On the weekend Humans of Lismore Facebook Page, created to pay homage to the unique and wonderful humans who live in this city, posted the notice that Ray Tree had passed away.

Photo Credit: Humans of Lismore (Facebook Page)

See the post about Tree via the link below:

HUMANS OF LISMORE

Greg Warner a Lismore Musician decided to host a musical tribute yesterday, at Tree's Not Bombs to honour the life of a Lismore resident, part of the quirky and compassionate culture that made Lismore inherently "Lismore".

Some will recall Tree's unique presence, radio in hand as he navigated Lismore, "with full respect" Greg said. "Tree would get a lot of respect from community, he would sit inside Henry's and get a cuppa and listen to his radio, and be left to do his thing, but he would often be in community doing his own thing, and was accepted and respected, and he deserved to be."

Greg spoke about overhearing Tree listening to a woman in the community speak to him about her chronic pain condition, and he empathised heavily saying "Wow, that's what happens to you, it's really full on, I can feel how hard that it, I can feel it".

Greg said that he wanted to honour Tree through music, "show him that respect he deserves". He has just released music which is all about the heart in humans, named Future's Child, he showed us his poster below:

A 26-year-old born and bred Lismore local in attendance, who wished to remain anonymous, knew Tree by sight like so many, said "it is a tragedy to see one of Lismore's Humans die from something that in this country, we shouldn't ever have people die from, which is exposure. I worry about the people in this city and the Northern Rivers who used to have shelters, or caravan park cabins, spaces that are crowded or non-existent now, there are so many people sleeping rough, or in situations where they are exposed to the cold and the elements, I hope that something happens quickly to provide shelter for them all".

While Greg played and Tree's Not Bombs was full over the lunch break, Lismore App spoke to the Northern Rivers Community Gateway who confirmed that they have multiple programs where people could get help, in the crisis that we are in, to find housing and that people could phone and have an appointment via phone, or at their office at 10 Centenary Drive, Goonellabah.

Humans of Lismore has promised to keep the community up to date, with what is decided by the Guardian of Tree, in regards to a memorial and service, and whether the recommendation of Sacred Earth Funerals will be taken up. So far suggestions on the page about a service for the community in Lismore to celebrate his life and honour him have been popular, and unique suggestions around planting a tree for tree, and wearing gumboots to the service have also been mentioned. One woman wrote that she "didn't know Tree, nor do i live there- but if I have this amount of loving care at my departure- then I have had a blessed life".

Another incredible example of the care this community gives for its fellow beings, the heart of Lovemore is strong.