The Funeral Service
After watching the service online, if you can leave a guest message to let the family know you have joined into the service, that would be greatly appreciated.
This service will have a password applied once edited (normally within 3 to 5 days following the service), you will then need to contact the family for the password to access.
That was a beautiful service Anna Marie and family.
Gerard was someone I always looked up too. He gave me lots of great advice over the years and always encourage me to strive for more. Your families friendship especially Anne Marie and Gerard’s with Margie has been invaluable to her life, which I will always be thankful.
I was privileged to get the chance to work with Gerard on both houses but especially the new one which to a young builder it seem out of my depth but Gerard had total faith in me and we pulled off an amazing build, which was very special to me.
RIP G
Dear Annemarie & family
Sorry we weren’t able to attend memorial but loved the tribute with tears of love for a mate, friend who had a heart of gold & will be sadly missed
Curl,Bev,Steven,Jason
Good evening Anne Marie and family . My name is Linda Shields a colleague of Gerard back in his days with the department . I have just tonight learned of Gerards passing , so it is with tears in my eyes and pain in my heart that I send you all my heartfelt condolences . Gerard was awesome , clever , committed and so much fun to be around . We had a great time together working out solutions for kids in resi care , he always had the answers and I quote him often to this day .I will always remember him coming to Wodonga think about 2012 , it was my birthday funny how memories flood back , we visited resi units all day and had a quick drink to celebrate my day , his being there made my day and I learned so much from him that day . I don’t know how to finish this message other than to say Gerard was amazing and he always spoke about you all with such love . We all adored him and share in your profound loss of one of the very best .So my deepest sympathies on your loss of a wonderful person who you was so generously shared with us all . Linda
Beautiful! Much love to you all. X
To AnneMarie and family. Thank you so much for the opportunity to share in this fabulous memorial service. Loved Gerard as an honest kind and inspirational man. I will miss his honesty and integrity. Take care of yourselves and each other
Glenys Bristow
What an amazing tribute for a life well lived.
Annemarie, kids, kids in-law and grandkids, my heart goes out to you all. What a bloody great bloke to have in your lives. I know your hearts are breaking just as Gerard’s was obviously breaking to have to leave you ~ the love doesn’t break though, and there is just so much love between you all. Annemarie your relationship was second to none. Your love, respect and adoration for each other was palpable.
Brian, Frank, Loretta, David and Anthony, your other halves, kids and grandkids – family was everything to Gerard and you guys were his “first” family. I am thinking of you all and my heart is hurting knowing how hard and sh*t this is for you all. He was such a decent cousin who was always ready with a smile, an interest in our families, a funny little story to tell, an update on Annemarie and the kids were up to and of course all of you too. He always spoke so proudly of you all.
Sending hugs, strength and so much love ~ Tonya and kids XXX
Dear Annemarie, Amy, Erin, Billy and fam,
I’m so sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful personal service to honour an incredible human and a remarkable life.
If that’s not an example of doing it right I don’t know what is.
You were all so courageous to speak and share your love and memories of Gerard at what must be a difficult time for you all.
Sending all my love and condolences
Annemarie and family
Our deepest condolences to you all.
Gerard will be sadly missed by all.
It was an honour to call him friend. We will miss seeing him walk past the salon with his cheeky grin.
Beautiful ceremony that captured his amazing family and life.
Give each other strength and keep his memories strong.
Take care
Don Ninette Catia and Cinzia Cocca
Annemarie, Billy, Erin and Amy,
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to witness a very fitting tribute to Gerard, your wonderful husband and father. It was a privilege, you could not have done it better!
We will always remember Gerard’s friendship, hospitality and easy going nature and will miss him dearly.
All our love to all of you,
Lindo, Jenni, Katia, Marcello, Giancarlo, lauren, Sophia and Giulia. X
Dear Jones family,
We were honoured to be included today’s service. What an incredible and full life Gerard lived. It was beautiful to laugh and cry with the many stories and offerings shared. We share in your sadness and know the grief of life lost too soon. We hope you are finding moments of peace during this sad time.
Love, Emma, Jackson, Sonny and Louie
Dear Annemarie, Billy, Erin, Amy and family,
Our deepest sympathies for your profound loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We remember Gerard for his warmth and picture his ever-smiling face.
With love,
Belinda and Naomi
A gentle man in the truest sense of the words, a leader and one of the smartest but kindest human beings I have ever had the privilege to work with.
