Tributes flow for ‘true gentleman’ Lindsay Heath

A former Geelong businessman and longtime community contributor has been remembered after his passing as a dedicated family man, avid sailing enthusiast and a leader of innovation and change for industry around the state.

Civic reception for 2007 Order of Australia recipients Lindsay Heath and Patricia Heath AM, BEM

A former Geelong businessman and community contributor has been remembered after his death as a “true gentleman” and family man.

Tributes are flowing for Heath’s Motors co-owner Lindsay Heath, who died in early January at 90.

Wife Patricia Heath ­remembered her husband as a “marvellous man” who had a strong passion for community, sailing and family.

Mr Heath ran Heath’s ­Motors — founded by his ­father — with brother Daryl for many years.

“Both Lin and Daryl ­became owners of the business after their father passed,” Mrs Heath said “They worked well together and it was a very happy business relationship. He had a deep respect and ­affection for his staff, and they always had a great rapport.”

Mr Heath took an active role in industry, led associations and peak bodies, and helped push for change and ­innovation across the state.

Outside the industry, he spent a lot of time fundraising for various charities, including redevelopment of the Geelong hospital.

“When Geelong hospital was being rebuilt, he was asked to fundraise for the Birdsey Wing, leading the men’s ­appeal,” Mrs Heath said.

“When I was asked to lead the women’s appeal, I asked that every donation raised by our appeal be used for the women’s wing. Of course, that created healthy competition between the two of us.”

A proud father of three sons, Mr Heath also found plenty of time for family and adventure.

“His three sons described him as their rock, and they had a lot of fun together,” she said.

“We had a marvellous marriage for just under 65 years, and have known each other for 72 years. We always worked to support one another.”

The pair met in Geelong, and shared a lifelong love of sailing, travel and caravanning.

“He was stepping off a boat at the Geelong Yacht Club when I was introduced,” she said. “We had a very lovely life of adventure.”

Mr Heath was a longtime member of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club and lifetime member of the Queenscliff Cruising Yacht Club.

“I’ve had masses of wonderful cards, and the message I keep getting is what an accessible, warm person he was,” Mrs Heath said.

“People say that he was a complete gentleman.”

Originally published as Tributes flow for ‘true gentleman’ Lindsay Heath