Born Sunday December 06, 1931. Passed away Thursday September 29, 2022.

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Passed away peacefully at the Geelong University Hospital, surrounded by family, aged 90 years.
Loved husband of Pat. Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Ruth and Robert, Michael (dec), Allan and Sue, Jenny and Brad, Robyn and Craig, Susan and Steven, Anne-Maree and Russell, Andrew and Hannah. Adored Grandad of 23 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)
Safe in the arms of Jesus.

Tributes

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1. Uncle Cyril,
   The man who taught me so much in life. Your kindness, laughter and genuine caring for those around you was always something I admire about you most.
   I enjoyed many many hours riding horses through the cape with you, having a billy tea in the bush and just enjoying life on horseback. There are so many wonderful memories I will cherish forever. You are a man I will continue to look up to. Thank you for sharing your love and knowledge of horses with me, for supporting me at my many horse events and teaching me at an early age to be responsible and hard working.
   The list goes on…
   Here’s to you, for being such a generous, kind and loving soul, someone who will be missed dearly but who will hold a special place in our hearts forever.
   Hope your enjoying a nice cuppa.
   Rest peacefully.

   Sarah Chrzanowski

   October 14, 2022 9:45 pm

2. To The Marriner,

   Our sincerest condolences for you all at this sad time. May your memories help you through this difficult time.

   From The Sabato family

   Joanne Sabato

   October 14, 2022 2:05 pm

3. Uncle Cyril, you had a huge imagination and set out to create your own world that was all parts of you; a lover of Horses,Scouts, Camping, Outdoors and History of the ocean and land that you loved. And you created Bimbi Park,something that brought joy to so many. Your outside theatre was like nothing I had ever seen before and lived it. Thanks for the confidence you had in me as a child to cook scones (Devonshire teas)for tourists, design and paint your signs for your Historic displays, work in your canteen, saddle all your horses and ride any horse and bring up the rear and shut the gates, and have confidence in myself to talk to adults/ tourists and teach them things about the country life, all unsupervised. All of these skill I used for employment in different jobs over the years. Thanks also for teaching me not to be afraid to experience life, and dreams can come true, if you work hard.

   Pat, my heart is with you, rest and take some time for you now , thinking of you, and sending you strength to get through the months ahead. love Annette xxx

   To All my cousins and extended families, what a massive loss for all of you, sorry I didn’t make it to share this day , such an amazing life he had, you can all be proud of. Thinking of you all and sending my love and prayers your way.
   love Annette xx

   Uncle Lyall, Its times like these when I realise it’s not always easy being the youngest, thinking of you as you now stand alone…. I can not imagine . Love Annette xx

   Annette Caird (Towers)

   October 14, 2022 11:15 am

4. In loving memory of Cyril Marriner

   Cyril you are a legend, one of a kind.
   He changed my life in so many ways. I will forever be grateful to him for everything he taught me. He opened his home, his land and his horses to me and allowed me to partake in so many adventures. Because of Cyril (and his wife Pat) I have a childhood of great memories. Memories I will treasure forever. I have admired this old fashioned Australian outback man from my early childhood. Around the age of 12 year I had the honor of working for him and adventuring around Cape Otway on many horse trail rides. Bimbi Park allowed me to leave the city girl behind and become a country girl every holiday. I felt so free jumping on a horse riding down to Station beach, through the sand bowl, coming home in the dark or even riding in the rain all day. I loved having Billy tea and a herb flavored snag down at Rainbow falls. Everytime we go to Bimbi Park I bring fruit cake and Anzac biscuits to pass this tradition down to my children.
   I loved that Cyril always made us sit together for dinner at the end of a crazy day. All of us Bimbi girls loved being there, and would have done it for free, as the laughter, adventure and experiences were worth more than money. Now as an adult I feel so sad my kids will never have those adventures or experiences. I'll always miss movie nights, the music/songs "Happy Holidays", the way you would fall asleep on horse rides or at the dinner table, your laugh, your country voice, your stories, the way you would call out to Pat. Thank you Cyril for giving me the gift of freedom that Cape Otway offers for teaching me without knowing how to truly love the country and all it has to offer. The gift of being able to horse ride (one I’m passing on to my children),the best holiday memories and life long friends.
   I will miss you forever. It's time for you to rest now, know your spirit will live on in us, your Bimbi girls.
   Love always
   Jodie Dean nee Crockford

   Jodie Dean

   October 14, 2022 10:13 am

5. So many of us and the kids have treasured memories of the times we shared with Cyril on horseback,in the truck or just following him around the park. Our sincere condolences to Pat and all the family. Jill and Bruce Little