It was a very moving and fitting memorial service today and I have always agreed with Gerard that Malmsbury was a life changing experience because we did great things when people expected ordinary things.
Ros Magee and Annette Godfrey-Magee
Dear Annemarie and family,
I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to be with you in person today, but so glad that I was able live stream the service which captured the rich life that Gerard created.
Our hearts go out to you all as you process the passing of Gerard – your husband, best friend, soulmate and father of your children. Gerard has left your lives enriched and full of wonderful memories which will help ease the pain and light up your hearts.
Sending all our love to you,
Merryn and Michael xx
Hi Anne Marie,
this was such a beautiful event, with every detail so carefully planned with deep meaning and deep heart. I have been a close friend of Frank, Katherine and Anne and so have by default crossed paths with you and Gerard many times over the years, even though I have known neither of you well. I did want to honour the wonderful connection and influence you both have had in my friends lives, quite profound really, and to attend in awe and gratitude for that. What a life Gerard has lived, and you have managed to celebrate every drop of that so maginificently today. Many many thanks, Kerry.
Dearest Annemarie, a wonderful memorial for a wonderful person. Love Loren & Stuart Brown
Thank you Annemarie and family for your generous invitation to join you in celebrating Gerard’s life. It was a joy to hear so many stories of Gerard’s friendship, professional regard, heart and love of family and music. The service felt like we could have been sitting in your home – wonderful hospitality. My sincere condolences and may your wonderful memories bring constant comfort.
The best human and the best tribute. I hope you can all feel the earth swell with the greatest sigh of love and affection for this magnificent man – and know that the legend of Gerard will live on in the world that you all created with him and for him. An honour and a privilege to witness, and a life time of treasure to cherish and take forward.
Dear Annmarie, Billy, Erin, Amy and family – The ceremony for Gerard was beautiful as were the stories of his life and the beautiful words about your kind, caring and special husband and father.
Julie and George and Danius Meiliunas
I felt so privileged to be a part of Gerard’s memorial today. Thank you Annemarie and family for your care and generosity amongst your grief to all of us who’s lives were greatly enhanced and impacted by knowing Gerard.
What a life beautifully led and what a leader in life.
Dear Annemarie and your beautiful family, this was such a special memorial for Gerard, and I am deeply greatful to have been able to join with you ‘virtually’. It is true that Gerard loved his children and grandson so very much that I feel I have already met you. My love goes out to you all in the loss of such an amazing person, husband, father, pop, brother, uncle, and friend. So much of him was present in this service and in his children! Annemarie, what an amazing journing you were on together! Know that you are in my thoughts xxxManaakitanga (blessings) Julie A xx
Heartfelt condolences to the Jones Family. It is an honor to witness the Sorry Business for such an incredible person. Such a beautiful way to celebrate the life and highlights of Gerard Jones – a person who showed unmeasurable and limitless strength, kindness, caring and humility. Thank you for all that you have achieved Gerard, you squarely stood in your future and you imagined the possibilities of what this life had to offer and what you could achieve for others. Your legacy of kindness and cultural humility will continue to grow and live on. From my family to yours we celebrate you in love, peace and light – rest easy Bulla
A beautiful memorial service for a great man. It has been an honor to have met Gerard and to walk the Sanctuary road with him.
Peter Richardson
Executive Director
Bendigo Community Health Services
What a beautiful service and a tremendous tribute to Gerard’s life, sincere thanks for the opportunity to participate online.
Gerard was a remarkable gentleman and a much loved and wise mentor at MacKillop and I am truly grateful for having had the opportunity to meet and interact with him during my time on the MacKillop Board.
Gerard’s legacy at MacKillop I know will be lasting as will the memories of his constant and far reaching generosity of spirit and respect for First Nations peoples. Personally, I deeply appreciate Gerard’s wonderful work on the RELATE model and for bringing the Sanctury model to life in this country. I have no doubt that the world is a better place as a result of the significant and many contributions made by Gerard and his passion for his family, lifelong friends and social justice.
My thoughts and prayers at this very sad time are with Anne-Marie and all of the family as well as Gerard’s friends and colleagues at MacKillop. He is much loved and sorely missed.
Sincerest condolences, Robyn Fry
My sincere condolences to Annemarie and the entire family.
I really enjoyed my chats with Gerard in the lunch room at MacKillop, while we both devoured the leftover food from the training events. He always used to make out that he was ‘busting me’ eating the food but after hearing some of the stories at the service today, regarding his love of leftovers, I suspect it might have been the other way around.
