Dominic Paul Lynch

I was fortunate to have grown up in Tavistock, Devon and had a wonderful group of friends with whom to share my teenage years. Dom was an integral part of that group and I have fantastic memories of school, rugby matches, nights out and visiting Dom and his lovely mum Sue in Chillaton. Dom was a very positive person to be around; always jovial and smiling, dependable, kind and true to his word. He was also a big hit with the mums! “So polite and handsome!”
The last time we met in person was in 2005 when Dom and Gilly were kind enough to host me at their home in Sydney after I’d been backpacking for several months. At the time Gilly was pregnant with the twins and I had just discovered that I was also expecting a baby. It was a difficult time for me, but my dear friend and his lovely wife took care of me and ensured I had a wonderful few days. I have not forgotten their warmth and hospitality.
Hearing the news that Dom had passed away was incredibly sad and my heartfelt condolences go out to Gilly, Lucy and Toby. We shall raise a glass to a much-loved friend when we get together in Tavistock next month in his honour.

I had the absolute privilege of getting to know Dom (and Gilly) for the last 3 years during his cancer treatment. Dom had such an amazing vibrant presence. We shared many laughs together over the years despite the illness and challenges he was facing. I am so glad Dom had those 3 years to fill his time with as many memories and achievements as he could. Such an inspiration!

He will be missed by all the staff at the cancer centre at NBH.

I was at school in Tavistock with Dom, back when he was playing rugby for the infamous Red and Blacks…which was a great day (and night) out. He was a gentle giant, leader and friend to all back in the 1980’s and it is wonderful to look through more recent memories and see that he stayed fabulous and had such wonderful friends and family surrounding him.
Those who knew him back in school times might remember a slightly cheeky/naughty side also.…which was well suited to the original nickname of Big Bad Dom…that I seem to recall came from the UK Domestos advert in 1987 which provided much hilarity to all at the time (still to be found on You Tube I have just discovered!).
I am so grateful that I was able to reconnect with Dom recently but am only sorry that it took so long.
The gentle giant holds a special place in place in my heart and I hope his strength and spirit help those closest to him over the coming times. X

Dear Gilly, Toby and Lucy,
Sorry to hear of Dom's passing. We did enjoy the service , hearing of his wonderful life. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time....Annabel & Murray Smith

Dom was an absolute ox of a man, one of the strongest people I’ve ever known, not just physically but in character. We worked together for many years, and in that time he showed me what it meant to be patient, kind, and genuinely solid. He told you things straight, and you always knew where you stood with him.

Through Dom, I was lucky enough to meet his amazing wife Gilly and their children, and the love he had for his family was truly something special. He spoke of them with such pride, and it was clear they were the centre of his world.

I’ll miss him deeply, but his legacy lives on, through his family, through the many people he touched personally, and through all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. He made a real impact, and he won’t be forgotten.

Dom was a big character, with a quiet way of showing up. He was steady, loyal, and had that dry sense of humour that could cut through anything without making a fuss.

He moved through life with strength and determination, and the way he faced his illness was no different. Even then, he stepped up - reaching out to others, opening conversations about men’s mental health and resilience, and setting an example for us all.

For me, Dom came into my life at a time when I needed a friend. He became one without fuss and kept showing up. His steady presence helped me and meant more than he probably knew. I loved our conversations — joking about rugby, world affairs etc while walking our black labs, Luna and Jem.

My thoughts are with Gilly, Toby, and Lucy - who were always so clearly at the centre of Dom’s world. I’m deeply grateful to have called him a friend.

I had the privilege of working with Dom during his time as a highly respected industry expert delivering housing and infrastructure projects. I was fortunate to build a strong relationship with a tough but principled professional who consistently delivered results. I learned a great deal working for and alongside Dom during that time, and he was a strong supporter of Orion when we established the business.

In 2017, I had the honour of not only working with someone I deeply respected, but also with someone I could genuinely call a mate. Dom brought his extensive industry knowledge, experience, and relationships to Orion, investing both his professional capital and his own private funds into our business, our people, and our projects.

His standing in the industry and the respect he commanded gave Orion an added layer of credibility. His influence remains one of the key success stories and a fundamental reason for Orion’s ongoing success. Following his diagnosis, Dom slowed down but remained deeply committed to the business and to helping us grow and outperform. He stayed on to mentor our team and continued to take responsibility for maintaining our critical quality systems right up until the end of 2025.