   Jill And Bruce Little

   October 13, 2022 10:14 am

6. The world was better off because it had you in it, you had a orra around you and never in my life have I met such a loving, kind hearted and gentle soul. You are an amazing person and I feel so very blessed for having known you.
   You are a one of a kind true gentleman and they broke the mould after they made you.
   Your family are so proud of you, they will forever hold fond memories of a father they loved and cherished and you will live on forever through every single one of them.
   You lived your life with your arms wide open and a smile on your face, you were devoted to the people and bringing everyone together and you lived your life so proudly to bring everyone else happiness. You were so proud to be a Marriner and strongly believed in tradition and keeping the Marriner name going.
   Your sons and your grandson Anthony are very proud to be Marriners and to be able to carry on yor name and legacy.
   It time for you to rest now and be free.
   We love you.
   Forever and for always your daughter in law Hannah and Grandson Nate
   Xx

   Hannah Marriner

   October 13, 2022 9:23 am

7. A lovely quiet man who is responsible for so many of our happy family memories, whether they are camping, sitting around a fire, horse riding or having a chat. We will remember Cyril with much fondness and give our sincere sympathies and love to Pat and the family as well as Frank, Kat and the Bimbi family. A much loved man, may he rest in peace.

   Grady And Emily Lewis

   October 12, 2022 11:18 pm

8. My dear Grandad,
   You were simply the best Grandad a horse obsessed girl could have asked for. You taught me to ride and how to care for the horses. You let me come every single school holidays of my teen life and I loved it so. Thank you for being the great man that you were - you lived your life in service to so many in the community. You loved the history of the area and passed on the stories of old. It was only a few months ago that we danced the night away at Jessica’s wedding- you with your eyes sparkling and me with my dress swishing. I had a feeling then that it might be the last time and I treasured it up in my heart for a day like today. It’s taken me a long time to be able to post this letter to you because I was so shocked that your time has come and that meant that the last goodbye had the weight of finality over it. It broke our hearts to lose you. But you did not go alone - a part of us went with you the night God took you home. I’ll be dancing with you in my memories until we dance in heaven.
   Love always,
   Joanna
   ——
   ‘A little memoir of holidays with Grandad’:

   “C’mon!!! C’mon!!!” You’d yell at the top of your lungs down at the gate of The Big Hill paddock. The horses ears would prick, their heads would pop up and by the third time you call - we hear the mighty roar of hooves as the herd gallops down the hill - you swing the gate open and into their stalls - they would go - each one knows which stall is his - they don’t need to be told. Then we’d pop on their halters while they eat their breakfast. Tack them up ready for the day. Sunshine or rain - any day is a good day for a ride!
   Off we go, walking first, now for a Trott, out through the bush and down to the sea. Lean back all the way as we go down the cliffs to station beach, have a little look at rainbow falls, then it’s time for a canter along the beach - “don’t let them go in the water!” you’d call out. “Keep him at a canter and don’t let him gallop!!” … “if you can’t hold your horse, steer him to the soft sand so he tires himself out”. Oh the thrill of cantering along with the waves crashing and the wind blowing in our hair!!!
   Now they’ve had their fun it’s time to weave our way back up the dunes and along the coast, we’ll go through the scout camp and you will point out all the koalas along the way. If we’re lucky we’ll stop for billy tea and and Anzac biscuit. Time to boil the billy -one handful of lanchoo, one gum leaf and some water, light the fire and wait. Once it’s boiled, “one… two… three!” you say as - you would swing it around and around above your head the tourists couldn’t believe the tea never fell out!! Such a great party trick. Now it’s time to let our horses have their heads to take us home. Give them a feed and put them out. What a great day. We’ll do it all again tomorrow.”
   ———
   🐎🌊🕊 🤍

   Joanna Cromb (granddaughter)

   October 12, 2022 7:24 pm

9. My dear Grandad,
   You were simply the best Grandad a horse obsessed girl could have asked for. You taught me to ride and how to care for the horses. You let me come every single school holidays of my teen life and I loved it so. Thank you for being the great man that you were - you lived your life in service to so many in the community. You loved the history of the area and passed on the stories of old. It was only a few months ago that we danced the night away at Jessica’s wedding- you with your eyes sparkling and me with my dress swishing. I had a feeling then that it might be the last time and I treasured it up in my heart for a day like today. It’s taken me a long time to be able to post this letter to you because I was so shocked that your time has come and that meant that the last goodbye had the weight of finality over it. It broke our hearts to lose you. But you did not go alone - a part of us went with you the night God took you home. I’ll be dancing with you in my memories until we dance in heaven.
   Love always,
   Joanna

   Joanna Cromb (granddaughter)