Gerard was a lovely man who will be missed but not forgotten.
With deepest sympathy,
Mike Oldfield
Words cannot express the swelling in my heart. Thank you for the opportunity to share in your lives over the years and this gorgeous tribute to the most loving, generous and special soul I have the honor of calling my friend. I’m pretty sure Gerard would have written me or called to say it was simply “brilliant”.
All my love to you, Annemarie and the family.
L
Very sorry to miss todays service but was able to watch via the link. Extremely well done and congratulations to all involved. A fitting tribute to an outstanding gentleman. Love to Annemarie and family.
Paul xx
My contact with Gerard was during his Juvenile Justice term, as the design architect for Malmsbury and Parkville,.
There is no douibt that he was an amazing link person, connecting Bev Vines at Malmsbuty, Johan Top in JJ, and out team at Spowers Architects as we designed the reformed Malmsbury and the n Parkville. That ability to connect people and ideas, and to inspire the “why not?” approach so central to making value changes, remodelling operational processes, and reconsidering the built world were so important to the then success of those projects. My contacts continued with annual lunches with Johan during the construction phase and then drifted away. So it was warming of spirit and mind to hear of the family man and that his passion for a better world, especially for those with less advantages, stayed with him to the end. I am a better person for knowing Gerard.
Graham Brawn, Architect and “The Professor” as he called me.
A beautiful, moving service. I loved hearing those memories and songs which so eloquently captured the essence of Gerard. How I will miss that smiling face and laugh. Much love to Annemarie, Bill, Erin, Amy and the extended Jones family.
Beautiful man, beautiful family, beautiful life, beautiful memorial with beautiful loved ones and a beautiful way to say goodbye
Rest peacefully Gerard
Rob and Neola
Dear Annmarie, Billy, Amy and Erin and family – the ceremony for Gerard was beautiful as were the stories of his life and your words about your kind, caring and special husband and father. Julie and George and Danius Meiliunas (and Daina and Lukas)
Dear Ann Marie and the huge extended Jones clan – it was a great honour, pleasure and blessing to have known and learnt more obout Gerard.
A wonderful man, with an unfortunate choice of football team.
A life well lived.
All our thoughts are with you.
Sally, Stephan & David
Castlemaine
It was a fitting tribute, Annemarie, that you should finish by reading a passage from the Sanctuary model. I will always remember Gerard as ‘Mr Sanctuary Australia’. Community sits at the very core of the model. Today’s celebration demonstrated just how much Gerard was the essence of community in all its rich dimensions. Thank you, Gerard, for welcoming me into your community. I feel blessed and privileged to have been part of it.
Thank you Gerard for being the most wonderful work colleague and friend, i will always cherish the times i had with you especially our chats about the Collingwood Football Club – rest in peace my friend.
A great send off to a great fella who left the world a better place. Love to Annemarie Billy Erin & Amy & Jones family his sparkle lives on in you all
Peter & Joan Jordan
Thankyou for the beautiful and intimate celebration of Gerard the deep love joy and compassion he share with so many and his impact has Beene ormous. I feel very priveleged to have shared this beautiful event and can feel his spirit love and laughter shining through
Best wishes and may you continue to be supported as you grieve this very special man kathy
The magnificent perfection of the ceremony is marred only by the sad fact of its occasion to have it. All my love to my dear friend and the legacy of that friendship.
Michael Thomas, New York City
Dearest Annemarie, Amy, Billy and Erin – and your families.
Of course there are no words, so inadequately I say, my heart breaks for you.
Quite simply, Gerard is one of the best blokes I have ever known.
with much love to you
Jen
To Erin, Annemarie and all the family – what a beautiful memorial for a beautiful man; thank you for the opportunity to share in this tribute to Gerard and all he was and all that he remains; and Gerard thank you for your warmth, generosity of spirit, gentle wisdom and chats about the serious things in life including the (mis)fortunes of the Pies
Dearest Annemarie and family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of Gerard.
He was a true legend and mentor of mine and will be greatly missed.
My love and prayers are with you all at this most difficult of times.
Love always
Meaghan Moir
What a lovely ceremony, Gerard would have loved it. Thanks for sharing Gerard’s life with us.
Luisa
To all the Jones’
many thanks for the chance to stream in to this beautiful memorial.
Gerard was such a great mix of practical and inspirational.
