I was lucky enough to know Garry and the Lynch family through my law and order petition in 1986 after Anita's death.
i didnt know Anita but katherine (sister) is married to my brothers mate.
Wonderful people.
I am the paul McGovern mentioned in the book.
Dear Mr. Lynch, I am from London, England, and I read about the tragedy of your daughter a few years ago. I also saw a t.v. programme in which you and your wife spoke about the horror that had happened to your lovely Anita. You were truly an inspirational man, your dignity, your courage and your Sheer GOODNESS just shone through. I cried for you and Anita. I know you are both now re-united in heaven. I send you both all my love. From Lorraine.
Although I never met Gary or his brave family, my father was a friend of Detective Ian (Speed) Kennedy through the Randwick Rugby Club. He was fast (hence the nickname) and tough on the field but I have never forgoten the fact that he left the Police Force after the men had been sentenced. Who would want to go through such horror again? His Soul is too Kind for this work.
I offer my sympathy to an enlightened man that surely has been here before...
A Higher Soul than most.....
I remember being in Blacktown around the time of Anita's disappearance and murder. I remember seeing her smiling face everywhere and wondering how anybody could do this to another human being.I have just read the book "Someone else's daughter" and relived not just the horror of these events, but about the grace and courage shown by Anita's family. They were so very proud of their daughter and I am sure that when her parents pass on that Anita is there waiting for them with open arms.
I remember reading Garry's story which he had shared to help others, in a Lenten Reflection group back in the 1990's when my children were at school. What an inspirational gentleman he was, such a normal, average Aussie of his generation, but in the face of such terrible adversity, he was able to forgive his daughter's killers. Of all the stories told in our Lenten Reflections, Garry's is the one that has stayed with me all these years. Now he will be with Anita again, so that's a lovely thought.
From Pia Boutsakis, parishioner of the Catholic Parish of Ivanhoe, in Melbourne.
farewell to you gary i never met you but ive had heard so much of yours and your wifes courage i know you will be with anita in heavon im just so sad that her life was taken so tragically and she was so young i wasent born then but when i heard of her story i was deeply saddend goodbye gary please give anita all our love from catie
I have immence respect for a man who I have never met but wanted to meet. I only knew him because I have came across Anita's story online. I have been devastated to know that Anita suffered at the last hours of her life. Yet I didn't knew about her until this year, I wish I could do something for her. To be garry and to be the one to identify Anita's body, I can't even imagine. RIP Garry, I hope you do join Anita in heaven.
Anita nursed me from 1985 to 1986, in Coffs Harbour Hospital to Sydney Hospital, when I finally got transferred to Sydney. I had eighteen major reconstruction operations on my left arm. Ten operations were under Anita’s care. I went off a cliff in a car and had my arm partially severed and crushed. (I wish Anita could have nursed me through the other eight operations.) I’m forty one now, but I was a young eighteen year old man when Anita was nursing me back to health. From a patient’s point of view, nothing was too little; nothing was too big in Anita’s terms. She loved her job. One time I had a tendon transfer, and, once again, I had an internal bleed in my arm. My arm swelled up and stated bursting stitches. Even though this happened around 8;00PM at night when Anita was due to “knock off”, Anita stayed back and walked my trolley into the operating theatre at 10:00Pm at night…just to make sure I was alright. A few months later, whilst I was recuperating at home, I heard over the radio (at 9:00AM) that a nurse by the name of Anita from Sydney had been murdered. I held my breath until the 5:00PM news came on……but when they put Anita’s photo up, I disappeared under a privet tree about a kilometer down the paddock to grieve by myself. Some time later, Garry rang me and asked if I would unveil a plaque in Anita’s memory at the Sydney Hospital Chapel. I agreed and that was the most humble and honourable commitment I have ever taken on in my life. Thank you Garry and Peg, and my best wishes to Kathryn and your family.
