EULOGY - Charles George Buffett - 1944-2024

The Story of Chilla (Uncle Chill)

I’m honored to be here today to talk about our darling Chill and to share his story.

Charles George Buffett affectionately known as Chilla was born on Norfolk Island on 19^th January 1944, son of Estelle and Gustav Buffett, father to Stacey and Amber, brother to June (dec), Uncle Harry and Aunty Paddy (dec), Uncle Norm, Leonie affectionately known to him as work, Aunty Lynn (dec) and Uncle Mike and Dars.

He grew up at the family home on New Cascade Road in an era where times were tough, but it was here that his love for both family and food first began. Uncle Chill loved his food, particularly Norfolk pies, and he spoke of Nan and Aunt’s often.

Uncle Chill lived his entire life on his beloved Norfolk, a place he was so proud to call his home and was over 40 years old, before he travelled abroad. Trips away were rare and for short periods only. Some were for medical reasons, and it was hard convincing him to go. One trip that he often spoke of was when he and Mum went to New Zealand to spend some time with his girls. He loved that trip and often spoke fondly of it. Uncle Chill spoke about wanting to travel more often but such is life you would say.

Uncle Chill went to school on Norfolk, and it was here that his friendship circle first began.

After finishing school his working life started. Uncle Chill worked down at the Whaling station, at restoration, round the airport, down at the ship and most recently at the works depot and from this his friendship group grew and expanded.

He loved his work mates and ‘banging the table’ breaks. He could bring the roof down when he slammed down the winning card. Although many of his mates are gone, memories still linger of the noisy card games in Munnas with Streaks, Franklin, Ruggy, Puss and others.

Uncle Chill really loved Jaro, Cara and Rhonda remember fondly of playing cards at Uncle Harry and Aunty Paddys all night, eating at Hihi’s and if Uncle Chill was down on his luck he would get up and walk around his chair before sitting down again hoping his luck would change.

Uncle Chill was known for many things, he was naturally talented, but it’s stories of his strength and good nature that have been told to me a lot over the past week. I’ve heard of him lifting full 44-gallon drums onto trucks but also when he played for the blues, he was actually quite gentle and conscious of not hurting anyone.

I know there are so many more stories to tell of Uncle Chills earlier life, but I also know that he wouldn’t want me up here too long, so I hope yorley that knew Uncle Chill and have stories to tell please share them and remember him and his winning smile.

Around 1969 Chilla met Sheryl. Their shared love gave them two daughters Stacey and Amber (both beautiful inside and out). Although it didn’t end up being the fairy tale, Uncle Chill loved Sheryl very much and that was maybe one of his hardest life lessons.

After retiring Uncle Chill enjoyed tinkering and scheming at his place up Selwyn, spending time with family and friends and living simply and peacefully. Many a morning was spent on his veranda having cuppers, reminding Brad to watch his head that he often knocked on the umbrella that never moved- he loved you, Brady, talking about days gone by or having deep discussions about anything and everything, there was always peace to be found on his deck with those sun filled days and birdlife.

Those days will stay with me forever. Walking down the path with Mum, seeing Uncle Chill at his table studying “the good book” and looking up with his glasses on the bridge of his nose and saying “Yorley gwen hawe wun cuppa?” and if you said yes, the reply was “what a bullin good idea, I’ll put the billy on”.

He loved his home, his treasure trove, an avid collector of something that might be useful one day. One of the saddest things for me was watching Uncle Chill standing in front of his house, an inferno, with his burnt feet watching his place of solitude a blaze. But true to you Uncle Chill you took that in your stride, “such is life you said” and you kept on going.

The fire marked the beginning of his final chapter. A turning point in the deterioration of his health through Parkinsons, a disease that had been diagnosed a few years earlier, but which accelerated after the fire.

It been a cruel disease slowing him down, making life that little bit harder and finally robbing this strong fit man that we all knew and loved, of his independence and ability. But it was in these hard times that he stayed determined, always being grateful for life; the good, bad and beautiful.

You could ask him at any time “how are you feeling today Uncle Chill and he would say “just like the weather”.