Rachael Duncan (partner of Nick Halfpenny)
A beautiful ceremony and fitting send off for a good and decent fella. Sorry we couldn’t be there, with love, Buckland Jenny
The best and favourite uncle. Love you always and forever
Dear Annemarie,
My deepest condolences. I am sorry I couldn’t be there in person. I have a number of underlying medical conditions which means I need to self isolate. I have fond memories of Gerard. I went on a couple of weekend golf trips away with him. About ten of us would travel in a mini bus to our country destination. One weekend we went to Warburton. It was one of the best weekends I have had in my life. Following the golf (which I don’t play) we had a meal and drinks at the hotel we were staying in. Later in the evening someone got a guitar out and we all joined in singing. A man from a nearby table came over and told us to stop making so much noise. John Bastow told him to ‘p’ off. Gerard being the level headed peacemaker he was went to their table. I believe he told them we were just some lads having some fun. Also mentioned Johnny (the big one) had a quick temper and a very nasty right hook. They remained but did not complain again. Thanks Gerard.
Thinking of you and your family.
Wonderfully put together memorial.
Love, Cousin Danny and Rose
the most extraordinary service for the most beautiful man :’-( <3
heartbroken for everyone's loss, but beyond beautiful to see everyone all together celebrating Gerard. sending you all my love darlings Anne-Marie, Amy, Erin, Aaron, Khalil, Hayden, Christy and allllllll the family <3
grateful to have have some really wonderful conversations & good laughs over the years, often at Rat Child gigs and at various Jones homes, with the always extremely kind, thoughtful & generous Gerard & Anne-Marie too of course. my heart is with you all, today and always xxx
the most extraordinary service for the most beautiful man :’-( <3
heartbroken for everyone's loss, but beyond beautiful to see everyone all together celebrating Gerard. sending you all my love darlings Anne-Marie, Amy, Erin, Aaron, Khalil, Hayden, Christy and allllllll the family <3
grateful to have have some really wonderful conversations & good laughs over the years, often at Rat Child gigs and at various Jones homes, with the always extremely kind, thoughtful & generous Gerard & Anne-Marie too of course. my heart is with you all, today and always xxx
the most extraordinary service for the most beautiful man :’-( <3
heartbroken for everyone's loss, but beyond beautiful to see everyone all together celebrating Gerard. sending you all my love darlings Anne-Marie, Amy, Erin, Aaron, Khalil, Hayden, Christy and allllllll the family <3 <3 grateful to have have some really wonderful conversations & good laughs over the years, often at Rat Child gigs and at various Jones homes, with the always extremely kind, thoughtful & generous Gerard. my heart is with you all, today and always xxx ~ Asha xxx
Gerard was one of the warmest people I’ve ever worked with. He had an amazing ability to influence people’s thinking in a very gentle, understated way…but beneath that unassuming presentation was a real determination to make a difference. Vale Gerard.
A wonderful gentle man gone too soon.
condolences to Anne Marie and the family
A great loving man who will be greatly missed
A very special and lovely service. My thoughts are with all of the family.
Dear Anne Marie and family. This is a beautiful tribute to Gerard – and to your love and care for him.
Kerry and Maria Ang and family
The thing I remember best about Gerard was that when you were with him you had his full attention. He was genuinely interested in who you were and what you had to say. His contribution to the Out of Home care sector was impressive and continues today. It was always a pleasure to be with him because he was a thoroughly decent human being.
Anne Marie
Thank you for the opportunity and privilege to share with you and the family a celebration of Gerard’s life.
Love from
Ray and Mary
Annemarie
Thank you for the opportunity to join with you and your family via the livestream to celebrate such a wonderful life in a special way.
Take Care
Des
To all of the Jones family, firstly my deepest condolences. I’m sorry not to be able to attend your service for Gerard but am tuning into the link.
I’m sure it will be a fitting tribute and send off for Gerard.
Much love
Pete Gleeson and family.
Gerard was a beautiful soul, who was humble, warm and funny.
We are deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Gerard.
Our hearts are saddened by your loss, please accept our deepest sympathies.
We are wishing your family courage and peace during this time of mourning.
With heartfelt condolences,
All the staff and participants of Mercy Connect
Dear Anne Marie and family I am very sorry that I could not be present at South Melbourne to participate in the memorial for Gerard however greatly appreciate the opportunity to do this on line
My condolences love and strength to you all at this very sad time. May the love and many many memories of your life with Gerard bring warmth and light to you all
Take good care of each other
Kathy Howe