TREVOR Davis didn’t have a bucket list.
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They are for people on the way out and the cancer-afflicted man had plenty of life left in him yet.
Instead the former Rutherglen service station and Corowa piggery worker was a big believer in wish lists.
The English-born, mad-keen cricketer rated a surprise trip to a Lords Test match in 2015 as a life highlight, but he was just as happy making those around him feel good about themselves.
Even on his death bed, Trevor, 56, could still get a laugh out of his wife though his energy was spent and his battle almost done.
Married to her “saviour and best friend” for just shy of 29 years, Joan Davis says while adrenal cancer claimed Trevor too young, he had dignity in death and quality of life until the end.
Mrs Davis says this was only possible through the Corowa-based Amaranth Foundation, originally set up to offer mental health and social support during the end of life phase.
“Trevor’s desire to die at home became a reality because of Amaranth,” she says.
“His wish was he wanted to die at home so long as he didn’t burden me by doing it.
“Amaranth enabled me to feel I had a little bit of power in how I could look after Trevor.
“I learnt to do so much for him I didn’t think I had the courage or stomach for.”
Amaranth founder and chief executive Julianne Whyte, OAM, says Trevor wanted to set up a fund to help people who were experiencing hardship or living with a terminal illness.
The Trevor Davis Pay It Forward – Compassionate Community Fund was launched during the official opening of Amaranth House on Tuesday.
“The fund has been established by his family: his widow Joan and children, Melanie, Simone, Ashleigh and Phillip in partnership with Amaranth and $300 was raised at his funeral to start the fund,” Mrs Whyte says.
Mrs Whyte says the family valued the foundation’s counselling, family support, meals and gardening.
“There is so much more than the medical treatment that contributes to how people live – and how they live matters,” she says.
Mrs Davis says Amaranth staff recorded conversations with Trevor, which they presented as a book and video. He also wrote keepsake letters to his family.
“So many people lose a loved one and they don’t have any photographic memories; through these recordings I’m able to hear Trevor’s voice,” she says.
Amaranth Foundation board member Adam Richardson, who donated $500 to the Pay It Forward, says he owes his life to the service.
He went many rounds with depression about three years ago.
“The opportunity came up to be a member of the board and work with the people who helped me through my darkest days; people who had faith that my past doesn’t define me even though it created me,” he says.
For Trevor Davis, you can’t help but think his dying wish will help so many others.