A Restricted Funeral Service (Due to COVID19) will be held for Mr Greig CONNELL. Greig will be privately cremated at the Golden Rivers Crematorium, Barham.
We are deeply saddened by the restrictions in place, but wish to encourage you to express your sympathies and condolences to the family via a post on this announcement which the family are able to access and read.
(All messages are pending the approval of staff to avoid inappropriate content)
This Service will be live streamed on MONDAY (7th September 2020) commencing at 1.00pm.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Greig’s name to the National Stroke Foundation or Very Special Kids.
Please go to the Live Stream Tab on our main page where the service will be streamed live on Monday.
Dear Mary, It was with deepest sorrow to hear of Greig’s passing. Wishing you our condolences, thoughts and support. We will always remember Grieg for his humour, resilience and all his achievements in family and work. All our love Jo & Ian
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mary Connell and her daughters. A tragic and sad loss of a great old friend.
Regards, Maureen & Charlie Davies, Southampton, England. UK
Dear Mary, Elizabeth and Sarah our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Greig will be dearly missed by all. May he rest in peace.
Love Adam, Amanda and Isabelle Patten xo
Dear Mary our condolences to you and the Connell family, Greig will be missed by many people. He was part our lives and we are so grateful to have been able to share him with you and all his many friend. Many people have said lovely thing about Greig and they are all true. His infectious smile and good times will always be part of our lives. Vale Greig.
Gael and I are so sorry we could not be with you today.
It meant so much to us when Mary and Greig visited our beloved Alison several times when she was at Moorabbin Hospital and she so afraid when we could not be with her. Then when I did visit and was able to crash on your couch for the night. So nice to be with caring family rather than alone. I heard many times today about Greig’s sense of humor. I recall how nice (and funny) it was that he remembered my weakness for Toblerone chocolate and made sure one was waiting for me when I came to stay.
Believe me I know words are never enough but please know our thoughts and love are with you all.
Greig – you were a dear and loving friend to our parents and our family over the years. I know how much Mum and Dad enjoyed having you and Mary up at the farm, and also how much Dad appreciated (and probably needed!) your help doing bits and pieces. To Mary, Libby and Sarah – sending you lots of love today. Really lovely words and, whilst we couldn’t be there in person it was great to be able to be a part of celebrating Greig’s life. All our love – Tom + Kim.
Greig, it was a great privilege to have worked with you and shared our lives for the past 33 years. May you rest in peace
Mary, Libby and Sarah – thank you for sharing Greig with the world. He was such a proud husband and dad. I have many fond memories of Greig building his boat at Bizley St, and his killer cocktails, and that he was always Libby and Sarah’s biggest fan. He has built such a strong legacy. Rest easy, Greig – hope you and my Dad are out on the boat together in the heavens.
Dear Greig, Your generosity of spirit, cheeky sense of fun and determination– will continue to inspire us all. Thank you for all that you shared and taught us along your journey, Love Claire (SP)
Sending you all much love and support. A beautiful service for a beautiful man, such a strong loving caring family.
Sarah, your Dad will be by your side when you walk down the isle to marry David.
Libby and Michael, your dad will be there to welcome his first grandchild.
Mary, Greg will be in your heart forever.
Dearest Mary,Sarah and Libby,
Such a beautiful send off for Greig, your wonderful husband and father. He was much loved and special to all he met in his life.
Sending you all our love and strength at this very sad time.
Sharon & Dale Thomas
Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah – Michael and David, the service today was a beautiful tribute to Greig’s life. He touched so many people with his warmth, sincerity and sense of fun. His courage and determination over the last 18months of his life to try to hold on for you all is to be so greatly admired, it is so sad we have all lost him after all he went through. He will always be remembered for all the qualities expressed today at his service. Sending our love to you all, Pam and Peter Batrouney xx
Such a beautiful farewell for such a beautiful man. No more needs to be said. Our deep love and thoughts are with Mary, Libby, Sarah, Michael and David. The world is a lesser place without our dear Greig.
What a beautiful funeral service for a wonderful man. Everyone spoke so well and so great to be able to laugh along with some of your stories of him. Sending so much love to you Mary, Libby and Michael and Sarah and David xx
A lovely send off to a generous, kind, and witty man. I feel honoured to have volunteered and worked beside you, and will take your kindness and generosity for others and continue your great work.
Big love to all of Greig’s family.
I am deeply sorry for your loss. What a beautiful service. I didn’t have the honour of knowing your dad, Sarah, but I can see where you get your kindness, generosity and humour. Sending you and your family lots of loving thoughts as you navigate these first days without him. Know your friends are always here to support you. Love, Mel and Jase x
Dear Mary and family
Your Maruska BookClub friends offer their heartfelt sympathy at this saddest of times. Your memories will be a comfort to you.
Colleen O’Brien
Fond memories of our cousin Greig and the many happy times we shared at James Street. You had a great personality and were always good for a laugh. Gone too soon.
