A life lived well with Oaklea
“He loved people and we loved him” Sue Millington, Oaklea Registered Manager, Furness
It’s not often we have to say goodbye to someone in this way – but we have some sad news regarding a lovely person Oaklea have supported in Cumbria for many many years.
“He loved people and people loved him, his sparkling personality charmed everyone who he came in contact with.” Sue Millington
Geoffrey – a life lived
When we say long – we mean long – Oaklea have supported Geoffrey Penhaullurick in Barrow for thirty five years.
Team Manager, Zoe Jones: “I can’t praise the staff enough – they made his life the best at his home in Barrow – they went above and beyond. He was with us for 35+ years and some of my team have worked with him for more than 20 plus years.”
Remembering Geoffrey -with love
Some recent images of his time with us…
He touched so many hearts….
Oaklea Registered Manager for Furness, Sue Millington was one of the original staff that supported Geoffrey and knew him very well.
“Geoffrey was a special person, it was an honour to care and support him during those 35 years at his home. He loved people and people loved him, his sparkling personality charmed everyone who he came in contact with. He was always in the kitchen and made a mean cup of coffee. Geoff had the ability to break down barriers without even trying, he enjoyed his life to the full, there were wonderful holidays at home and aboard, he enjoyed a pint or two with his friends and could always be seen chatting with others.
His sense of humour was present to the end of his life, he had the ability to lift the mood and bring joy to those around him. Geoff had a brilliant memory, once he met you he never forgot you, he wanted to know about your coal fire and he had special quotes about staff i.e. “Julie drinking all the wine and spending all her husband’s money”. On a personal note I will remember Geoff as a man who gave so much love to all around him, I know that the staff and customers in Barrow will miss him greatly but he will always have a special place in our hearts.”
Rolling back the years..
Geoffrey was also a regular in promoting what Oaklea does. Back in 2018 – He featured in a brochure promoting our offer in Barrow – and was keen to highlight his love of gardening.
Always time for everyone…and a brew
Sometimes someone makes their mark in many different ways – and at times it’s the simplest of things that leave great memories. Lets leave the final word with Zoe:
“My memories are of Geoff with cups of tea and Mars bars and the fires. He loved his cups of tea and a cake or Mars bar and loved his fires and always wanted to know when visitors came if they had a fire and what sort etc. We will cherish our time and memories working with Geoffrey. I am so glad our staff and his family were with him until the end.”
On behalf of the Furness Team -and all of us at Oaklea – we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who knew him – Rest in peace Geoffrey.
From the heart – Footnote added 8th February
A massive thank you to you all. This is just to acknowledge the outpouring of love and messages you have sent to our various social media channels (and beyond) reading this week’s sad news regarding a much loved person we have supported for 3+ decades.
Social care is often said to be about someone ‘being part of the family’ -the comments regarding Geoffrey was a true indication of this.
So we just wanted to say a huge thank you to those of you who recognised this -and we have highlighted some of your comments below – many many thanks.
Team Manager in Barrow, Zoe Jones: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response from people. Geoffrey was like a Grandad to many of us. Our team remain devastated. All our team – both past and present, plan to attend his funeral next week. I’d also like to thank all the staff who have worked with Geoffrey over all the years too. It’s been a tough & emotional few days.”
