We have created this page to remember Chris' life - in particular his eccentricities and his wicked sense of humour, but also his struggles and eventual peace.
Please share your memories, photos, or sentiments here. Chris was never one for elaborate affairs, and given the current times, we felt this would... see moreWe have created this page to remember Chris' life - in particular his eccentricities and his wicked sense of humour, but also his struggles and eventual peace.
Please share your memories, photos, or sentiments here. Chris was never one for elaborate affairs, and given the current times, we felt this would give his family and friends an opportunity to remember him and say your goodbyes, as well as remind us of the memorable times of this life.
We take this opportunity to thank you for enriching Chris’ life.
OBITUARY
In the LightAnd if you feel that you can't go onAnd your wheel is sinking lowJust believe and you can't go wrongIn the light you will find the road.
Chris Ditchmen, 1980s
You were my first born and it was such a proud moment when they first put you in my arms, I fell in love immediately. You were such a placid, loving, and easy going child who never shied away from a cuddle.
You were always so proud to be a big brother... moreYou were my first born and it was such a proud moment when they first put you in my arms, I fell in love immediately. You were such a placid, loving, and easy going child who never shied away from a cuddle.
You were always so proud to be a big brother to both Jo and Kate but couldn’t believe your luck when you finally got a baby brother to even it up.
I’ll never forget the look on your face when Clive and I gave you the yellow Mini Moke. You grew to have such a love and passion for classic cars.
And the time you decided to bring a Minibike around to teach Tim how to ride a motorbike. I thought It would be a great idea to have a turn, turns out I didn’t know how to stop. As I headed straight towards the neighbour’s front window, I hit the gutter and the bike and I flipped backwards, landing in their front garden. You were concerned for a few moments, once you saw me start moving you roared laughing, your laugh was so infectious you started everyone else off, I was still laying on the ground.
Chris’ laugh was so memorable, he was always seeing the funny side of things and I will always remember his laugh.
You were so excited when you received the news that you were going to be a father as was I to learn I was going to be a grandmother. I was so thrilled when you asked me to be there at the birth, Jaden didn’t want to wait long enough for that to go as planned, but he arrived safe and sound and I could hear the pride in your voice when you called at 5am to advise me you had a son.
Later when you became a single dad and you moved back in with us you showed what a doting dad you were when you’d have Jaden come to visit.
During your early adulthood we were close but unfortunately the relationship broke down and I hadn’t seen you for many years. I am so glad we reconnected earlier this year.
You have left a fantastic legacy by becoming an eye doner with which you have given sight to two blind people.
It’s taken me a little while to do this, so many things left unsaid, so many things left undone. I just had no idea where to begin.
It’s been a long time since we were as close as we once were, but that doesn’t change the fact that you were always... moreIt’s taken me a little while to do this, so many things left unsaid, so many things left undone. I just had no idea where to begin.
It’s been a long time since we were as close as we once were, but that doesn’t change the fact that you were always the big brother that I looked up to and idolised. You were a huge influence on my life (not always in a good way, but you did teach me a lot of “what not to do”) and played a big part shaping the person that I am today, and for that I thank you.
You were always so spontaneous with just about everything you did (well the fun stuff anyway, important things, not so much!) There was never time to plan things out or think things through too much. Once you had an idea, you were off, whether that be getting that next project car or going on, what felt like it was a never-ending trek to catch The Puffing Billy, only to realise they’d changed the timetable since the last time you were there – it’d been a few years…
There are so many memories that we’ll always have. Staying with you on the school holidays and having to spend half the day waiting for you to wake up was always fun (not really) – if I was lucky you’d be up before lunchtime and we’d be off on our next adventure and I never knew what you’d have in store, I don’t think you did either?
You taught me how to drive a car (really drive a car, not what you learn in your regular driving lessons. Again, “what not to do”) and the time we were driving back from the shops and you suddenly jump on the brakes, burst out of the car, ran around to the passenger side and flung the door open shouting “move over, I’ve had enough of driving. You’re up!” “What?” I was only 13 or 14 at the time, but you made me drive the rest of the way home. I don’t think we made it out of second gear, but we made it!
There weren’t many dull moments when you were around and so many more memories I could share. I will always be grateful for the good times that we had together, and I could never thank you enough for the big brother that you were when I was growing up.