Rest in peace. Love from Cheryl and Lynne XX
Dear Mary, Sarah and Libby,
My heart breaks for you as as we say good bye to your wonderful husband and Dad. Thinking of you all and sending love and support during these already difficult and stressful times.
I’m so sorry we can’t be there to give you a hug and hold your hand.
So much love,
Courtney
Dear Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah,
We are thinking of you in this sad time. Sending lots of love, he will be sadly missed. We will always remember his kind and gentle nature. Love Maxine, Rachel and family.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Greig was such a clever, kind and witty man. Full of life and love for his three girls. We share so many wonderful memories together and feel terribly disappointed that we are not there to support you today. Thinking of you all constantly x Jules, Jase, Zara and Ryan
We will be there today on streamline.Still can remember way back in 1978 I think when a few of us girls introduced you to Greig. What a wonderful life you have had together. Two wonderful daughters partners family and friends that will help you along your next phase of life. Greig will be with you in spirit wherever you are.
Love Angie and Wayne
Mary, our thoughts are with you and your family at such a very sad and difficult time. I have such good memories of Greig and his Mum and Dad, we had become best mates at primary school and the early years of our lives, the fun parts of life consisted of tinkering and learning in either of our fathers sheds, ( much was learnt in the sheds! ) Slot cars , ( which we raced at The Footscray Model Car racing Club) obtaining and fixing old Old motor bikes, building race boats and hotting up the side valve Ford V8 engines of the day. Also the many family days out at Calder and Sandown Raceways.
I will treasure our recent reminiscing via telephone with Greig on these early years. Goodbye mate, George and Marguerite Morgan.
Greig was like a mirror to all, he reflected back to us all the qualities that he possessed, our zest for life and friendship, our integrity, the ability to care and show compassion, ambition, loyalty and so much more.Although great sadness is around us we must be assured of who we are. “Like will always attract like”. Let us be forever grateful that this amazing guy has at some time called you “My friend “.
My heart is with you today as we say goodbye to an incredible man who never failed to make me smile. Sending all my love, Sally
The whole Hanselberg-Family will be with you today. We will make some Knödel and Apfelstrudel in memory of Greig and all the wonderful times we had together. We send all of our love to Mary, Libby, Sarah, Michael and David
Dear Mary, Elizabeth ,Sarah.
My sincere condolences on the sudden passing of Greig.
I first met Greig when Diane came to Australia to be with Kent. That was some time ago and over the years through Diane and Kent I have known your family and the fun happiness you shared. I will keep you in my prayers.
So very sad that my dear friend Greig passed away. Our friendship started through his daughter Sara and Greig’s kind donation to my son Matt’s then fledging racing career. Many memories of staying with Greig and Mary during the Melbourne Grand Prix weekend, and of course Greig hanging out with us in the USA while he ticked a bucket list goal of his by attending the Indianapolis 500. To all the Connell family from all the Brabham family our deepest condolences of losing a great man way too early. RIP my friend.
To a dearly loved friend,
A kind and honest man…a supportive soul with a very warm heart and giving to those in difficult times. We so much remember our trip to Europe in the early eighties where we laughed and drank our way around the french champagne region without a care in the world. I think we became closer when our children were born and that very firm friendship has never ever wavered in its commitment to this day. You rushed to give us support when our son experienced a serious medical episode a number of years ago which we have never forgotten. We will miss you terribly Greig but have been so fortunate to have these years with you however rest assured that we will watch over your beautiful Mary and your daughters as the years go on.
Until we meet again …… Rest peacefully. All our love… Roger & Gai xxxxx
Greig was my boss, colleague and friend. 26 years together at AWP. We always managed to grab a coffee when out visiting a client in those halycon days, and we had some great talks and laughs, sharing past experiences and boyhood memories. I greatly valued his warmth and ability to communicate with ease to us all. How sad it is that he is no longer with us, it’s just so hard to believe. Our deepest sympathies to Mary, and the whole family. Roy and Janet.
Such a sad time. Another lovely soul gone too soon. A proud family man, a giver of his time and energy to those less fortunate. I’ll remember mornings at AWP in the admin team when Grieg would share and recommend (or not!) the latest movies he and Mary had been to see. We would hear about his holiday plans, his enthusiastic recounts and see his amazing trip photos. I remember when I retired a little early and the conversation we had – how he said he was envious. My heart goes out to Mary and the girls, and the staff at AWP. Thinking of you all, Sue
Mary, our condolences to you and your family. You may not quite remember us, but we certainly have very fond memories of Greig from various social meetings at Diane and Kent’s. He was a most gentle and likable person with the friendliest smile. We also shared a deep love for boats. We thought Greig’s achievement in designing and building his exquisite “Chris Craft” inspired boat was a statement to his determination, aesthetic eye, amazing practical ability, and creative mind. Greig’s early departure is a sad loss. May he rest in peace.
Bob and Estie
Greig has been in the foreground of my friendships since Kent introduced us.
