A RESPECTED Bendigo lawyer is being remembered as a "generous and gentle man" who genuinely cared about other people.
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Robert Southgate, the former vice president of the Bendigo Law Association, died suddenly on August 7 after a short period of illness.
BLA president Juliana Smith said anyone who came into contact with the 48-year-old knew he was special.
"While he may not have worked in the Bendigo legal community as long as others, Rob is an example that it is not the length of time spent but what we do with that time and what we do for others that counts," she said.
"Equal justice, equal opportunity, and equal dignity without discrimination were important to Rob.
"We have been privileged to have the opportunity to know and work with Rob. His courtesy and generosity will stay with us."
Mr Southgate delved into a range of careers throughout his life.
He started off as a chef in the English city of Cambridge, before moving into pathology labs.
Mr Southgate relocated to Melbourne in 2003 with his then-wife Linda, which is where he contributed to research at the Alfred Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
It was when he met his partner Russell Barnier that Mr Southgate turned to law.
"He took to it like a duck to water," Mr Barnier said.
Mr Southgate went on to work at the Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre and Cahills Barristers and Solicitors in Bendigo.
Mr Barnier said while his partner was an avid bike rider who loved music, cooking, and his beloved Labradors, the thing he loved most of all was helping others.
"His compassion for clients experiencing domestic and family violence was widely acknowledged and praised as an attribute to a level of understanding unusual in your average bloke," Mr Barnier said.
"But that's just it - he was never your average bloke.
"He was an exceptional person, a loving partner, and a good friend to many. He was taken from us all, way too soon."
Mr Southgate was farewelled on August 26. The virtual service can be viewed here.
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Tara Cosoleto
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
