NEIL DONALDSON BANKS

Great memories spending time in Toompup at “Seymour”. Always tried to sneak a bit of corn flour into the stew! Was a good day when you upgraded from the long drop to an inside Dunny. Great fun and family person who always made the effort to give us a ring and see how we were going. Mum loved having her brother close by and will be sorely missed. Look after your chooks in the sky. Love Phil, Bindy, Tom and Sophie.

My dear friend - Let's keep in touch! I shall call you from time to time and smile when I hear your lively, spirited 'hello', crafted especially for us to set the tone for the great chats we have shared. A mixture of 'tongue in cheek' fun-filled repartee, world affairs, social comment and a good dose of nonsense. Shared memories of school, Reedy Creek, university, your time in Germany - all so palpable today. Neil, I salute your courage , positivity and cheerful optimism even in the face of overwhelming adversity . So, Neil, toss the violin into the Volkswagen and drop in to see both Nikola' and me some time. You were , as my father said; 'a real friend, a gentleman, a fine fellow ' ! Bis spater God Bless Andrew (in England currently )

I'll always remember the long chats you had with Mum a few times a week and the lovely relationship you had. We will miss your happy demeanor, positive nature, and interest in others. Rest well, Uncle Neil xxx

A true gentleman and a lovely person. Will be missed by many.

Neil was a kind quiet self contained person but loved some fun. He also loved to argue. And once in the Telang kitchen I was getting the worst of the deal so I stood on a chair and continued and then he did too. The only way to end the philosophical argument was to push him off the chair with a bottle of tomato sauce. We laughed until we almost split. He loved his family and was loyal to all members of it. He rang me every month since Garnet died 4 years ago. He talked about his daughter and grandchildren in every phone call. I will always remember him with great affection.

Neil You will be truely missed. You were a true gentleman so kind to everyone hope your resting well wish the angles now. Ben, Olivia, Zaliyah and Amari Green

Neil always loved to learn about new ideas. He took up the violin again in his latter years and he was inspiration to me taking up the piano later in life. We had lots of conversations about music. And also about farming, the land, his darling chooks and the weather! And of course he was so proud of his daughter Alison and grand kids. I shall miss him. “Cheerio” Neil. Bec xxx

For your kindness, support & love especially around my becoming a nurse was greatly appreciated. You will be missed. Rest well with the Angels xxx

Your protection of scrub and special species of rare native plants at Ongerup along with your interest in protection of Mallee Fowl habitat - a great credit to you. Football commentary won’t be the same!

Neil Always good for a yarn about the weather and the season at hand. Perhaps not the maker of the best stew I’ve ever had but always good to share a meal and a chat. The owner of the most fabulous saying. “ Bewdy One “ I use it fondly and forever will remember you when I do. Vale Neil. Gerard , Vanessa , Luke , Megan and Darcy Cameron

You were even drier and more laconic than your brother, even to the point of being so polite about his inedible curry!