Blaze Aid has published a wonderful tribute to the late Merv Dyer:

“A giant of a man – in more ways than just a physically big guy -his heart was big too.

“After the Feb2009 Black Saturday fires, Merv led the Freemasonry Task Force and worked with his team out of our woolshed at Kilmore East and into the blackened fire regions to give farmers hope and belief in their future.

“He was a wonderful loveable encourager to Rhonda and I when BlazeAid battled for volunteers and resources and a model for running the fledgling organisation.

“Among his many gifts to others were his Men’s Health T shirts promoting the same cause and though tattered and almost ready for the rag basket, I still wear mine at least weekly since 2009 as a collectable favourite to remind me of the inspiring difference this great Freemason has made to the lives of many others.

“Rhonda and I are most saddened for the loss to his family and Freemasonry but most grateful for his input and influence – it can be difficult to remember and recognise all the defining ones who nurtured the fragile BlazeAid fledging and helped it along in the beginning but we will always fondly remember Merv for this and will miss him greatly,” said Kevin Butler.