Beloved WWII veteran Geoffrey Garratt dead at 102 years old

A former air force pilot who flew in the famous D-Day campaign has died at the age of 102, capping off a rare and incredible life.

Geoffrey Garratt is being remembered for his incredible life and personality, from his service in WWII to his keen sense of humour. Photo: Troy Jegers

A beloved WWII veteran has been remembered for his “amazing and full life” after dying at the age of 102.

Paul Garratt announced on Facebook that his father, Geoffrey Garratt, had died on June 7, and acknowledged the centenarian’s endearing legacy.

“Everybody loved this remarkable and lovely man,” Paul said of Mr Garratt, who spent his final four decades in Gympie.

Joining the air force at 18, Mr Garratt flew Lancaster bomber planes over Germany in WWII.

He was also involved in the War’s pivotal D-Day conflict, when Allied forces invaded Normandy in 1944.

“You have no idea, the incredible noise that came up,” Mr Garratt told ABC Darwin Breakfast in 2023.

In the decades following his return from WWII, Geoffrey Garratt took on a host of careers, from growing macadamia trees to watchmaking. Picture: Paul Garratt

He said the enemy’s searchlights forced their planes to quickly double back.

“That was the worst experience I had in the war,” Mr Garratt said.

In the decades following his return, “I’d been everywhere and done everything,” he said.

“He truly had an amazing and full life, achieving SO much throughout his long and happy life, and influencing so many of us in such a positive way,” Paul said.

“You will be sadly missed forever by all of us, Gentleman Geoff.

“RIP you beautiful human being.”

Geoffrey Garratt as a young boy. Picture: Paul Garratt

Mr Garratt worked as a watchmaker, a macadamia tree grower for 40 years, a Sydney real estate agent for 25 years, and a service provider for the underprivileged for more than two decades.

He wouldn’t retire until 2022.

Paul said Mr Garratt’s wife Ursula was able to “say her final goodbyes after a long, rich and happy life together”.

“Thanks to all the wonderful people at Carramar Nursing home where he spent his final days,” Paul said.

“They were so loving and kind to him and I will always remember the respectful way he was treated by these beautiful people.”

In 2019, not-for-profit Gympie Skillcentred commemorated Mr Garratt’s 18-year tenure at the underprivileged employment and training organisation, naming a centre after him.

Geoffrey Garratt in front of a plaque commemorating his training centre namesake at Gympie Skillcentred, 2019. Picture: Troy Jegers.

Gympie Skillcentred Board Chairman Michael Williams called Mr Garratt an “institution” who “completely changed” the local branch.

“It was a pleasure to have met him,” Jeanette Savage commented on Paul’s post.

“I’m sure you have many happy memories to last a lifetime of treasured hours spent together.”

“He was a true blue Aussie gentleman,” Sam Fresta said.

“Always had a witty sense of humour.”

Sarah Goldrick offered a touching tribute.

“What an innings, all the changes he has seen here on earth,” she said.

“Wow, what a man, what a life.”