Perhaps the most profound loss we feel is the loss of a man of integrity—someone who valued honesty, quality, and reliability above all else. Dom truly walked the talk. He guided and mentored young professionals and challenged even the most seasoned practitioners to be better, to take no shortcuts, and to always do the right thing. These values are ones we should all aspire to, and they will continue to guide Orion.

Thank you for everything you gave to our business, to Orion, and to me personally.

You are deeply missed, Dom, but you will not be forgotten.

With much love to Gilly, Lucy, Toby, and Dom’s family.

Here's a thing, you find yourself writing words about a dear friend wishing you could actually say them directly to him, to let him know just how much you valued and loved him and then realise that you might just have left it too late. I will be forever thankful that over the most recent years, admittedly no doubt precipitated and indeed powered by all that Dom has been through, so incredibly supported by Gilly and their beautiful children, Adam and so many other family members and friends, that Dom and I reconnected far more. We didn't necessarily talk all the time by any means, but the messages started to flow again and the bond that had always been there was reinforced and nurtured again. I'll be forever grateful for being able to spend time with Dom in the summer of 2024 and the laughs (and a couple of beers) that Chris Morris and I were able to share with him and Toby in Greenwich were just amazing. My deepest, deepest condolences to you Gilly, Lucy, Toby and also to Adam and your mum back in the UK. With love and eternal admiration for the big man, Calvin.

Descriptions of Dom as a gentle giant are so apt. His willingness to share his experiences, be vulnerable, and help others was inspirational. I first knew Dom as a member of Patrol 1, when I started patrolling at Warriewood SLSC. Lucy played in the sand during patrol with our kids, Ari & Casey (remember making ‘dragon eggs’ Lucy?!), while Toby was always out on the board, showing us how it was done.
After Dom’s diagnosis, I remember admiring how he and Gilly had managed to connect our community – being open about his cancer meant that others could share and hopefully help support them. Dom’s positive attitude and willingness to share deepened friendships rapidly. Their decisions about changing work, devoting energy to helping others, and continuing to do things like come to patrol, showed us how bad situations can be made to be impactful and positive. And we were able to share the joy at Dom defying the odds to see the twins turn 18, graduate, travel, and flourish at university. He was so happy and proud when he spoke about them finding their places. When my sister was diagnosed with cancer in 2023, passing away 18 months later, both Dom and Gilly were incredibly supportive, despite being in the throes of treatment themselves. They took the time to take an interest in our kids, ranging from impromptu swimming coaching (thanks Gilly!), school advice, supporting fundraising haircuts, to Dom reviewing Ari’s CV and writing her first reference. This type of connection between teenagers and adults who are not their parents is so valuable. It was a privilege to be part of the support team, even if it feels like all we did was enjoy having coffee, baking cookies, eat delicious lunches, experience the amazingness of wheelchair basketball, and organise/play jazz! When Mark also received a diagnosis of cancer recently, shared photos of medical visits and random sea views/creatures and messages of support continued.
Dom, you will be so greatly missed and your legacy of kindness, compassion, positivity, and strength will be remembered. I will think of you when I see a beautiful sunrise over the ocean, when the pod of dolphins passes by Warriewood, when we see the whales migrate, when we spot the duty officer coming to inspect patrol, and so many other times. Please know the community you built will continue to wrap around Gilly, Toby and Lucy, around Adam, Manon and the rest of your family and friends, as much as we can.

I am forever grateful to have had Dom in our lives. As an incredible Godfather for both Maddy and Monet, we are blessed to have spent so many cherished times together, from the earliest days of Dom and Gilly's arrival in Australia. Fun nights out in Manly before we were married, trips away, sharing the ups and downs of life’s journey together. Bob and I will treasure the Friday lunches the four of us enjoyed on the non-treatment weeks over the past few years. We have shared so much as families, with our annual trips away being so greatly anticipated. There will always be a place at table for you, Dom, on the June long weekend. Dom never complained, despite all the turmoil these past years. He gave life his best shot, living a life of integrity and kindness. A gentle giant, with the biggest heart.

