Great grandfather Alf Jordan named as coronavirus victim
The heartbroken family of a great-grandfather who died of coronavirus has revealed how they never got to say goodbye to the beloved 90-year-old.
HS Coronavirus News
Don't miss out on the headlines from HS Coronavirus News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A great grandfather who succumbed to coronavirus has been honoured as “one of a kind” as his heartbroken family told how they never got to say a final goodbye.
Alf Jordan, 90, died in hospital on Friday morning after falling ill at a Werribee nursing home.
He was diagnosed with coronavirus just three days before his death.
Granddaughter Gabrielle Cordwell said while the family understood Mr Jordan needed to remain in isolation, being unable to say farewell was devastating.
“At 90 years old you get that it’s inevitable that he is going to pass away. But a week ago he was well,’’ Ms Cordwell said.
“He shouldn’t have had to die alone in a hospital bed.
“He spent the last 90 years with family loving him and then to die alone is what hurts the most.
“It’s tough knowing he had to be alone. We didn’t get to say goodbye.”
Mr Jordan, a resident at Glendale Aged Care where four staff have since tested positive for coronavirus, began feeling unwell just over a week ago.
His health rapidly deteriorated and he was taken to Werribee Mercy Hospital on Monday, with tests on Tuesday revealing he had COVID-19.
Ms Cordwell said the family, including Mr Jordan’s stepdaughter Helen Webb who was his carer, did not direct blame at anyone over their ordeal.
They were instead holding on to cherished memories of the father and stepfather to 12 children, who marked his birthday milestone in May.
Mr Jordan worked as a milk carter in Richmond with trusty horse Trigger for years and was a passionate Collingwood supporter, eagerly asking anyone he met who they barracked for.
He was a grandfather and great grandfather to more than four dozen children, making sure the cookie jar was always full when they visited.
“He was very unique — he was one of a kind,’’ Ms Cordwell said.
“He would cuddle you and it would just be so tight.
“Unless you actually go through this people just do not believe it.
“We’ve had loss in our lives before. Literally we were there holding their hands.
“So to not have that happen for Alf — somebody who we love — is just heartbreaking.
“I hate to think that if he was scared there was nobody there to reassure him.
“You do not want anyone to die alone.”