Reilly Family History
Geoffrey Charles Reilly
Geoff was born on 26 November 1933 in Katanning, Western Australia, the third child of Leo Reilly and Alice Emily Carwardine.
Geoff grew up in Dumbleyung, a small wheatbelt town located 275 km south east of Perth.
Geoff did his national service in 1952, as part of the fifth intake in WA of the first national Service (90 days)
Early in 1955, when Geoff was 21, some locals decided to build a Merry go Round for the Dumbleyung Gymkhana. There is still a old looking Merry Go Round at the site, assumed to be the same one as featured in this story.
“… The merry go round was now ready for a trial run and Geoff Reilly was the only one available. Geoff climbed aboard and the motor started. It was going very fast and the arms carrying the boats were extending out almost horizontal. After five minutes of this, while the engineers were wondering how to slow it, over a drink, it was eventually stopped and a very pale Geoff was layed out on the ground to recover from his ordeal. After a time a very weak voice said, “You are not getting’ bloody paid for that ride!” … ”
extract from Dumbleyung and districts short stories, 1999 Leaderpress W.A. from the article, Merry Go Round by Dot Smart & Ken Ramm
A 1934 Chev Coupe with a dicky seat, when owned by Dumbleyung local Bill (Sugar) Cronin was known as ‘Blood and Feathers’ due to the carnage given out to the local duck population with the car. This car was later owned by Geoff Reilly and had further adventures.
“ … ‘Blood and feathers’ really deserves a story on its own to cover the period when it was owned by Geoff. However, one incident worth recalling is when Geoff’s father entered his bedroom on a Sunday morning and asked Geoff if he had been drinking the previous night. When Geoff replied “certainly not’ his father than inquired as to why his car was on top of the woodheap … “
extract from Dumbleyung and districts short stories, 1999 Leaderpress W.A. from the article, Bill (Sugar) Cronin by John Richardson p303
Geoff married Beatrice (Nina) Antonia Lagana on 20 Feb 1965 in Narrogin, WA. They had three children; Paul, Sharon and Clare.
Geoff died at his home in Riverton of a heart attack on 31 July 2000. He is buried in Fremantle cemetery, and his headstone reads:
In loving memory of Geoffrey Charles
24-11-1933 - 31-7-2000
Beloved husband of NINA
loved father of
Paul, Sharon and Clare
Your love for life
will always be remembered