Anita nursed me from 1985 to 1986, in Coffs Harbour Hospital to Sydney Hospital, when I finally got transferred to Sydney. I had eighteen major reconstruction operations on my left arm. Ten operations were under Anita’s care. I went off a cliff in a car and had my arm partially severed and crushed. (I wish Anita could have nursed me through the other eight operations.) I’m forty one now, but I was a young eighteen year old man when Anita was nursing me back to health. From a patient’s point of view, nothing was too little; nothing was too big in Anita’s terms. She loved her job. One time I had a tendon transfer, and, once again, I had an internal bleed in my arm. My arm swelled up and stated bursting stitches. Even though this happened around 8;00PM at night when Anita was due to “knock off”, Anita stayed back and walked my trolley into the operating theatre at 10:00Pm at night…just to make sure I was alright. A few months later, whilst I was recuperating at home, I heard over the radio (at 9:00AM) that a nurse by the name of Anita from Sydney had been murdered. I held my breath until the 5:00PM news came on……but when they put Anita’s photo up, I disappeared under a privet tree about a kilometer down the paddock to grieve by myself. Some time later, Garry rang me and asked if I would unveil a plaque in Anita’s memory at the Sydney Hospital Chapel. I agreed and that was the most humble and honourable commitment I have ever taken on in my life. Thank you Garry and Peg, and my best wishes to Kathryn and your family.
Anita nursed me from 1985 to 1986, in Coffs Harbour Hospital to Sydney Hospital, when I finally got transferred to Sydney. I had eighteen major reconstruction operations on my left arm. Ten operations were under Anita’s care. I went off a cliff in a car and had my arm partially severed and crushed. (I wish Anita could have nursed me through the other eight operations.) I’m forty one now, but I was a young eighteen year old man when Anita was nursing me back to health. From a patient’s point of view, nothing was too little; nothing was too big in Anita’s terms. She loved her job. One time I had a tendon transfer, and, once again, I had an internal bleed in my arm. My arm swelled up and stated bursting stitches. Even though this happened around 8;00PM at night when Anita was due to “knock off”, Anita stayed back and walked my trolley into the operating theatre at 10:00Pm at night…just to make sure I was alright. A few months later, whilst I was recuperating at home, I heard over the radio (at 9:00AM) that a nurse by the name of Anita from Sydney had been murdered. I held my breath until the 5:00PM news came on……but when they put Anita’s photo up, I disappeared under a privet tree about a kilometer down the paddock to grieve by myself. Some time later, Garry rang me and asked if I would unveil a plaque in Anita’s memory at the Sydney Hospital Chapel. I agreed and that was the most humble and honourable commitment I have ever taken on in my life. Thank you Garry and Peg, and my best wishes to Kathryn and your family.
I didn't know Mr Lynch however I have been touched emotionally by his compassion, dignity and goodness. He and his truly brave wife showed an amazing empathy and support to others. We could all learn a lot from this extraordinary man's reaction to the brutal murder of this beautiful daughter.
My father turned his back on me and Garry never did. He showed me compassion and love . The laughter that we shared I will cherish forever.I will always remember his smile lighting up when I visited him at the nursing home.Garry you were a true gentleman and the angel that the earth has lost... heaven has gained.I will miss you dearly.
My memory
Paul McGovern Sep 17, 2011
i didnt know Anita but katherine (sister) is married to my brothers mate.
Wonderful people.
I am the paul McGovern mentioned in the book.
A wonderful Human being
LORRAINE Aug 06, 2011
A Higher Soul
Marianne Fraser Jun 15, 2010
I offer my sympathy to an enlightened man that surely has been here before...
A Higher Soul than most.....
Undying Love of a father and family
Patty Sheather May 20, 2010
Garry Lynch - inspirational man
Pia Boutsakis Mar 26, 2010
From Pia Boutsakis, parishioner of the Catholic Parish of Ivanhoe, in Melbourne.
my farewell
catie newell Jan 16, 2009
My Memory
Thus Oct 28, 2008
Dear Garry
Paul Burbidge Oct 10, 2008
Debra (Apr 17, 2010)
Garry
Paul Burbidge Oct 10, 2008
Dear Garry
Paul Burbidge Oct 10, 2008
A TRUE ROLE MODEL AIND INSPIRATION
MICHELLE ASHWELL Sep 21, 2008
More than my own father to me
Vic Mendel Sep 19, 2008