As you would always say “if you can’t be good, be good at it” so keep being “good at it” on your next journey – forever in our memories, until we meet again. Love Tim. less
Chris we will all miss your smiling face so very much I clearly remember when you were born you were such a placid little man and so very easy going I had the pleasure of spending lots of time with you as a little man and clearly remember you... moreChris we will all miss your smiling face so very much I clearly remember when you were born you were such a placid little man and so very easy going I had the pleasure of spending lots of time with you as a little man and clearly remember you staying with me a little while at around 18months old and together we made you a beautiful brown woollen overcoat I was so proud of my achievement and you looked so handsome wearing it around the house I was so chuffed to be asked to take on the role of your godmother which seemed to cement our bond even more
The early years were spent with Ditchmen and Forsyth’s spending many fun times together at Wantirna Sth and at the farm in Jindivick . Boy those were the days
Then not long after Kate was born all you kids came to live at our house for a little while you were the eldest and an absolute treasure helping me out with the younger kids particularly Jo and Kate
You grew up quickly and then when your son was born you came and introduced him to us and you were so very proud
We all went our seperate ways for quite a while but I would keep up with you through Ted Then again in recent years we reconnected in person and on social media and I am so pleased we had that time together
Chris you had your struggles through life but you never stopped being you You remained caring and kind and always had a great love of people and also animals You were always my other son and your memory will forever remain in my heart
I will miss you my boy and loved you deeply Sleep peacefully
Your other mum Patrice Forsyth less
My memories of Chris have faded a little not because they were not memorable but because of my fading memory. Chris was a very likeable and fun loving person. He was always able to add some enjoyment to the Holman/Ditchman gatherings with his jokes... moreMy memories of Chris have faded a little not because they were not memorable but because of my fading memory. Chris was a very likeable and fun loving person. He was always able to add some enjoyment to the Holman/Ditchman gatherings with his jokes /pranks and his ability to laugh at himself and others. He was always supportive of his sisters, Dad and my sister Bernadette. His cousins enjoyed his company and we all admired his skills in the products he would produce. Unfortunately I lost contact with you Chris over the last couple of decades less
Chris, I will always remember you as that happy, polite, funny young man with an infectious smile. Forever young to me.
You will always have a very special place in my heart as I only have fond memories of you.
My heart breaks for your family and... moreChris, I will always remember you as that happy, polite, funny young man with an infectious smile. Forever young to me.
You will always have a very special place in my heart as I only have fond memories of you.
My heart breaks for your family and friends as I know you were much loved.
You followed the light and found the road to your eternal peace. 🙌 less
We met at Gardenvale Central and he was an important person to all his class mates. I remember playing kiss chasey in the school yard and ice skating together at the Olympic Ice Skating rink. Chris always enjoyed a joke and was there to brighten our... moreWe met at Gardenvale Central and he was an important person to all his class mates. I remember playing kiss chasey in the school yard and ice skating together at the Olympic Ice Skating rink. Chris always enjoyed a joke and was there to brighten our day. One of my fondest memories is when we met by chance in town on a New Year’s Eve and missed the last train home. Anders, Kimberley, Chris and I laughed our way home . It took all night but we didn’t care. Happy memories to last my lifetime. Thank you for being part of my life Chris. less
Hi my name is Sophie, Chris and i met about 20 years ago, by chance on smith st and became firm friends , bonding over a shared love of nature, art and a certain smokable herb, he was always a safe place for me, it was so nice to have a completely... moreHi my name is Sophie, Chris and i met about 20 years ago, by chance on smith st and became firm friends , bonding over a shared love of nature, art and a certain smokable herb, he was always a safe place for me, it was so nice to have a completely platonic friendship . We drifted apart in recent times but never too far apart. The last time i saw him was when he was in st vincents hospital a couple of months ago, we met in the Edinburgh gardens opposite the hospital and talked about the future, it was the best i have ever seen him, his hair was long and brushed over his shoulders, he looked healthy and happy and i was so hopeful for him. Thanks for the friendship Chris i will miss you and always remember you as you were that day in the gardens . Condolences to the family. less
I have some lovely memories of Chris the oldest of the ‘Holman’ grandchildren and nephew he made us smile and laugh at the same time , gatherings were always big and boisterous and about food and fun in that order , his cousins still talk about his... moreI have some lovely memories of Chris the oldest of the ‘Holman’ grandchildren and nephew he made us smile and laugh at the same time , gatherings were always big and boisterous and about food and fun in that order , his cousins still talk about his craft items leather pouches and necklaces that were produced at Xmas he was a legend ! Rest In Peace Chris xx less
You came to me in a dream on Sunday or I dreamed of you, I can't say which. Your face, eyes wide with excitement. Your body was replaced by what looked like the tail of a comet.
"Girly-girl! I've finally done it! I am free!".
And
Thank you
Thank you for being my protector so I never felt anyone or anything would harm me
Thank you for introducing me to a plethora of music I never knew existed
Thank you for broadening my mind with your creativity
Thank you for pushing me to be... moreThank you
Thank you for being my protector so I never felt anyone or anything would harm me
Thank you for introducing me to a plethora of music I never knew existed
Thank you for broadening my mind with your creativity
Thank you for pushing me to be stronger & stand up for myself
Thank you for being my buddy from playing Ken & Barbie, to billy carting, to BMX riding, to kicking the footy, to climbing trees, to teaching me to body surf the waves, to building sand castle villages, to swinging on the clothes line until we were yelled at.
