A colourful cavalcade of Mini cars helped provide a fitting send-off for well-known motor trader Geoff Restorick, who has died, after a short illness, aged 79.
The Minis – an affectionate reference to Geoff’s love of rallying – followed a recovery truck that carried him to his funeral service at St Bartholomew’s Church in Crewkerne on Saturday, January 29.
Geoff was born in Charmouth on June 15, 1942, the younger son of George and Renie Restorick. He was educated at Charmouth Primary School and then at Woodroffe and St Michael’s Senior School in Lyme Regis.
As a teenager Geoff enjoyed music – he played in a skiffle band called The Red Planet Skiffle Group – and cycling.
He married Pat, his childhood sweetheart, in 1963 and they enjoyed 52 years together, living in Tatworth initially, and then Misterton, near Crewkerne. The couple had four children, Vivienne, Carolyn, Lesley and Charlie.
Geoff was also a proud father of Kerry and Martyn. He had a grand total of 16 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Geoff, pictured above, worked for Whellars Motors in Yeovil and later for Southern Tiling, also in Yeovil. He developed a passion for rallying – first driving a Ford Anglia and then competing in Minis, which became his great favourite. On race days the family would travel with Geoff to watch him compete – sometimes as far away as Wales but also closer to home, including at Cricket St Thomas.
When Geoff and Pat moved to Misterton this became established as the family home. Geoff set up Mosterton Road Body Repairs and at times would have four or five members of staff working for him. When he retired the business continued in the family.
Geoff served his local community by becoming a Misterton parish councillor and served as vice-chairman on the council. He remained in that public role until the end of his life.
Cavalcade of Minis for funeral
Geoff loved animals. He sponsored a donkey at The Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary in east Devon and loved to spend time bird watching in his garden.
His family asked that donations could be made in his memory to either The Donkey Sanctuary or The Ape Rescue Trust.
Geoff died on January 13.
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