Geoff Dyer was an inspiration to many young people and cannot express how I feel about Geoff’s passing.
I had the privilege of sitting with him a few weeks before he died, I held his hand as my best friend and I, also a former cadet and Royal Marine, recounted dits over his bed.
Before I said goodbye for the final time, I told him I loved him, that we loved him, I saved my tears for later.
He was such a big part of my life, and I remember very clearly the first time I met him, and I also remember the feeling that my Father who was a serving Royal Marine at the time, trusted him immediately as he handed his son over to this man who was clearly going to look after his 12 year old boy.
My Father took me to Weymouth Sea Cadets where we met Geoff then OC of 360 (Marine Cadet Detachment) MCD which would remain a part of my life until my early 40's!
I had been counting the days until my 13th birthday to join the Marine Cadets and we were still 4 or 5 months off.
In classic Geoff style he said, dont worry about his age, well put him in the new joiners, give him a uniform (which my Dad had specially made as I was very small) until he is old enough, of course I didnt have to wait and once I’d finished the mandatory induction phase I was in the Barracks, and a part of the detachment as if I was of age.
Geoff knew how to look after people, and his loyalty received loyalty in return.
Geoff had a nickname for everyone, he looked the other way when we snuck a couple of cheap bottles of beer in our bergans on exercise. I was always Biggsy, and I think to this day it is only Geoff and his long term devoted Marion partner that call me that.
He knew we were learning to be men, to trust one another and to be there for each other, here is a man that knew what it was to be a Royal Marine, and even those that did not eventually pursue this career have this ethos and mind set today.
He has had a lasting influence on so many young people, most of which will have had a positive influence on our local community and society in general, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.
We called Geoff ‘Arthur Daley’ he was always wheeling and dealing, uniforms, equipment, food, minibuses!
He once borrowed a 4 tonne truck from the Marines, unknown to him at first Adrian and I would surf on the roof into the village as he drove, he caught us and told us not to do it again, no bollocking, we then convinced him to let us drive it around, he knew better and of course we pranged it… he just called us clowns and probably made some excuse when he returned it and probably proffered a bottle of Whiskey which we never knew about, and that was Geoff.
Geoff was as much a part of the Royal Marines family as I ever was, he loved the Corps and he directed many a young man or young lady towards a successful life and career, not only in the Armed Forces but in other fields.
He molded us into gentlemen rogues, much like himself.
Biggsy
DYER Geoffrey Alan Passed away peacefully at home with his family on 20th August 2024, aged 78. Dearly loved partner of Marion, brother, father and grandfather. Former Detachment Commander of the Weymouth Army Cadet Force (ACF) and Commanding Officer of the Weymouth Sea Cadets.
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