Tributes flow for Hervey Bay’s Geoffrey and Beverley Cornwell

Holding hands in their bed at home, a Hervey Bay couple decided to die as they had lived – together.

Hervey Bay's Bev and Geoff Cornwell died together on March 6.

Hand-in-hand, Geoffrey and Beverley Cornwell died as they had lived – together.

The beloved Hervey Bay couple were found at their home, holding hands in bed, on March 6, after opting to die together.

Their funeral notice told the story: “Please don’t be sad, they had a wonderful life together and chose to leave it on their own terms”.

Bev, a longtime contributor to both the Chronicle and the Observer, had struggled with multiple sclerosis for years and Geoff, 80, had been her legs, longtime friend and Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum president John Andersen said.

Mr Andersen had known Geoff from their primary school days and was saddened by not entirely surprised by the couple’s decision to die together.

Bev Cornwell had multiple sclerosis but still contributed greatly to the Hervey Bay community.

“Obviously it’s very, very tragic, but in one way it’s a great tribute to their love,” he said.

“They obviously made the pact and that was it.”

Mr Andersen told of a devoted couple, Geoff being an “absolute rock” for Bev, 77, as she was confined to a wheelchair

“He’s been her legs for many years,” he said.

“It’s sad in one way, but very, very moving in another.”

Bev had been well known for her passion for Hervey Bay’s history.

Her family, Hervey Bay’s Drury family, were among the oldest in the Bay, with her great grandfather operating a boarding house in Pialba.

Together, the couple had their own family, sons Ivan and Mark.

Her own roots sparked her passion for telling the stories of the Bay’s past, sharing them through her weekly column in the Observer.

She also organised Golden Oldies, an annual reunion of the old Bay families at the RSL.

PROUD: Ivan Cornwell and his mum Bev Cornwell at the Hervey Bay MS swimathon.

Mr Andersen said with an influx of new people to the Bay, fewer and fewer people were aware of the history and roots of the city.

“Most people have no inkling of what the Bay of old was like,” he said.

Bev had been determined to preserve those stories and share them with others, Mr Andersen said.

Of what the couple was like, he said they were down to earth with no airs or graces.

Point Vernon man Geoffrey Cornwell awarded MS Carer of the Year with his wife Bev who he looks after. Photo: Alistair Brightman / Fraser Coast Chronicle

“They were decent Aussie people,” he said.

“Just a lovely couple.”

Former Chronicle Nancy Bates said Bev was a remarkable woman.

“She was one of the kindest people you could come across and yet she was fighting on so many levels,” she said.

“She was a great asset in our community.”

Mrs Bates said Bev had written a valuable and well-read column for the Observer.

Enthusiastic volunteer Hervey Bay and Maryborough Multiple Sclerosis Support Group organiser, Bev Cornwell.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour also paid tribute to Bev and Geoff.

“Bev and Geoff were a very loving and supportive couple who contributed greatly to our community,” he said.

“They were both always looking for ways to help others.

“I always really enjoyed talking with Bev about local history.

“Her interest in history came from her interest in people and always wanting the best for them.”

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family’s preference was for donations to be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

A private cremation has been held for the couple.

Originally published as Tributes flow for Hervey Bay’s Geoffrey and Beverley Cornwell