Harley and Errol Morgan FireStorm Victims

[GabbyG]

As many of you may be aware the State of Victoria, Australia is in the grip of extreme heat and 'bush fires' which have wiped out whole towns, one of these towns a pretty little hamlet at the foot of our alpine region called "Marysville" has been totally wiped out, there is nothing left.

Marysville was the home of Harley Morgan and his wife Errol. It is with great sadness, their son Andrew has informed me Harley and Errol have not survived the 'fire storm'.



Andrew is aware of the huge 'carving' family Harley so often spoke about, and his passion to carve and share his knowledge with anyone who showed even just a little bit of interest, sadly Andrew is unable to personally contact Harely's carving family as all records have been lost.

A Tribute to Harley

The sheer enormity of the 'fire storms' here will without doubt have an impact on each and everyone of us in some way or another. To learn of the tragic loss of dear friends in such a disaster renders one numb with disbelief.

Harley and Errol were very much a part of the Community of Marysville and such proud Marysville'ites having developed their little patch of paradise in an idealic setting nestled in a little valley on a winding dirt road which led into the pristine alpine forest.

They built their home on a part of the block which didn't require huge trees to be felled and were so passionate about their garden and the abundance of wildlife and birds it was home to.

Harley loved to take his visitors on a guided tour of his garden which was also home to dozens of his much loved carvings. As you walked around each corner there was another surprise to see or a story to be told about a tree, stump, where the resident wombats lived or where his next carving was to be installed. The preservation of the bush and outdoors was very much a part of their lives.

I have had the pleasure of carving with Harley at a number of carving events and camp fires, regular visits and chatting on the phone. Errol, although not into carving, preferring to persue her passion of family history research was a wealth of knowledge of our early settlers and so willing to share her 'findings'. Errol always had the kettle on for a cuppa and would whip up a great dinner.

Young Dave and I will miss Harley and listening to his carving stories.

Our sincere sympathy goes out to Harley and Errols families and may God comfort them in their time of need.



Harley at the Winton Carve

Harley a gentle and sincere man, devoted to Errol his wife, proud and a constant bragger about their children and grandchildren.
Harley was always willing to bend absolutly anyones ear about chainsaw carving and confident in his ability and personal style he would gladly share the 'tricks of the trade'.

Harley may not have been a giant in stature he wore his heart on his sleeve and would without question give of himself, carving tools, a place to carve, a place to rest for the night with a hot meal, warm bed and lots of 'woody' chatter and laughter.

Errol supported Harley and his passion for carving and his desire to 'raise the bar' to bring chainsaw carving into the realm of fine art. They say behind every good man is a good woman, Errol without doubt was the driving force and support behind Harleys vision to carve full time, which he had almost accomplished.

Our carving community has lost a fine artist and ambassador.

Due to the circumstances Harley and Errols families don't have any carvings or pictures as all was lost in the fire.

If you have any pictures or know of someone who has a commissioned carving please contact me so I can pass the pictures and locations of Harley's carvings onto his family.
Gabby Gamble ggamble@harboursat.com.au

[Rwenzoski]

Hi Gabby, These are a few pictures I have that Harley sent to me a few years back when trying to help me out, as this was the type of fellow he was. I had a good chuckle when I first seen them as he hadn't told me how tall he was!
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I wish I had had the chance to meet him in person!
Thanks, Robbin

[richmond1]

Its amazing to hear that so many people knew Harley and my mum and respected them so much. Searching forums and such as you do when your struggling for answers and seeing these sites has blown me away. Mum and Harley have been confirmed deceased. Any recollections you can pass on would be gratefully appreciated. Regards, Glenn

[AlArchie]

Our prayers go out to you, Andrew, and for all the good folks in the fire areas. Somehow it seems we lose the best people far too early.

Al

[Colin-Partridge]

Robbin I also only knew him for his work but my heart is saddened by his passing. Al you are right isnt it the truth that the good ones are taken too early when the scum of the earth live on. Andrew my thoughts and prayers are with you and the families at this time of sadness.
Colin

[Don Yarger]

May God Bless, keep, and encourage you all through this time of loss.

Sincerely,

Don

[Hugh-P]

Words fail me, thinking of this tragedy, I can only repeat what Don has said, May the good Lord Bless you and encourage you at this time of great sadness.

[Kenny_S]

Amen!!!!!!!!!!

[Irishman]

Sad news indeed.
Patrick

[vacation212]

Very sad time,all our prayers go with you.