It is with sadness that I advise that retired District Officer Godfrey Payne (Reg No 1259) passed away on Thursday the 20th March 2014, aged 83.
Godfrey joined the Brigade on 14th May 1956 and retired on 30th October 1986 after serving the Brigade and the community for more than 30 years. Records indicate that, as a Firefighter and a Station Officer, he spent most of his time at FS 1 and FS 17 (the old Lord Street, Richmond, Fire Station). When he was promoted to District Officer he served at FS 47 “B”, FS 48 “B”, FS 42”A”, FS 1 “A” and finally at FS 4 “B”.
Even though he had retired from the MFB, he remained committed to spreading the fire safety message in the community and was a presenter of the Senior Fire Safety Program for 21 years. He was a stalwart of the program and held in high regard by his fellow presenters and the groups he spoke to.
A funeral service to celebrate Godfrey’s life will be held in the Georgian Room at Ashton Manor 49 Main Road Diamond Creek on Thursday the 27th of March 2014 starting at 1000 hours. A private cremation will follow this service
Godfrey’s family have requested that Brigade members attending form a “Guard of Honour” at the end of the service. Dress uniform (Jacket, white shirt, tie, peak cap & shoes) with Medals & Decorations are to be worn.
No flowers by request, donations to the Firefighters Charity Fund would be appreciated. Envelopes will be available at the service.