The distinguished Englishman with the bestest smile & biggest heart! My oldest & first memory was meeting a very handsome, tall and very outgoing man at the Cremorne Ferry wharf. Chatting away and finding out weeks later that Greg & Dom were both playing rugby for Mosman. A very quick & deep friendship was formed between the 4 of us. Fast forward 25 years and we have seen the best and endured the worst. Shared much joy, laughter, beers, wines, holidays, dinners, celebrations..I feel so honoured to have been there in the final days..not just to honour him but to witness the absolute devotion Gilly had to the love of her life until the very final breath. I have so much love for Dom, you Gilly, Toby & Lucy.. we will always be there for you- #thefamilywechoose

Dom, you shared it all, you opened your door and your heart to all of us. Your pride in your family has been so inspiring. The Oaks/Andersons MTB ride when you stuck by Toby the whole way, far more impressive and selfless than being first up any of the hills when you could so easily have been. And the picture of your amazing G finishing the ice lake swim - there you were, waiting to congratulate her in the snow, shivering your tits off too I imagine!
And then Lucy, the apple of your eye (and the BFF of mine!) How wonderful a woman you have both nurtured, supported and encouraged as she shows us all what being a creative girl-boss is all about! We are so proud of them both and so happy to have them in our lives. You did that with Gilly, a true lifetime achievement.
I’ll miss you mate, along with all your lovely, crazy friends who you brought us together with. Take it easy now my friend x

I first met Dom when I started patrolling at Warriewood SLS. We were both on Patrol 1 and used to chat about sport and current affairs. He was always around for a laugh and dependable when things got difficult. I also spent a lot of time out on a board with Toby, chatting and watching him build confidence over time.

It wasn’t until Dom fell ill that our friendship truly deepened. He became curious about his brain and why certain things helped him while others didn’t. Our relationship evolved from patrol mates to regular coffee catch-ups, and eventually, he asked me to join him at the surf club to speak about the power of human connection. He shared his incredible journey, and I offered insights into the neuroscience behind his experiences. That event was restricted to men and was so well-attended it was standing room only. Afterwards, everyone stayed for hours, chatting and forging new connections. It was a memorable gathering, brought together by Dom’s remarkable willingness to be vulnerable.

Six months ago, I interviewed Dom for a book I’m writing. Of the 27 people I spoke with, our conversation was by far the longest. Dom was candid about his journey, his love for Gilly, Toby, and Lucy, his passion for helping others, and the strength he draws from vulnerability. I learned so much from him.

Recently, he confided that crying is like releasing a valve—it lets go of pressure, stress, and sadness. Since Dom’s passing, I’ve found myself crying often, honoring his memory and the profound impact he had on me.

Dom was not only a loving husband an amazing father and a great friend to so many, To me he was my big brother and amazing Uncle to my children. If you could make a list of all the qualities and attributes a big brother should have Dom would far surpass everything you could imagine. He has always been so supportive, enthusiastic and encouraging in all aspects of my life growing up. I could always turn to him for advice which was always gratefully received and appreciated. It was never to much trouble for him even though he was on the other side of the world which always made him feel so much closer. Even over the last few years when he was going through his own struggles and challenges himself he always made time to help and be there as a big brother, but that’s exactly the type of man he was. Always caring, always generous, always there, always smiling. He was the perfect role model for me and someone I always looked up to (quite literally) He lived life to the full, loved life and in it found his soulmate and one true love Gilly, they made the perfect team and completed each other in every way. Their wonderful children Toby and Lucy are a testament to what amazing parents they have been. I will forever miss my big brother but he will always be with me. Sleep well bro

Gilly, you and Dom have been such an integral part of our lives - from the time we all met through Mosman Rugby in the dim and distant past when you’d both just arrived in Sydney, and regardless of geographic distance in some of the years since. It’s tough to choose a few specific memories to mention … so we’ll remember the laughter. So much laughter! Dom’s gorgeous and ready smile that so often was accompanied by a cheeky twinkle in his eyes. His kindness, and his enveloping bearhugs. His tenacity on the rugby pitch and his club spirit off it. His loyalty to those he cared for and respected. His love for life, his love for you, and for Toby and Lucy. We remember how much he always adored you - he had the look of a man who’d never been more sure of anything in his life when you exchanged vows at your wedding. How honoured we were that you were both such an integral part of our wedding in turn.

We remember how he sought out challenge, and how he managed to convince others to accompany him in the adventure. Marking his 40th by completing the Kokoda trail was not for the faint-hearted and Adam has always treasured that experience and shared memories they created. His humour in letting Nate and Charlotte both beat him in hiking the Dragon’s Back Trail in the Hong Kong humidity!

We remember how proud he was of the challenges you set yourself, whether it was establishing a business, running a marathon, swimming Lake Crackenback, down the Derwent River, ocean swims or training to swim the Channel. And how proud he was of Toby and Lucy, the amazing people they are and the lives they are building. We remember how hard he fought to stay with you, Toby and Lucy for as long as possible; how he embodied such a fierce desire to live. And we treasure our memories with him, and know just how precious time, love and friendship all are.

