It was a tragedy that rocked the Riverina - the lives of an entire Boree Creek family of five taken in the most heart-breaking circumstances.
Today, the Hunt family - Geoff, Kim, Fletcher, Mia and Phoebe - will be remembered by family and friends during a service at the Lockhart Recreation Ground at 1pm.
On the day they are farewelled, Kim's extended family has shared this heartfelt tribute.
To our dearly beloved Kim, Geoff, Fletcher, Mia and Phoebe. Our hearts ache with the knowledge that you all no longer walk this earth with us.
Words can not portray the inspirational lady and amazing person that you were.
In attempting to write a fitting tribute to honour a woman that was such an inspiration to everyone she met we know these words will not come close.
You were a gorgeous person, determined, caring, loving and bubbly always giving so much more than 100 per cent.
All of your Blake cousins have fond memories of riding horses through the paddocks in Tumbarumba, racing, chasing and picnicking.
We remember all the summers that we’d prefer swimming bareback on horses across the dams rather than taking a dip in the pool.
Riding around our farms on motorbikes from house to house, across beaten tracks, with only a few busters along the way.
You taught us all so much from how to reverse park a car, do year 12 maths, become a qualified nurse, cook a special dish, or raise our babies.
We remember the time Heather had you painted red from top-to-toe with mercurochrome after stacking the motorbike out on the road.
Sneaking into Nanna’s to pinch cigarettes, throwing Phil down wombat holes, building mouse houses never to be found again, all the hours we spent eating cherries in the cherry trees.
Regular pony club camps spending nights running amok.
The times we hit the dam with young Phil always struggling to hang onto our boats while being dinked no-hands on the motorbikes. Never forget Marco Polo in the pool.
Kelly and Ally will always treasure the fishing trips we got to share and never forget the time you took the bag with three cod all on the “Ladybird” lure.
As we all matured and led our lives busy raising families you were always there for us all – weddings, christenings, birthdays, Christmases – without fail.
In rain, hail or sunshine you both came with smiles and open arms. Your personal skills and talents were an inspiration to all who knew of them – you could cook, sew, garden, build, mechanic, organise, nurse, and mother.
If there was ever a jack-of- all-trades and master of many, you were it.
Even with the trauma of your accident, your determination and persistence to overcome your adversities was inspirational.
Your appreciation of the support and encouragement from your family and friends, especially Geoff, enabled your drive and perseverance to overcome your injuries to the best of your ability.
You successfully gained your licence back and were recently employed as the Clinical Nurse Educator at Lockhart where you loved to share your knowledge.
Your selflessness in speaking and raising awareness about spinal and brain injuries shows your dedication to helping others.
Nothing was ever too much, you were the family’s Energizer bunny. So many wonderful memories to treasure.
What a remarkable man you were. So ready with your smile, jokes and good nature.
Your family was your world: the best father, husband and friend any of us knew.
You were admired for your thoughtfulness, lovingness, patience, kindness and you will always be our hero.
There was only one man as extraordinary as you. You will be remembered for your gentleness, forever devoted to each and every member of your family.
You knew how to divert kids from upsetting any adults or their siblings, always keeping them on their toes.
You always had a knack for distracting the kids in order to keep the environment harmonious.
Remembering the first time seeing you water skiing, tumbling, turning and rolling barefoot – jaw dropping to watch – and of course your gorgeous wife was driving the boat. Watching you play, teach and laugh with your babies, you made one of the hardest jobs, raising kids, look so easy.
Cracking up Phil with your take-offs of Kerry when the generator needed more fuel out at the creek and keeping Fletcher on his toes pointing out snakes that were not there in the Cumbungi weeds.
You never tired of driving the ski boats for the kids. No child would ever miss a turn and enough was never enough: he would never say no to a ski.
Dusty reckons that the best part of going to Kim’s was seeing you because you would take time for everyone. You had a remarkable talent of being able to make people feel welcome. You knew how to address everyone’s individual needs, wants or soft spots.
You were an Aussie version of Dr Phil, always saying the right thing at the right time.
We will always remember when Kimmy told us that you were the one. So in love, you never left Kim’s side – as was evident after her accident when you devoted all of your energy into helping in Kim’s recovery and in maintaining a normal life for your family.
Geoff, you were so selfless if we had only known the extent of the huge burden you were carrying. We never carried your burden, or wore your shoes therefore we will not judge.
We feel honoured and privileged to be able to call you family and have met and gotten to know one of the most beautiful people we will ever meet in this life.
Fletcher – a bundle of energy, always up to something with a full dose of Blake genetics.
Riding your motorbike just like “Jacko”, burning up data on Mum’s iPad checking out the latest tricks. All the time you and your Dad took to building motorbike jumps (a little modified after Pop’s inspection) and working them over like Jackson Strong.
Such a daredevil you were.
We remember you climbing up the tree out at the creek and getting stuck, the wasp nest giving you a fright and your ever-present Dad coming to the rescue.
Your cricket, footy and tennis playing was like a pro, giving uncle Kelly a run for his money as he couldn’t get one on the wickets no matter how fast he bowled.
Riding the flying fox Mum and Dad had built out the back, climbing trees and tearing up the slip ‘n’ slide.
We will remember your story-telling in the highest pitch and the fastest pace, because something exciting was coming up in the plot.
We all loved taking you fishing and were looking forward to many, many more fishing trips.
Your skiing skills were catching up to your Dad’s fast and every year Phil and Michelle would shake their heads at your progress.
When it came to your school work – well you never liked it much, but given a worthy prize you’d knock it over in 10.
A caring big brother to Mia and Phoebe, never too busy to give them a hand, not to mention how much you helped Mummy along the way.
Mia, you had the most gorgeous smile and beautiful curly hair.
Soft, gentle, caring nature and warm heart. You had an amazing artistic flair and so clever at school for someone so young.
You were always wanting to help your classmates and happy to go with the flow.
We remember you bringing flowers to anyone around who might like them.
We remember you coming to your Dad’s rescue when mad uncle Kelly took to him pretending he was a sheep to be shorn.
You were mature beyond your years and aware of your family’s wellbeing.
Phoebe you should know how cute as a button you were, with your big brown eyes that could simply melt your heart.
You were always ready with a story to tell and wrestling who ever was around for the best possible possie.
You were a beautiful and brave little soul, trying out skiing like Mum, Dad, Fletcher and Mia on the knee boards.
Your cousins Jess and Lachy were always impressed that you and you siblings had lots of energy.
We loved your pretty drawings, cards and letters and you would have grown up to be a very accomplished artist from the pictures you drew with Mia and the stories your nanny tells us.
We all remember how good you could do gymnastics, bounce on trampolines and swim in any situation.
Aunty Jane cherishes the trip you shared to hang 10 with Mummy, Daddy, Fletcher and Mia.
We remember you’d always be riding your bike, and playing with Fletcher and Mia and that you all loved going to the movies.
We will miss your bright smile, beautiful heart and happy stories.
Love Rex and Anne (deceased) Murray and Lois, Carolyn, Paul, Phill and Michelle, Jess and Lachie. Kelly and Allison, Jane, Kass, Dusty and Don.
