REDLANDS has lost one of its most generous spirits with the death of Jeffrey Underhill.
A memorial service for the Capalaba philanthropist, who died last week at the age of 88, was held at Carbrook on Wednesday.
Mr Underhill was known for his contributions to the Redlands PCYC, Lions Club of Capalaba and Meals on Wheels Capalaba, where he volunteered for many years.
In 2015 he was recognised for his contribution to the community and charitable organisations when he received a Medal of the Order of Australia.
Two years previously he had been awarded the Redland Citizen of the Year for his efforts in supporting the community.
Former Redlands mayor Don Seccombe said he had quickly realised the extent of Mr Underhill’s wonderful community spirit.
“Both Jeff and Geri had a philanthropic nature, so philanthropy became a part of their mindset,” he said.
“Given that they did in fact earn every cent they ever owned, you can understand the spirit I refer to and the spirit that has been a huge benefit to the Redlands community and beyond.”
Mayor Karen Williams said the awards given to Mr Underhill showed the impact he made in the Redlands, but the philanthropist had given much more to the city.
“He created a true legacy in our city that our community will be forever grateful for,” she said.
“It is a legacy that will continue through his wife Geri, who with her husband has always been a committed supporter of the Redlands.
“This legacy will also continue through the Redland Foundation Jeffrey and Geraldine Underhill Grant and the Jeffrey and Geraldine Underhill Community Centre in Capalaba.”
Cr Williams said Mr and Mrs Underhill had been generous in donating time and money to community causes.
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Mr Underhill since 2004 when I was first elected as councillor for Capalaba where he and his wife Geri have been generous community supporters for years,” she said.
“As the local councillor I was always amazed by their depth of generosity.”
Mr Seccombe said Mr Underhill’s name was invariably among the donors for any appeal for a good cause, but he had made significant contributions to the Fred Hollows Foundation and the RACQ’s Care Flight service.
The couple had also donated $890,000 towards the Jeffrey and Geraldine Underhill Community Grants Program of the Redland Foundation.
“The grants are used for infrastructure to assist not-for-profit community organisations remain viable and relevant, which in turn supports our enormous base of volunteers in the Redlands to build a richer society,” Mr Seccombe said.
“To date, some 40 very appreciative community groups have benefited from these grants and experienced the Underhill spirit.”
Mr Seccombe said Mr Underhill was humble and unassuming and was always good company, supportive and helpful.
The eldest of three children, Mr Underhill was born in Bega, NSW on August 22, 1928.
After attending school at Goulburn, he took up an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner before being employed as a marine engineer.
Mr Underhill met Geraldine, known as Geri, when they boarded the same ship in Canada in June 1954.
The couple married at Niagara Falls on Valentines Day in 1956.
They lived in Canada and the United States, before moving to Tasmania in 1973.
Mr and Mrs Underhill built accommodation units in Hobart and moved to Queensland two years later.
They lived in Beenleigh, Kuraby and Rochedale and retired to the Redlands in 1991.
Mr Underhill’s first admission to hospital was earlier this year when the effects of asbestos throughout his engineering days on ships took its toll on his lungs.
He leaves behind his wife Geri and sister Lorna of Narooma, NSW.