Hi there Di and Carol. 20th July 2008 It is with much sadness to learn of the passing of your mother Rose recently. My thoughts are with you and your families as you prepare to make those daily adjustments to your lives without you mother, just as I did recently when my mother died quite suddenly. No doubt you will recall that I was your teacher at Bluff Cove from about Sept 1975 to about August 1976. It was during this time I spent many `happy visits` with you and your family there. ( which one of you was teachers pet? )I was only 19 years old and was many thousands of miles away from my own family for the first time and I remember your mother welcoming me at Bluff Cove as I stepped off float `plane. Although I was there to teach you 2 girls, Rose welcomed me to the family and treated me like a son. She encouraged me to help out on the farm and assist your dad George with tendering to the sheep at shearing and dipping time. He also showed me how mutton got from the fields to table. I think your mother was particularly happy with me one day when I went out fishing in the creek and came back with 5 nicely sized Mullets. She had them gutted and scaled in next to no time and served them up dinner that same day. It made a difference from having mutton everyday. It was clear from my point of view that although life was not easy on the farm, Rose loved her family and ensured they had a good and balanced happy upbringing. She cared for you very deeply. I remember Rose was very concerned for Carols health as she had been poorly during some of my visits. I can honestly say I had some of the best times of my life at Bluff Cove. Rose and George made a huge impression on me how to cope with life and bring up a family. Standards I have tried to maintain for myself and my family. Although it is sad that Rose is no longer with us in person but remember she will be forever in our hearts and memories. It is my treasured fond memories of her and you at Bluff Cove that I will always remember. Love and best wishes Martin Gibbins