Never Really Gone - Tas Blizzard

It has been a year today since we lost Tasman Blizzard. My love and thoughts go to all his family and friends who will be marking this anniversary.

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Tas - far right with The Meanies

Tas - second from right with The Meanies

Blindsided

Grief is a funny thing. Sometimes it just jumps up and punches you in the gut, with no warning.
Today was one of those days.
As I was driving back to Melbourne tonight I was singing along to the stereo, thinking about nothing much when, out of nowhere the image of a friend, who died a few months back, came to me in perfect detail. He just appeared in my mind's eye as though he were sitting next to me.
Next thing I know I am crying and trying to recall the moment just to hold on to it a bit longer.
The mind plays funny tricks and I never can recall his face in detail when I want to.
It was so nice to see him again.
This is not the only time it has happened either.
While at a Tex Perkins concert, in the middle of a song, I glanced around the crowd and I saw him. I'm sure he was there and it made me so happy to believe it.
It made me think that if his death has having such an effect on me then how much more so for those who were closest to him.
I hope they are learning to live without him in their lives and that the lesson is not insurmountable.
I hope they know that he will always be remembered by so many who's lives he touched.

Never Far From Our Thoughts

I just got sent these beautiful shots of Tas's Paddle and couldn't resist posting them. They were taken by Chris Carey via Blizzy.

I also love this shot I took of Gidget throwing Tas's flowers back after they'd washed up on shore.

Goodbye Tas - Tasman Blizzard Memorial Paddle

Yesterday we said a final farewell to Tas Blizzard on his hometown beach at Point Lonsdale. Over 100 board riders paddled out to send Tas on his way and a 100 more threw yellow flowers from the beach. It was the most beautiful and moving ceremony I have ever been a part of and every touch was such a perfect reminder of Tas.

Andrew with Tas's dog Gemma

In Memory - Tasman Blizzard arch

Everyone heads through Tas's arch to hit the water.

Heading out.

The board riders formed a circle, holding hands while Blizz scattered Tas's ashes to a huge roar of approval from the board riders and those watching from the beach.

And as was so appropriate, everyone road the waves back in.
Tas Blizzar,

Tasman Blizzard farewell

The board riders club put on a BBQ and everyone slowly left the beach to continue to celebrate Tas's life with Blizzy, Rosemary and Michael. The whole day made me proud to be a part of such a supportive community and I hope that somewhere out there Tas was watching 'cause I recon he would have loved it.
Tasman Blizzard memorial paddle,

Tasman Blizzard, Tasman Blizzard

In Memory of Tasman Blizzard

Wompy Stompy Surfer Boy

I can't quite seem to get back to my frivolous blog entries so soon after Tas's funeral - it just doesn't seem right somehow.

So here are some bits and pieces that Tas might have liked..

The Meanies (in the 90's) Tas is last on the right.

Point Lonsdale Back Beach

Hoodoo Gurus - Kamikaze Pilot

Tasman Blizzard

I knew a boy.
I first met him when he was about 12.
He was the little brother of my dear friend.
He grew up and became a surfer,
A rock star,
A psychologist,
And a beautiful man.
He had time for everybody. He made me smile.
He was one of the good ones, a gentle, gentle soul.

He died on Friday.


He crashed his car and left us.


I'm so grateful that his world touched mine.

Goodbye Tas.

Tasman Blizzard 1972 - 2008