   October 12, 2022 7:12 pm

10. A little memoir of holidays with Grandad…’

    “C’mon!!! C’mon!!!” You’d yell at the top of your lungs down at the gate of The Big Hill paddock. The horses ears would prick, their heads would pop up and by the third time you call - we hear the mighty roar of hooves as the herd gallops down the hill - you swing the gate open and into their stalls - they would go - each one knows which stall is his - they don’t need to be told. Then we’d pop on their halters while they eat their breakfast. Tack them up ready for the day. Sunshine or rain - any day is a good day for a ride!
    Off we go, walking first, now for a Trott, out through the bush and down to the sea. Lean back all the way as we go down the cliffs to station beach, have a little look at rainbow falls, then it’s time for a canter along the beach - “don’t let them go in the water!” you’d call out. “Keep him at a canter and don’t let him gallop!!” … “if you can’t hold your horse, steer him to the soft sand so he tires himself out”. Oh the thrill of cantering along with the waves crashing and the wind blowing in our hair!!!
    Now they’ve had their fun it’s time to weave our way back up the dunes and along the coast, we’ll go through the scout camp and you will point out all the koalas along the way. If we’re lucky we’ll stop for billy tea and and Anzac biscuit. Time to boil the billy -one handful of lanchoo, one gum leaf and some water, light the fire and wait. Once it’s boiled, “one… two… three!” you say as - you would swing it around and around above your head the tourists couldn’t believe the tea never fell out!! Such a great party trick. Now it’s time to let our horses have their heads to take us home. Give them a feed and put them out. What a great day. We’ll do it all again tomorrow.
    ———
    love always Joanna

    Joanna Cromb (granddaughter)

    October 12, 2022 7:05 pm

11. My dear Grandad,
    You were simply the best Grandad a horse obsessed girl could have asked for. You taught me to ride and how to care for the horses. You let me come every single school holidays of my teen life and I loved it so. Thank you for being the great man that you were - you lived your life in service to so many in the community. You loved the history of the area and passed on the stories of old. It was only a few months ago that we danced the night away at Jessica’s wedding- you with your eyes sparkling and me with my dress swishing. I had a feeling then that it might be the last time and I treasured it up in my heart for a day like today. It’s taken me a long time to be able to post this letter to you because I was so shocked that your time has come and that meant that the last goodbye had the weight of finality over it. It broke our hearts to lose you. But you did not go alone - a part of us went with you the night God took you home. I’ll be dancing with you in my memories until we dance in heaven.
    Love always,
    Joanna

    Joanna Cromb (granddaughter)

    October 12, 2022 7:04 pm

12. Grandad. Words fail to describe the wonderful man of God that you were. You loved your family, you loved others, and you loved the outdoors. Thank you for all that you did for your family and for the everlasting impact you’ve had not only me, but countless others.
    Rest in Peace Grandad. You will be missed, but it brings me such joy to know that you’re finally home with your Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ ❤️ 🕊️

    Will Close

    October 06, 2022 8:34 pm

13. Rest in Peace Cyril. Your parents were dear friends of my mother Euralie Tippins. I have happy memories of wonderful times on the farm in years gone by. Deepest sympathy to all your family. Matthew and Christine Tippins.

    Matthew Tippins

    October 06, 2022 5:35 pm

14. Cyril Robert Marriner (6/12/1931 – 29/9/2022)
    Our treasured Dad was a one of a kind.
    He was a well renowned resident of the Otway’s, serving on many different committees in the local community.
    He blazoned trails along the rugged coastline and in the bush, so that he could lead and take people on horseback to share his wonder and appreciation of the magnificent landscape, and the natural flora and fauna of the Otway’s.
    Dad never tired of delighting in the splendour of God’s handiwork.
    He established Bimbi Park and had a creative way of attracting people to the history of the shipwreck coast.
    He was gregarious, fun-loving and attracted to the bushman’s lifestyle.
    He was instrumental in re-introducing the koalas back to the Otway’s after their demise in the Otway fires.
    He loved life and his joy was new every morning.
    He loved his home in the Otway’s, he loved his family and he loved his Lord Jesus.
    He was a wonderful dad, a humble, faithful servant and a true gentleman.
    Dear darling Dad, you have blessed us all in so many ways and we will miss you terribly.
    No longer can I share the delights of a new baby born, the news of our growing family’s dreams and accomplishments, dance in your arms and hug you and fondly wave you goodbye at the end of each visit to your home, where we were always warmly welcomed.
    You had such a positive take on life and our children and their families loved you dearly and treasured all the special things you did. Thankyou. We are all blessed to have had you in our lives.
    Rest peacefully now your work is done, and the angels have called you home.
    Your loving daughter Ruth and son in law Robert Greaves, cherished Granddad and Great Granddad of Melanie, Rodney & Mia-Miette Noorbergan; Joanna, Scott, Elijah & Zachary Cromb; Naomi, Jared, Patrick, Ruby, Edward & Ewan McLeod; Joshua, Clare, Isaiah, Samson, Neve & Noah Greaves and Samuel, Annaélle, Charlie, Elliot, Lia, Joel, Sophie & Frankie (in the arms of Jesus) Greaves.