Thank you for making my first fake ID
Thank for teaching me honesty is the best policy
Thank you making me steal that stupid toy & getting in so much trouble I thought I’d never recover
Thank you for my first joint
Thank you for sneaking me into my first punk rock gig
Thank you for the endless summers of fun at nana & pa’s, climbing the mango trees & making ourselves sick from over indulgence, playing old maid, playing dress ups with the dolls nana made all those matching clothes for, sneaking under the house to play records on the gramophone, playing in the old Chevy, feeding the budgies with pa, or just to help nana with that bloody double barrel washing machine, sneaking too much Russian caramel when nana wasn’t looking & playing hide & seek in that amazing house
Thank you for teaching me it’s ok not to follow the pack & to be different
Thanks for being a shoulder to cry on through some really tough time’s
Thank you being a kind & gentle soul
Thank you for making me laugh so hard I almost pee’d my pants
Thanks for being an amazing big brother
I know we haven’t been close for a number of years as we chose different paths but I will always cherish the years we were
As you passed and I was so far away I read this poem into your distant ear.
Troubled Mind
How I fear my troubled mind, you never treat me kind
How I fear my troubled mind
Moonlight creeping, through pane of glass, how I pray my fear won't last
How I fear my troubled mind
Silent taunting, mocking laughter, my troubles lasting ever after
How I fear my troubled mind
Black cloud, as black as oceans deep, rocks of sharp where serpents sleep
How I fear my troubled mind
Shadow across brow f hill, dampening light of darken sight
How I fear my troubled mind
How it feels all so unkind
Be still, be calm my troubled mind
Learn to love and treat me kind
My worried
Worried
Fragile
Mind
I remember so fondly when you were around, it was like the circus had arrived in town. You always walked in to a room with such charisma and drew people to you. Your humour was always cheeky, your laugh contagious, and your hugs so warm... moreDearest Chris
I remember so fondly when you were around, it was like the circus had arrived in town. You always walked in to a room with such charisma and drew people to you. Your humour was always cheeky, your laugh contagious, and your hugs so warm and made me feel like everything would be OK.
As my big brother whom I idolised, there were many things you taught me growing up. Not surprisingly, not all of them were good! But one I am proud of is that you taught me how to work through my emotions using verse. So in the early hours after I said my goodbyes, I wrote this for you:
You take your final breath
And shed a single tear
I slowly stroke your hair
Lean in and hold you near
I hold you so tight as you let go
Where you’ve gone I do not know
I wish for you a better place than this
As I say my goodbye, and your forehead I kiss.
Goodbye Chris. I love you always
Your baby sister Kate.
xxx less
Dear Chris
This is the saddest time in my life. Losing you is devastating and will be heart wrenching for a long time. We have both been such a constant in each other’s life. I know now that I will not have that frequent phone call every few days, that... moreDear Chris
This is the saddest time in my life. Losing you is devastating and will be heart wrenching for a long time. We have both been such a constant in each other’s life. I know now that I will not have that frequent phone call every few days, that we have enjoyed for so many years through the good times and through the challenging times. I will no longer be able to cheer you up or you me by simply saying “I miss you and love you”.
Lets remember some of the good times:
From texts you sent me a couple of weeks ago-
“Wategos beach on a wave rider thingy
You pointed to dolphins just beyond the breakers
Paddled out into the pod (idiot)
Dolphins gathered around me
Got to touch and hold onto a dolphin fin
Dragged along with the pod”
“I have to say thanks, I would never have explored food and cooking if not for you”
The numerous food and cooking texts
You, sitting on the beach at Noosa Heads and at Byron Bay wrapped in a beach towel whilst the rest of us were bathing in the warm sun
The great beach holidays
Bush camping in the large tent
Sitting in front of the fire at Phillip Island role playing The Goons, bouncing off each other as Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe and Peter Sellars, not sure how much the others enjoyed it but we did
Scraping and burning off the paint on the Pyne St house, trying not to burn it down
Walking crazy dogs in Caulfield Racecourse, the lake, the ducks, the spur wing plovers
Riding the Green Machine down Boronia Rd with the irrepressible Johnny
At 4 years old walking about 100 metres alone across several streets and Glenhuntly Rd to get lollies at the milk bar, getting delivered home in a police car
Flying to Queensland with Jo, unaccompanied for school holidays with Nana and Pa
Your home christening by that unconventional priest
The yellow Moke – the repairs!
The green HD wagon – the panel beating and painting!
The runaway trailer and so many more, they will keep coming back to me!
I will miss you, my mate.
“Life in her flight drops some of these fine old feathers”
D H Lawrence; Lady Chatterley’s Lover. less