Hundreds of people from a spread of churches and Christian organizations came to give thanks to God for the quietly spoken farmer from Attunga who had a zeal for Jesus that had touched thousands of lives.

One man remarked that Geoff was the first Christian he ever met.

"He was my volleyball coach. He used to tell us about how amazing the human body was. Then he'd wink and say, 'You'd almost think someone had designed it'."

Others worked with Geoff in boys' camps, summer beach mission at Urunga, the Gospel Tent or Lifequip at Agquip.

Others were beneficiaries of Geoff's generous heart.

He would bring gifts and meals to people.

Troubled teenagers would come and work at his place.

Whenever he pruned the mulberries, he would select the best canes and take them to schools and teach the kids how to strike a new tree.

Geoff's Church was Oxley Vale Anglican, but so prolific was his labour for God that he was well known in every church.

He was a pivotal member of Manilla Christian Men's Club and will always be remembered as a prolific and enthusiastic primary school Scripture teacher.

Over the years, Geoff's lessons have left their marks on thousands of students.

Now at age 78, Geoff has stepped across the finishing line.

His minister, Simon Carter held up his dog-eared Bible and remarked, "A Bible that's falling apart is usually owned by a person who isn't."