    Ruth Greaves

    October 06, 2022 12:38 pm

15. Cyril I only meet you a few times helping you looking after your precious horses feet but your amazing love for your animals touched me what a life you have lived condolences to your extended family true gentleman

    Paul Quinane

    October 04, 2022 10:06 pm

16. We miss your laugh we miss your smile
    We wish we could still sit for a while
    And talk with you about the past
    There's no more time, time goes so fast
    We would tell you how much we love you Dad
    How grateful we are for the childhood we had
    Chasing the cattle out in the sun
    Catching crayfish 'now that was fun '
    Watching them scurry on the beach hut floor
    Until into the pot and they'd scurry no more
    Ferreting for rabbits out the sandhills
    Fixing the fences, climbing windmills
    Putting our entries into the show
    Planting the vegies watching them grow
    Choosing a horse and learning to ride
    When we mastered it seeing your pride
    You introduced us to your beloved cats
    To the footy we'd go coats, scarves and hats
    Beautiful memories held close to our heart
    But your time has come and you must depart
    So go with God we mustn't be sad
    Your in his care now our wonderful Dad
    Love Susan

    Susan Male

    October 04, 2022 8:43 pm

17. Dad I will miss seeing you sitting at the table with the sun warming your back
    Your morning hug and cheery greeting as together for breakfast we sat
    Porridge and marmalade on toast a must for you to start the day
    You always gave thanks to God as you would pray
    So many memories flood my mind as I remember the times we shared
    The walks to the beach and the way you cared
    You loved the Lord, you encouraged our faith in God to grow
    I am forever grateful for coming to know
    Precious Jesus has prepared a heavenly home for all to go to
    And that’s where I know I will next meet you

    Love always, Jenny

    Jenny Thompson, nee Marriner

    Jenny Thompson

    October 04, 2022 8:25 pm

18. In Memory of Dad

    My darling Dad, it’s time to farewell
    You have run the race, you did it well
    You demonstrated what it means to live abundantly
    Your life a beautiful testimony

    Ensconced in the tranquility of the farm
    You showed us its beauty, its special charm
    To frolic in green pastures, wild and free
    Rounding cattle o’er land and skirting sea

    You shared your love of nature in all its splendour
    As you led us through forests of enormous stature
    Scented air, its allure sublime
    As wildlife would enchant in their pantomime

    To ride upon shores adorned with foamy necklace
    A rapturous reverie I linger to embrace
    Along the trembling edge of rivers cool
    Sky sparkling above, azure blue

    Shoulders broad as you walked daughters down the aisle
    You always did it with such style
    You cradled my babies, smiles warm and tender
    ‘Tis a moment in time I will remember

    You would delve into the pages of history
    and unveil all of its mystery
    Your love of music, favourite songs
    Echo in my reminisce and will linger long

    Your servant heart for the community
    You made the most of each opportunity
    Life was not a free ride, it entailed hard work
    Long hours of labour, you did no shirk

    A local legend is what many will say,
    Especially the people of Hordern, Apollo and Otway
    Leading with passion and pure conviction
    A heavy workload was ne’er a burden, restriction

    Treasures were yours but not material wealth
    You loved others deeply, beyond yourself
    Your faith shone through all that you’d do
    And is how I would like to remember you

    In latter years, enjoying simple pleasures
    Time, a commodity you did not measure
    A cup of tea, a ready smile,
    You embraced the chance to sit for a while

    Complexion pale with weariness
    You were called home, your body to rest
    Winter faded into spring
    Heavenly angels began to sing

    Your crown sparkling like morning dew
    As beloved gathered to comfort you
    Choruses enveloped in sweet harmony
    You surrendered into eternity

    We must not linger in our time of sorrow
    For there will be a bright tomorrow
    Earth will awaken with a trumpet sound
    dead will rise up from the ground

    Dad, we love you and miss your warm embrace
    We long to gaze once more upon your face
    Heavens’ bottle of collected tears
    Will fill no more at homecoming’s frontier

    Love always, Anne- Maree
    With Christ is better

    Anne-Maree Close, Nee Marriner

    October 04, 2022 3:05 pm

19. Rest peacefully. A very well liked man who gave a lot of time to the many young people of apollo bay and surronds. Will be sadly missed.The Macgregor family..

    Peter Macgregor

    October 04, 2022 12:30 pm