He stayed sharp and interested in the world around him and with what was happening outside the hospital doors. Some days it was “I el ya Al’s mower” I’d say, “I nor thought Uncle Chill?” then I would go and look or ring to check, and yep Al would be mowing next door and if he was here, I know he would be so proud and tul “man I hot f dar”.

We would fill him in on the latest family news; Joni’s moving to Australia Uncle Chill; Luther’s moving back to Norfolk; Xavy performed at the Syndey Opera House; Gracie is loving school; Nat’s going to Uni; Steph got her license; Ari turned 11; Charlotte’s doing gymnastics; Lacey started school; Maggie looks so much like Cara; Honu’s talking so much ; Aunty Zoe’s such a wonderful mother; Bonnie’s beautiful jes semes dar old gairl; Georgia and Zac are going travelling; Lachs loving being on Norfolk; Deb and Warrick are renovating Peters Highway; you should see what Pete and Kyle have down around the Butcher Shop; Michael and Thomas are coming over; Pix has gone to Olympics. He was always kept up to date with family news.

This part of his journey was hard, but we really got to appreciate the silver lining, sharing these updates or something of note that would make him and his eyes light up. It was even better if it made him laugh. These precious conversations were so special.

Uncle Chill was grateful for every day, even the hardest ones, with no fuss, taking it all in his stride.

During this Journey and a true testament to what a valued and respected member of the community he was, there were always people asking after him and sending their best wishes.

But most of all there was his tribe who loved him and supported him every step of the way.

Dar’s making sure he got whatever he wanted no matter how obscure; whether that was spending months finding a special song from random lyrics; getting his favorite foods; special orders of crocs from New Zealand; and the time that you spent together. He loved you so very much.

Uncle Mike for the friendship that you shared with Uncle Chill, the drives that you took together that he loved so much and his knowing that he could count on you to handle the hard stuff. Uncle Chill was truly grateful and loved you so much too.

Mum, Work. The support and strength that you gave to Uncle Chill was unwavering. He was your brother, your protecter and you were his little sister. You shared the most beautiful bond. You stayed by his side right through, even on Sunday when the nurses had to tell you it was time to let go. I know too how very much he appreciated everything that you did but also how much you loved him. He loved you too Work.

Stace and Amber, the joy that you brought to Uncle Chill’s life was immeasurable. We saw that when he spoke about you both. He loved you both oh so much and his face would light up whenever you were mentioned. The love that you gave to him was so beautiful to see and he was so proud of you both.

Uncle Norm always with no filter, wanting to make us all laugh. After talking with you the other day you shared so much- thank you. We love you.

His family who have all held him gently in their hearts, he loved each and every one of us.

And His friends – too many to mention - but particularly, Moose. Your love and admiration that you have had for Uncle Chill has shone though, we know how much you loved and respected him, and he loved you too.

But to honor you this must be short and sweet so to cut a long story short, Chilla passed away peacefully at the Norfolk Island Hospital surrounded by his family.

Through the challenges he faced losing everything in his house fire and facing the rapid nature of his Parkinson’s Uncle Chill took it all in his stride with strength and dignity.

We love you Uncle Chill; we will cherish the time that we have spent with you, and you will always hold a such a huge special place in our hearts. We will so miss you much.

Finally, from me thank you for all that you have done for me, myse mum, and myse brother and Mareet and our whole family. I am so proud to call you, my uncle. I’ll talk of you often and remember all the valuable life advice you gave me.

I love you Uncle Chill.

Sweet dreams

On behalf of our family we would like to sincerely thank Shane Quintal, the grave diggers, the wreathmakers, Colleen Crane for the use of the Guide Hall, Pastor Anders Leonard Schmitz for driving Uncle Chill to his final resting place, Dr Pete, the Nurses and hospital staff that showed kindness and compassion to Uncle Chill over the last couple of years, everyone that has visited or dropped of food and flowers and the Norfolk Island community thaenk’s f uwa yorley. We apologise if we se forget anyone but please know we were so grateful for all the love.