JAMES, Geoff

Geoff was our friend, companion, and Best Man at our wedding. In the early 1970s, the days of The Environment Council NT, Geoff was a valuable advisor and active participant. As a result of his comprehensive knowledge of the NT he was able to offer the Council assistance in entertaining the visiting dignitaries we brought to Darwin to speak on their particular perspective on sustainable futures. One such visitor described Geoff as the only Lawyer he had ever met with a sense of humour. That sense of humour was necessary when lobbying the politicians and other decision-makers of the day.

Our work on the perils of a fossil fuel based energy future led us to developing a concept for a Solar Village near Darwin. It was to be privately funded and the amount of legal work was enormous. Geoff volunteered his time and advice to bring that Project to fruition.

Many years later, I was to benefit again when Geoff agreed to take me on as an Articled Clerk. Working with him was simply a pleasure, an enjoyable pathway to understanding the Legal process.

He was a man of un-paralled generosity, knowledge and skill. In his company you were likely to meet many of The NT’s most colourful characters. We regret that we were not able to be there at the celebration of his life on the 12th October 2022.

Peter & Pam Garton