George Sparnon, ex-president of the Lismore Men and Community Shed, has passed away at the age of 76.

Current Men’s Shed president Bob Grieg said George passed away in an Adelaide hospital last week surrounded by his family.

“He had diabetes and his liver shut down, but he died in his sleep,” Bob said.

“The night before he died, he asked his family to come to the hospital and when they came, he told them what he wanted done.”

Bob said George was there for the Men’s Shed as a leader at the beginning about 11 or 12 years ago when it was a counselling centre. 

“He was rough around the edges and had a heart of gold and he made the shed the shed,” Bob said.

“When it officially became the Lismore Men and Community shed, George became president. 

“He believed the Shed is not only for men – women have problems too.

“A lot of women want to use tools and George wanted them to be able to join and learn how to use them.

“His ability to talk to people got them to come along and hang out.

“Some people hated him and others loved him. 

“He called a spade a spade. He would challenge people and was blunt and upfront and would let people know his personal preferences."

George also worked at transforming unroadworthy caravans into housing for homeless Vietnam veterans.

Bob said George was a known motorbike enthusiast and had a Honda and a Triumph, as well as being a member of an Adelaide motorbike club.

“George was responsible for saving his life,” Bob said.

“He saved my life after my motor bike accident. 

“I was suicidal, had broken ribs and couldn’t do anything.

“George saw I was suicidal and talked to me.

“He knew what I’ve been through and where I was coming from. 

“I took over being the president after illness made him step down and he moved back to Adelaide to be near his family.

“We gave him a lifetime membership - and he will be missed.”

George leaves behind his wife Judy, children and grandchildren.

The funeral will be held in Adelaide this Friday, May 15 at 2.30pm and the link to the live-streamed funeral service will be posted on the Lismore Men and Community Shed Facebook group site https://www.facebook.com/groups/279892162634184/