‘Never realised how loved he was’: Torquay man Griffyn ‘Griff’ Branagh remembered
A Torquay man who passed away last week is being remembered for his willingness to help others and his love for bikes.
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A Torquay man is being remembered by friends as a “unique personality” who loved helping people.
Popular local bike repairer Griffyn Branagh, known by his friends as “Griff”, died by suicide on February 7.
Mr Branagh’s long time partner Natasha Mitchell said he was a “complex man” who “certainly had his demons.”
“But he was incredibly generous at the same time,” Ms Mitchell said.
“He always undercharged people, even when he thought he’d overcharged people.”
The pair met when ‘Griff’ showed up to Ms Mitchell’s bike club in Melton 13 years ago, offering free checks.
“I didn’t want him to touch my bike ... he got really offended, and was actually quite rude to me,” she said.
“But then I saw how good he was with the bikes, and I arranged for him to get involved with the Victorian Junior team because I was an assistant coach.
“We got to know each other, then became really good friends and then it all just happened from there.”
The pair moved to the Surf Coast together two years later.
Ms Mitchell said Mr Branagh’s mental health had deteriorated in the years leading up to his death.
“He was quite unwell in the end, and I don’t think people realise that,” she said.
“I think he was in a lot of pain, and I think it was way beyond what any of us have ever experienced, it was just difficult for him to continue.
“We’ve been trying to push the positives ... but I think if we gloss over it all too much, it’s kind of hiding what’s going on with people.
“He just never realised how loved he was.”
Ornella Jager first met him when living in Hoppers Crossing, before reconnecting upon moving to the Surf Coast town.
“I had no idea he’d moved down here,” she said.
“I took one of the kids bikes to be serviced and he remembered my name.”
Mr Branagh was well known throughout Torquay for his bike repairs, offering the service out of his home garage.
Ms Jager said Mr Branagh was “bright, colourful and a unique personality.”
“He always had a story to tell, and he was always very upfront,” she said.
“He was always willing to help out, he was so generous, and he loved his pizza oven.”
Ms Jager said Torquay residents would miss Mr Branagh’s joy rides on his beloved unicycle.
“He was so into unicycles,” she said.
“I always used to say ‘who’s that crazy guy hooning down The Esplanade?’ and it was always Griff.
“He used to say how much he’d love to teach me to ride the unicycle but I’d always tell him ‘mate, I’m not giving that a whirl.’”
Mr Branagh was farewelled at a service in Highton on Tuesday.
Tributes left online remembered him as a “magnificent unique and talented human being.”
“I feel honoured to have shared some time with you on this spinning rock we call home,” one wrote.
“Rest in peace Griffyn, it was an honour to be your friend. Passionate, creative, loyal, and a joy to spend time with,” another wrote.
“My condolences to your family and friends.”
For support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Barwon Health mental health, drugs and alcohol triage on 1300 094 187
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