Vale – Jeffery Gyles

Jeff was born on 13 October 1937, he was educated at Box Hill High School, Longerenong Agricultural College, and Melbourne University. Whilst at University he lived at Trinity College, where he was a full participant in college and university athletics activities. Jeff was a talented runner and with the late Stanley Spittle (Bar Roll #863) formed a duo that won many championships.

He did articles at Arthur Robinson and was admitted to practice on 1 April 1966. From 1967 until 1970 Jeff was a legal officer with the RAAF, rising to the rank of Flight Lieutenant. In 1970, he left the RAAF and travelled to the UK to take up a position as a solicitor prosecutor with the Thames Valley Police based in Oxford. Jeff found his spiritual home in the UK; he loved every moment of his time there.

To better explore the highways and byways of the UK bought himself a three-month-old MGB sports car which he brought back to Australia and kept for the rest of his life.

In 1975 Jeff returned to Australia signing the Bar Roll on 8 April 1976. He read with Joseph Meagher (later a County Court Judge) developing a general practice with equal amounts of crime and civil briefs. Over time this became a solely civil practice. An unassuming man, Jeff went about his business in a quiet way making numerous good friends. He was truly a gentle man and a gentleman.

On 1 June 2003 Jeff retired from the Bar to pursue his passion for World War II military aircraft, especially the Lancaster bomber and the Spitfire fighter. He was equally passionate about Lawrence of Arabia, Winston Churchill, and all things British.

Jeff was a family man through and through. He married Deborah (Associate to Judge Wilmoth) in 1980 and together they raised three boys - Hugh, Lachlan, and Alex and subsequently five grandchildren. 

Jeff’s health progressively deteriorated in 2020 and 2021, until he died surrounded by his family. A funeral service to celebrate Jeff’s life was held on 22 April 2021. He will be sadly missed.

Deepest sympathies are extended to Jeff’s family and friends.