Keith Gary Moss was born on 2nd June, 1944 and passed away on 15th August, 2023.
Aged 79 years. Late of Kevins Place and formerly of Ayr. Passed away at home on August 15th, 2023. Beloved husband of Sumiati. Dearly loved father & father-in-law of Keith, Lionel, Gary & Shu-Chuan, Michelle & Peter, Kevin, Elissa & Thomas, Ryan, and Lachlan. Loving grandfather of Sharna, Jake, Luther, Noah, Mahala, Renee, Oliver, Aika, Coco, Kiana, Mahlia, and Kai. Dearly loved son of Ron & Iris (both dec’d). Loved brother of Beverley, Gai, and much loved uncle of their respective families.
“Forever In Our Hearts”
Relatives and friends of Keith and his family are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held in the Chapel, ‘Branyan Gardens’, Cummins Road, Branyan, on Friday, August 25th, 2023, at 10:00am.
The Browns Funerals Audio and Visual team do our best to ensure a smooth experience for all our viewers, however, we are not responsible for any failure of the Livestream due to unexpected technical difficulties. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
My sincere condolences and May your Dad rest Peacefully.
What does fortune favour the bold mean?”
Keith Gary Moss was born in Carlton, Victoria on the 2nd of June 1944. Keith was born the day the Italian capital was liberated in Europe. He grow up in Brunswick Melbourne, and always supported Collingwood. Keith didn’t dwell on his childhood, but it was extremely hard. Whipped and brutalised by his father, abandoned by his mother, he was destitute and lived in fear most of his childhood. Keith and his big sister were outcasts and at one point they lived in an attic in Woolloomooloo, Sydney. The only constant was his devoted big sister, they were inseparable. Keith started working very young to help support them. His first job was in sales – newspapers – when he was older he dived for abalones to make extra money. His first chosen career started when he completed an apprenticeship as a Boilermaker. He once told me with pride in his voice he was awarded Victorian apprentice of the year, however, it was adversary not awards that shaped him into the man we knew. His work ethic, love of buying houses and cars, all make sense when you think about the homelessness and poverty of his childhood.
I’m not sure when but he started travelling. Keith worked on many projects from Tasmania to Queensland; sugar mills, wharfs, and Snowy hydro. Eventually he moved overseas to Papua New Guinea. Keith often told stories about his time in PNG; fixing trucks, fishing, drinking at the clubs, diving, welding underwater in the darkest depths while huge barracudas, eels and sharks inspected his welds. He would recall stories from his time in PNG with a wistful smile and glint in his blue eyes. If you ever see photos of his time in PNG I’d guarantee you’ll see either an open beer, a lit cigarette, or a joyous smile. Keith fell in love with Olive Kassman and they started their life together. He loved her village and her extended family. In my opinion he found comfort in being a member of Olive’s large welcoming family. Keith often retold stories of his adventures with his brother in-laws. His memory was truely amazing he could recall names, places and events from every period of his life right up until the end. Keith & Olive had a couple of boys in PNG and then they all moved to Australia, the family settled in Scone, NSW.
Keith helped commission the Liddell power station which is currently being decommissioned. He had another boy. When the project finished the family moved to Sale in Victoria. Keith was an exceptionally gifted boilermaker and undertook complex tasks with determination and focus. He learnt quickly the process of constructing oil rigs and developed methods to improve efficiencies. This was the beginning of his project management career. The family once again moved, this time to Fernvale in Queensland. Keith helped manage the construction of Wivenhoe dam. The family was blessed with a girl. It was at this point I noticed Keith’s she’ll be right method of raising boys and an increase in his drinking. One night on his way home he crashed into a freight train at a level crossing. That didn’t slow him down, before long the family was moving again, this time overseas.
Keith found himself in charge of over 500 personnel; 2IC of a large American construction company located on Batam Island Indonesia, a short ferry ride to Singapore. He excelled in his new position and was told by the Superintend that the world was his oyster. A natural leader and respected by all he worked and drank with. Keith was eventually put in charge of building the hangers at Changi International airport in Singapore. Shortly after he fell 7 stories on to reinforced concrete. Keith died a few times on the operating table. The impact shattered his legs into countless pieces. His ankles damaged so badly all the specialists could do was fuse them. A decade later bone fragments were still working their way out of his legs. This was the turning point in Keith and Olive’s family. They returned to Australia and settled just down the road at baffle creek. Life was never the same, but It was always eventful; like the time he almost drowned in a flooded creek and spent the night stuck in a tree. The family welcomed their fifth and final child a boy. Unfortunately, shortly after Keith and Olive’s marriage ended.
Keith Gary Moss lived for 28,928 days a few years after his divorce marks the mid point of his life. Monday the 9th of April 1984 to be exact. On that Day: Terms of Endearment won many Academy awards, a story about finding joy after divorce.
The #1 songs on the radio in the US, UK and Australia were;
Footloose by Kenny Loggins – freedom & fun
Hello by Lionel Richie – looking for love
99 Luftballons by Nena – Dreams after conflict
Not long after Keith moved to Ayr and started importing Indonesian products. He briefly returned to project management in Taiwan, but his body couldn’t cope. Keith lives on today in the faces, stature, determination, focus and travel propensity of his descendants. Keith Gary Moss faced problems with determination and courage and was rewarded with everything his heart desired.
A loving tribute Gary. I remember your family well from your time at Baffle Creek and your family starting up a shop….a real boon to the community. I remember you from your time at Wartburg School. Hope you are doing well. You were such a bright kid…. always keeping people amused with your jokes.
So proud of you Gary. You are in so many ways your father’s son. A beautiful eulogy, breaks my heart each time I watch on line – second time now. You fit his shirt perfectly.