Greig, dazzling the Fuller’s wedding party with his chopstick prowess and jokes in 1984. Hugging Mary while waving Australia Day flags on their veranda. Captaining us to the Tahbilk winery in his luxurious wooden boat. Introducing us to baby Elizabeth, whom he and Mary called “our special gift”. Speaking at Sarah’s 21st with such warmth and caring that you could feel the love and devotion. Eating lobster on Christmas at the Crown Casino. Mucking about with a Thanksgiving turkey at our home. Lugging boxes and helping us move one February, in 40 degree heat — and not making excuses to run away. Donning a Ronald Regan mask and entertaining the crowd at Kent’s 50th. . . .
The best compliment you can give a friend is to say they added JOY to your life. Greig did this.
Love Diane
Greig and I were in the same class at Williamstown High School in the mid 1960’s and so became friends as we often sat together because he was academically inclined and I wasn’t. He’d always be drawing racing cars dragsters and had a beautiful slot car racing track at his home in James st Williamstown. He definitely had a keen eye for detail in a mechanical sense and as it came to pass Engineering would be his destiny. To me he embodied kindness and a gentle nature and made me feel welcome in his company at school and when we’d go to places like the Royal Melbourne Show. You don’t easily forget people like Greig who’s cruel fate has made the world a lesser place with his departure. To his beautiful family I say you’ll always have a part of him in your hearts where that little place is reserved for goodness and decency.
RIP my old friend.
Our condolences to Mary and family. Fond memories of growing up and time shared with Uncle Jim Auntie Alma Nanna and Greig. Aunt Mary Peter Dianne and family
To our dear friend Greig, We will miss your fun loving nature and your great caring capacity for everyone around you. We don’t remember you ever saying anything against another person and only ever had a positive and fun loving approach to life. The wonderful expressions on your face as you lit up over many issues will remain with us forever. Your courage and determination over the last 18 months is certainly an example to us all. So many memories GAAS (Gentleman’s Alcohol Appreciation Society), Nip and Tuck Club – these two the girls were reluctantly invited to about twice per year as Mary will remember, the outrageous skiing holidays at Julian’s at Falls Creek where one day you brought this stunning girl called Mary through the door, the extreme afternoon teas with the Smarts, oh so many more. You left your world with everything in good order which is typical. Well done you!! The world is a lesser place without your generous and wonderful nature here with us. We won’t intrude but will do our best to look after your darling girls – all three – as much as we can and are allowed. Not goodbye dear Greig just a gap ’till we meet again’. Love always Louise, Robert and family xo
Dear Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah and family very sad to hear the passing of Greig. Max Connell’s dear cousin. I have very fond memories of cousin Greig down at Williamstown at Uncle Jim’s and Aunty Alma’s place he was very friendly and welcoming. He would light up the room . Even though dad is now in a nursing home with early dementia he’s extremely saddened by the news. Our thoughts are with you all at this time. Love Max Connell and family.
Fun and carefree times with cousin Greig in the 50s and 60s at James Street is how my sister Helen and I remember those days. His upbringing in a loving family who were so proud of him carried through into his later life and we all know how Greig was completely devoted to his beautiful Mary and his gorgeous daughters Libby and Sarah.
We are in awe of Greig’s courage and determination over the past 18 months and also in awe of Mary and the girls’ and their partners’ love and support. What a family.
Greig has been taken from us far too soon but he certainly leaves us with so many wonderful memories and times spent together here and in France. What fun we all had Mary.
Sending love to you all today from Pauline and all the family. xx
I loved working with you Greig. You were a wonderful support and always so helpful. You were great fun to be around and a complete gentleman. You always shared your knowledge and experience so freely. Above all you were an ethical man and for that alone you will always have my admiration and respect. You will never be forgotten.
My sincere condolences to Mary and your beautiful family
Greig, you have been a very dear friend to us and our family for many years. You shared yourself freely with so much warmth and generosity. Your skills as a craftsman were simply incredible but those skills were just as evident building that farm bridge. We will always remember your kindness, patience, loyalty, humour and devotion to your three girls. And we will always do the Saturday quiz with you front and centre!
Lovingly remembered by Jane, Paul and the Orton family
My beautiful friend – you so freely shared your wonderful family with me. I will miss you and your fabulous smile and sense of humour. Wonderful memories will remain in my heart always. All of my love to Mary, Libby, Sarah, Michael and David. XXXX
Sincere condolences on the passing of our cousin Greig. Many happy memories of us growing up together. Jack, Annette, Betty, Glenda and our families.
We are thinking of you all at this very sad time. We are so sorry for your loss and hope you can find some joy in your many happy memories as a family. Lots of love Angie, Phil and Jackson xoxo
I held yours and Mary’s hands as you slipped away. It has been a privilege to have had you in my life. You had no siblings but gained 5 when you married Mary. So kind and loving. We will look after your girls. Goodbye my love.