Last year, before Anthony turned 75, I decided to throw him a huge party and invite every single one of his friends and relatives. I knew at the time that it would be our last opportunity to do this because of how rapidly Anthony’s health was deteriorating. The party was a resounding success with everyone here at the farm – over 100 people! One of the highlights was this poem, written by his friend, Eden, and read out by his nephew, Andrew. Eden had handwritten it and I now have it framed and on the wall in Anthony’s room at the nursing lodge. Every time I read it, it makes me laugh and cry and laugh again.
Goyder’s Show
So long ago by just a chance
to town he came for drink and dance.
That’s how we met so long ago, and
set the future’s wonderful show.
From Balingup hills to Dardanup flats,
drinking, hard working and fast cars to bat.
Like the “G.T.” roaring from “Bythorne’s” gate,
only shortly after to meet its fate.
The “A9X” would do no such thing,
It was far too precious with all its bling.
The shake of his hand is a law to abide,
welcoming many to “come inside.”
The kitchen table like a rock to the land,
a tea or a beer always at hand.
The AGA sits with pride of place,
the warmth of its glow etched in his face.
Cows in the shed, calves on the chain,
Shorts, teeshirt ’n boots he’d tend to them for gain.
The hours long and days of repeat,
milk quota cheques made it ever so sweet.
The “Inkys and Docs” were to provide for a stash,
when times were hard and the beef market crash.
That’s breeding the dachshunds should you not know,
just another chapter in this wonderful show.
Loyal to his siblings, workers and friends,
Arthur and Ken, the incredible men.
Side by side, intuitively so, Anthony Goyder
would give them a go.
So many shared his trust and kind ways,
so many fortunate come what may.
Somewhere in the midst came a wife and a son,
a job in the waiting, which had to be done.
They’re the pride of his fleet and ultimate test
To his boyness manner and youthful zest.
A husband sincere and ‘King of the Dads’
Menzies his son, such a fortunate lad.
‘His Royal Highness’ of Paradise Road,
is always there to share the load
of a mind stressed or persons ill,
he’s always kind and full of will.
Not father, brother or simply friend
but something of each his curious blend.
This man would show the way of right
and steady the wrong of which I might.
These qualities not destined at birth,
but earnestly found as he treads the earth.
This bloke of endless humour and wit
has a soulful nature blended from grit.
Should a scrap of fight I had to go
I’d have Goyder on side and not as foe.
The hard hits he’d take for all his mob,
then wryly smile and say good job.
His humour and wit come to the fore
exclaiming “they missed the Goyder once more!”
A yell to his mates would be “grab us a beer,
let’s get out now with something to cheer!”
In 25 years it’s cheers we will,
the time going by like the ring of a till.
With Queen’s telegram he’ll calling us back,
for a drink and a yarn at the “Bythorne Shack.”
“A Queen’s telegram! I’m one hundred you know.”
I can’t wait for that in his wonderful show ….
Me on the left and Ants on the right as the poem was being read out.
jmgoyder 
that was so beautiful Julie. thank you for sharing something so special
So glad we had that last party.
This is a fantastic poem. Being from an aussie farm in QLD I can totally relate to this 🙂
It brought a tear and a laugh. There is so much about it I love – ‘King of the Dads’ and ‘Should a scrap of fight I had to go I’d have Goyder on side and not as foe’ – just brilliant 🙂
The Queens telegram at 100 is wonderful because he’s everlasting in people’s hearts. What a great man he is and has been.
Just beautiful 🙂
It was a perfect poem for a perfect party – so glad it got read out because it was definitely our last party with Anthony in it. Makes me sad and happy as I know you understand.
Oh.. my.. God… now, if that does not tell the type of man he is then nothing will… what a wonderful poem describing the person Ant must be… if his mates think of him this way then he would have been a friend to me.. they have in one poem verified all you have written about in your love story… a mans man, with the heart for a sweet young girl who produced for him his son… what a wonderful share and thank you for that…
I hope my mates think of me like that…
You seem like the same sort of man – a legend!
What wonderful memories you have of that party and you have this beautiful piece to remember it by. Doubly blessed.
Doubly blessed – yes indeed!
What a beautiful tribute!!
It certainly was – thanks!
A lovely tribute.
A wonderful gesture from a very good friend to a special friend – 100 people, wow that I call a party …. Ant, he looks so happy and cheeky on the photo. I wish I had done the same with a poem that was written to me at my farewell party when I left Canada – kept it for years and then is was just gone. Should have framed it.
I wish you could find your poem! Oh well, at least it is in your heart V
Yes, but I can’t remember it – so so funny .. the staff had written it to me. Maybe one day it turns up. *smile
An awesome poem. I’m always in awe of those who can write poetry. I like both your faces in the picture while you listen to the poem being read…
It was an awesome night in every way – so glad we did it. The poet himself wouldn’t read it out – a lovely man but shyish.
Wow Julie – such a touching poem… i like these lines ~ and your facial expression in the photo above ~ xxoo
“A husband sincere and ‘King of the Dads’
Menzies his son, such a fortunate lad.
‘His Royal Highness’ of Paradise Road,
is always there to share the load
of a mind stressed or persons ill,
he’s always kind and full of will.”
It was a wonderful night and the poem just made it perfect!
wow–and good for you for throwing such a big party – party girl!
It couldn’t have been better!
Just beautiful!
That is a wonderful friend!
What a great poem love it and so great on you to have it framed and up for everyone to see…….
You both look so pleased! What a lovely party it must have been!
~ Lynda
It was brilliant!
Wonderful words & well worth framing & remembering.
This is so beautiful dear Julie, Thank you for sharing with us
, Blessing and Happiness, love, nia
It was a wonderful party nia – thank you!
What a wonderful compliment and tribute to an extraordinary man!
Wow! What a lovely way to honor such a beloved man. Your Anthony is very special!!
What a wonderful tribute to Ants!! You have been truly blessed with such a life partner.
Yes!