Chopper crash

By Tania Martin
A MAN with a heart of gold is how Edward Geldard will be remembered after his life was tragically cut short in a helicopter crash.
Edward Geldard, 46, was killed when the helicopter he was piloting crashed into the Yarra River near Port Melbourne on Wednesday 29 December.
Divers found the helicopter wreckage and Mr Geldard’s body shortly after 10.30pm.
Police said the helicopter crashed into the river about 15 metres from where it took off at 7pm.
It is also believed that Mr Geldard was on a flight to the Caribbean Gardens.
A male passenger in his 30s escaped the crash and was assisted from the water by a passing boat.
The man was taken to The Alfred hospital with minor injuries.
A dedicated Ferny Creek volunteer fire fighter, Mr Geldard will be remembered as the family man who offered a helping hand to anyone in need.
More than 250 people attended Mr Geldard’s funeral last Saturday to say their final farewells to a man with a winning smile, sharp intellect and can-do attitude to life.
Mourners heard how Mr Geldard was a man of enormous energy, with a love of life, family, and community.
One of the many facets of Mr Geldard’s life was his service and contribution to the CFA.
He began his CFA service with the Olinda brigade in April 1995 before moving with his family to Ferny Creek in 1999.
A volunteer since then with the Sassafras-Ferny Creek brigade, Mr Geldard was always there when people needed help.
He was elected as the fourth lieutenant of the brigade in 2004 and held the position until his death.
Mr Geldard was also presented with his 12-year service badge last year.
Sassafras-Ferny Creek Captain John Schauble said Mr Geldard always juggled the demands of his rich and busy family and business life with his commitment to the community.
“Unlike many who claim to be too busy to become involved, Ed made time and was always available,” he said.
Mr Geldard fought many battles for his local brigade including the devastating 1997 fires in the Dandenongs.
He was also a member of strike teams during the 2003 Alpine fires, at Kinglake in 2006 and again last year at Woods Point.
“Ed will long be remembered as an engaging and generous volunteer,” Mr Shauble said.
“We will all miss his advice and good humour, his friendship and support.”
Mr Schauble said Mr Geldard’s death had rocked and saddened the brigade.
“Something like this causes people to stop and think about their own life.”
Close friend and CFA volunteer Alan Potts said Mr Geldard was a character – a man larger than life.
“He was quite a character, very humorous and always had a cheeky grin,” he said.
“Ed was an all round nice fella.”
Mr Geldard is survived by wife, Laurel, son Jordan, 14, and daughter Lauren, 16.
The Firefighter’s Ritual was read during the funeral service before the hearse was led away by a fire truck from the Ferny Creek brigade.