I havebeenblessed toknowGreg for
a long time now andwe have built
many treasuredmemories together.
Twelveyearsago Ididmyyouthyearof service
in Albany and was lucky enough to live with
the Parkers for sixmonths of that time. Greg
treated us like members of the family right
from the start. We were initiated into Star
Trek, we ate sticky date pudding and custard
with cream and icecream, we were coerced
intoparticipating inhis radioprogramandwe
hadmemorised thewords and tune toeachof
the songs he was recording at the time from
the not-so-convenient locationof right below
ourbedroom.
After that year we stayed in touch and
remained family, a bond that hadbeen forged
forever. Gradually the Parkersmoved toPerth
whichmeantmoreopportunity to spend time
and bondwithGreg. In the last two or three
yearsespecially,Gregand Ihavebecomecloser
and closer, cementing our father-daughter
relationship, (or fake Dad-fake daughter
relationshipaswecall it). Ithasbeenablessing,
anhonour, a privilege andone of the loveliest
gifts Ihave received in recent years.
HehasalwaysbeenthereformewhenIneeded
anything, despite his illness. We have spent
many hours together watchingmovies, doing
crosswords, chatting, reading and discussing
prayers, and generally enjoying each other’s
company.
A special memory for me is when we drove
down to Albany together to visit beloved
Parviz. We sang together formost of the way
there and back – mostly Beatles songs and
always in perfect two-part harmony. We ate
fishandchips togetherwhiledoingcrosswords
withabeautiful viewof theocean. Iwill always
treasure thememoryof that tripaswell as the
manyothers I have beenblessed to sharewith
my dearly loved father-figure and true friend.
He is always near tomyheart andwill remain
ever so.
AllisonLayfield
