The Mudgee region and friends around Australia are mourning the death of Mudgee's Heath Gay who passed away in late October.
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Heath touched the lives of many, evidenced by the outpouring of grief on social media from people far and wide who he met, often through his tattoo business INK Devotion and his many philanthropic ventures like his Be Kind movement.
Heath's family kindly shared a memorial to Heath with the Mudgee Guardian in which he is remembered as a kind and gentle soul.
Heath Lawrence Gay
Undeniably a character that many loved, and we now know that he touched many many lives, not just our own.
Within the last fortnight, tragically heath has passed on. Devastating us all that loved and cared for him.
Heath will always be remembered by us, but it also gives us pride that he will be remembered by so many.
Heaths generosity and care for all, particularly the homeless was deeply ingrained in him.
Living on the streets with them, talking and connecting with them, raising money to help them, often with his own money, he would give his last dollar to someone that needed it more than himself.
Heath's "Be Kind" project, was so very dear to his heart as was his association with 'Two Good' in Sydney, encouraging those that could help, to feed the homeless and his association with Angry Anderson, to raise awareness and help where he could.
Heath also walked from Newcastle to Sydney, and Canberra to Sydney, raising funds and awareness for the homeless, made us even more proud of Heath than we already were.
Heath also had his "semicolon" tattoo project for depression awareness.something that affected him deeply, much to his own detriment over the years, and all proceeds went to charity.
Heath was an amazingly talented tattoo artist and practiced as INK Devotion tattoo as many of our town, his friends, and those in centres he would work in around Australia already know.
Many may not know, but heath also did cover up tattoos for clients with self harm scars free of charge. Unfortunately Heath never really got over the passing of his beloved 'pop' in the house fire at Lewis Street in 2012, followed four months later by his beloved nan. Heath also never forgot the untimely death of his mum, Tanya, when he was just four years old.
Heath was a gentle giant, and to some intimidating, with all his multiple tattoos, but gentle of heart and kind of soul.
Unfortunately due to health problems, he became a smaller version than we were used to, but never changing in his character, he was determined to be a healthier version of his former self.
Heath always had the unwavering love and support of his family through good times and bad.
We will always miss and love you Heath and are reassured you will always be looking over us, and guiding us in whatever we may do.
As a family, we would like to thank all of Heaths friends, and loved ones for your love and continued support for us, and incredible generosity.
A funeral for Heath will be held at 11am on Friday, November 13. A live stream of the service can be viewed via Macquarie Valley Funerals and Monuments website on the day.
How you can help
Friend of Heath's Alyissa Xuereb set up a Gofundme page to help offset any funeral costs to Heath's family and as a way for the community to show their love for Heath, whose funeral will be subject to COVID restrictions.
The fundraising page has been shared hundreds of times on social media, amassing $5325 of the $10,000 goal as of November 6.
"Heath was such a kind and caring person, with a beautiful soul," Alyissa said.
"He was very generous, always helping others especially making donations to charities and even starting his own the Be Kind movement, which is the reason why my sister and I made the Gofundme page. We wanted to give back some of that kindness, one of the many qualities that Heath had.
"The donations made have reached over our halfway goal which is amazing and we're grateful to those who have donated or just shared the post. We're happy that we're able to help Heath's family, even if it is in some small way. We know it's something Heath would've done for many others.
"He has touched the hearts of many people everywhere, including my own, there are honestly no words to describe just how much he'll be missed."
If you or anyone you know needs help:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
- Headspace on 1800 650 890
- ReachOut at au.reachout.com
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