Family devastated

By Tania Martin
GREG “Poss” Andrews will be remembered as a gentle giant with a big heart.
A resident of Monbulk for most of his life, Greg died as a a result of a tragic workplace accident.
He was 50 at the time of his death.
Greg was farewelled by more than 300 friends and family in a moving ceremony last Friday at Tobin Brothers in Berwick, and was taken to a private cremation ceremony by a big red Kenworth prime mover.
He died shortly after 7.45am on Wednesday 8 October after he was crushed between two trucks at a work site in High Street, Northcote.
A WorkSafe spokesman said Greg was using a truck-mounted crane to move a 4.3 tonne load from another vehicle when the accident happened.
The two trucks were parked side by side and Greg was crushed between the two.
Paramedics treated Greg at the scene for more than 45 minutes but he died from massive chest and upper body injuries.
His sister, Debbie Westle said Greg’s death had left a hole in the family that could never be filled.
“Our hearts are broken but our love and memories will give us strength to continue on,” she said.
“Greg wasn’t one to wear his heart on his sleeve but we all knew our place in it.”
Close friend Kalvin White said Greg was a kind hearted man who always offered a helping hand.
“At one stage I was living in my car and Greg gave me a place to stay,” he said.
“He was always there if you needed someone to talk to…someone you could depend on in good times and bad.”
Mr White was devastated by his mate’s death and said he still couldn’t believe it.
He said Greg loved his cars, motorbikes and trucks.
Mr White said it was hard to comprehend how the accident happened when Greg was so cautious especially during his work.
“It’s hard to imagine life without him…he was one of those really great guys…it’s hard to imagine he’s gone,” he said.
Mr White said Greg also loved to play cricket and was involved with the Monbulk club for many years.
He also loved his fishing especially catching the next great snapper.
Steve “Fred” Bain also said Greg took him in when he needed help.
“I was in a bit of trouble and Greg invited me into his home and his whole family was there for me,” he said.
“He would give you the shirt off his back if you wanted it.”
Mr Bain said it was hard to believe his mate will no longer be around.
“It’s a tragedy to go to work and never come home again…it shouldn’t happen,” he said.
Mrs Westle said her brother had been taken from his family far too early.
“He will never be out of our hearts or far from our thoughts,” she said.”
He is survived by parents Mary and Bill Andrews, wife Reneè, son Andrè, daughter-in-law Amy and two grandchildren, Jasmine and Madison and sisters, Debbie, Melanie, and Nadine.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Monbulk and The Patch communities for all their support.