I had the privilege of knowing Geoff very well, initially professionally and then through the Wombats (dropping three catches in an over off Geoff or Hungerford, as we also called him) and then through a preposterous early morning exercise group for a number of years.

He was great company, always thoughtful and modest, and had a very strong legal career.  He was also so stoic and courageous during the last few years.

He was the driving organising force behind the Cricket Club’s 150th anniversary celebrations a few years ago, both at McLaurin Hall and later in the year at the SCG.

May he rest in peace.

ASB

The Honourable A. S. Bell

Chief Justice of New South Wales

This is desperately sad news that we have lost Geoff.

I was fortunate enough to travel on two social cricket tours to England with him with in the Wentworth Wombats team in the 2000’s and whilst he was the best cricketer in the group by far, he was always modest and so happy to be a team member of a motley crew of cricketers, described by some as the worst cricket team to ever leave Australian  shores!!  I recall in 2005, his luggage went missing and stayed missing for a few days after our arrival and in our first match against Oxford (whilst still without any luggage ) he pulled a calf or hamstring muscle running between he wickets when we batted first, which prevented him from bowling and participating in much of the tour.  He never however complained, was a great tourist and his support for the team was unwavering. As another member of the team shared his surname, namely Ian Pike, Geoff was referred to as Pike Major and Ian as Pike  I shall never forget his kindness to me at this time.

He was a wonderful cricketer and I believe his name deserves to be alongside all of those Sydney University cricketing greats! More significantly though, he was an even more wonderful man and he will be greatly missed by all those who had the privilege of playing cricket with him and those whose lives he touched.

Warm regards to you all

Thos Hodgson

Barrister

Edmund Barton Chambers