missed by all. Condolences to Penni and family

Gav, Your a great man and I'll always treasure our chats, we never got to see you enough but you made work a wonderful environment. Our discussions on reporting and working out how to get excel to do what we wanted including your insistence at A3 was the best way to do thing will be with me forever. Your humour, support and kindest will always be missed. We may not have you with us right now but I know you'll be waiting to hear from us everything we did to "fix" government, and possibly tell us where we went wrong :) Till we meet again. Love Megan

Very sad to hear of the passing of the old boss Gav, you were very supportive of Behan and I in our early years moving over to Albany from Victoria to work at GSP. Always happy memories Thought are with Penni and the Family.

Heartfelt condolences to Penni and family on losing Gav all too soon. We hope the last few months together and his considerable personal and professional legacies will provide comfort as well as treasured memories. You are in our thoughts. Keith 7 Jo

It was a privilege to have known and worked with you Gav. You made the World a greater place. Condolences and love to Penni and family

Working with you Gav was one of the joys of my life. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I took on this role & you were my knight in shining armour and taught me so much and instilled that legacy that stays with me today. I don't know what I will do without my regular cow photos, the 'look at that' photos and the discussions on how we can save the world from really really bad procurement practices. You will always be a legend in my eyes Gav. See you on the wing of a dragonfly my friend, Cx

Though long times between catchups Gavin was a constant. Always interested, always interesting, loved listening to a story, loved telling a story, always sharing hospitality in partnership with his Penni. A generous man, a truly genuine person. Our love to you and the children. Klynt and Jenny Nobbs

Heartfelt sympathy to Penni, Bronte, Jack and Lizzie. Big hugs to you all as you grieve for this wonderful husband, dad and friend. Diana, Stuart, Thomas and Grace Currie

Hello Gavin, I only really knew you closely for that short time at ANU but your exceptional kindness shone through like a beacon then and in all my knowledge of you since. I always knew how much Pen loved you and that was always good enough for me. I’m so sorry you’re no longer physically here in the world, making it a better place every moment. But I know your spirit lives on in not only your wonderful family but also in everyone whose heart you touched. Thank you mate.

Dear Pat,Penni and families, You are in our thoughts, we wish we could turn back the clock , it’s a sad world without Gav , such a good man . Love Mark and Lynn Daubney & The Raper Families xoxo

You will be missed Gav. I hadn’t seen you in a while, but I still have such wonderful memories of the times shared with you and Penni, me and Seamus. It’s hard to believe you’re gone. Enjoy catching up with Seamus. Penni and I will see you on the other side. Much love, Anthea

We were deeply saddened to hear of Gavin’s passing. I had nothing but admiration for Gavin Ellis, a man of great integrity, intelligence and who possessed a wonderful sense of humour and generosity of spirit. His legacy lives on through his beautiful children,Bronte,Jack and Lizzy who have all grown into terrific young adults.Penni we send you and your extended family and many friends all of our love at this difficult time. You created a wonderful family together. With our love, respect and deepest sympathy. Stuart,Wendy,Reuben, Phoebe and Tate Marquardt.

Gavin was a wonderful man, that much you could tell within 30 seconds. I did not know him as well as I would of liked to, but I do know his kids, having lived with Bronte, Jack being one of my closest friends, and watching Lizzy grow up. Gav, one of l, if not the greatest value of a man's life comes in his preparing his children for the inevitable time when he is no longer around. In this, you are of the very best of your kind. Your children are intelligent, strong, and kind. Though they may not feel it, and they certainly do not wish it, they are ready to face the future without you. Rest easy Gav, you've done your work exceptionally well. I can only hope to one day be the kind of father you are. Connor

Your love for life was infectious Gav. Your wit, wisdom and warmth will always be remembered. Coffee at Expresso One and lunch at Teede & Co will never be the same. We miss you. Much love to Penni, Bronte, Jack, Lizzy, Patricia, and your siblings.

We send our condolences to Penni, Bronte, Jack and Lizzy on the passing of Gavin. Gavin was a kind, generous and pleasant man who was so proud of his family. His legacy will continue to live on through his children, he will always be remembered. RIP Gavin

Dear Gav, It’s still hard to believe your gone, it feels like just yesterday when you would take Lizzy and I out fishing early on a Sunday morning or we would sing Angus and Julia stone the whole way out the the farm! I will forever cherish these beautiful memories. Gav you will be missed by so many. My heart and deepest condolences go to the Ellis family during this hard time. Love Em ❤️

Our heart felt sympthany to you Penni and family Gavin was a kind and caring person with a witty sense of humour he will be truly missed by all sincere condolences Ken and Scarlett oldham

A special friend to many. Your wisdom, friendship and laughter will be with us forever. Hard to believe you have left us. We valued you so very much Gav, we truly hope you knew this. Our love and support to his precious family that he was so proud of and adored, Penni, Bronte, Jack & Lizzy. From the Hounsfield Family x

Taken from us too soon a valued colleague. Our deepest sympathy to all of his family we will remember you all in our prayers May he RIP. Vale Gavin

Gavin left his mark on all who met him. He celebrated every moment of life and participated enthusiastically in every joy and challenge that life offered him. All loved Gavin because he was genuinely interested in others and, after spending time with Gavin, we all felt buoyed by his love of life. His enthusiasm, joy and genuine thankfulness for life was infectious. He was naturally likeable because the genuinely liked other people and he showed interest in each one. He approached his work, and those he worked with, with the same enthusiasm and joy. He treated everyone with respect and we knew we could trust his integrity in all matters. He was a generous, kind and thoughtful man. We will all miss him. We are sad that Gavin has not lived to see all the fruits of his well lived life, but the fruit of his life is still ripening in those he leaves behind. Rest in Peace, Gavin.

Gav, Words just won't do justice to how I feel knowing you have gone so soon. I always admired that you were you and you lived life to the full. A true gentlemen in an age when that skill is being lost. May your new home have many cows, trees and a Windy Harbour for you to look upon. Oldi Penni - hugs from afar as I have no words to help you and the family. I just cannot believe Gav has gone. xxxooo