Dom, or ‘Bob’. I will forever be grateful to you, and how much light and love you gave to the world, when such a world was unfair to you. You are the epitome of kind, strong, and determined. I will always cherish my home away from home that you and your beautiful family fostered, whether it was eating spaghetti without any cutlery, or wearing our iconic matching pants. While we will all miss you terribly, it’s a joy to honour your memory. I see you in Lucy, in Toby, and in Gilly. At the last celebration we had together, I felt you hug me for longer, and stronger than usual. Little did I realise that would be our last goodbye. I will hold on to that forever. Rest in peace, Bob. I love you ❤️

Dom generously volunteered with Gotcha4Life, making thank-you calls to donors, speaking at events, and being a passionate mental fitness advocate - while navigating his own incredibly challenging treatment. More recently, Dom recorded two videos for our Mental Fitness Gym, helping others learn how to find the right support and build stronger relationships.

Dom was a beautiful, kind and gentle soul, and he will be deeply missed. Thank you, Dom, for being such an important part of the Gotcha4Life village xxxx

I thought I knew what I wanted to write, it’s been spinning around in my head for days, but it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Reading everyone’s tributes to Dom is achingly hard, the depth of love felt for him is infinite and the love and support for Gilly, Toby and Lucy is overflowing and overwhelming . I’m going to start by thanking all of you, family and the vast amount of incredible and loyal friends, for your love and support for Dom and the family. Living in the UK, it has been such a comfort to know that you have all been there for Dom, Gilly and the children, you’ve laughed and danced at their parties, swam with them, sat on the beach with them or stood by his bedside and held and hugged them when I couldn’t. Thank you.
I met Gilly when she came to teach at Orley Farm in London nearly 30 years ago, and I remember the weekend she went down to Bournemouth and she met Dom. Her sparkling eyes and huge smile just shined brighter from that moment forward.
I remember taking Gilly shopping soon after ( she didn’t wear much other than lycra at the time ) and we were shopping for clothes in Debenhams when Dom rang. I spoke to him and he said “ she’s supposed to be saving money Jo!”
My reply: “she is, Dom, 25%!) 😂
My friend Inez and I have been fortunate to have had 2 amazing stays with them at home in Oz with fabulous memories and have always looked forward to our times together in the UK or meeting on the platform for a fabulous trip to Paris together. Dom is everything everyone has said on here. He is the epitome of the BFG, big heart, big smile and he lived a big and full life always with Gilly and the children at the heart of it. A kinder, truer, selfless and bloody good looking man you will never meet. I love you Dom and we will always remember your valient fight to say “fuck to cancer”
Thank you Gilly for your unending devotion to never leave his side. You have shown us all what true love really means ❤️
I love you Gilly,
Jo XXXX

Dom
Sid and I met you and the family when our eldest daughter Hayley did a letterbox drop in the street to babysit some 20 years ago now.
Enter Dom & Gilly Toby and Lucy Lynch . The twins were only 12 months old at the time
Hayley loved the odd time she had the pleasure of minding the Lynch twins while Gilly worked from home tutoring children from the local area .
Our paths crossed again when the twins signed up for nippers at Warriewood surf club
Enter Dom who not only became an age parent but did his bronze medallion after expressing how he would like to but was not confident in the water . . Look at me I’m not built for flotation
Well soon after doing the necessary training Dom received his bronze medallion . I can recall the yellow and gold uniform being proudly worn and even taken on holidays to wear and take selfies at other locations around the globe. The funniest of these was in Dubai He just loved it and was so proud of his achievement .
Gilly and Dom were our friends both on and off the beach with many of our most favourite memories being together with them and their infectious love of life and each other
Several years ago we all became passionate about Van lifing and the Vantasy of getting on the road and travelling . Whether it be in small groups or going solo we all took to this lifestyle with no hesitation . It meant now that our friendship s grew and aligned even more so . Parties that never ended . Places to explore . Destinations with a pub , beach plus or minus a theatre or a red hot summer tour were often the only requirements and we were in !
Gilly and Dom were always there and keen to go !!
We honoured and respected them as they faced every day with a smile and a positivity that was undeniably their trademark. Deep and troubled water didn’t faze them they just simply pressed in and did what they had to do . Gilly kept things interesting with her love of Ice ice Baby . Swimming in Cold water at a distance led to some seriously interesting moments .
A memory that is etched in my mind forever was the time Gilly entered into the ice mile challenge in Thredbo in waters 4 degrees C . Dom the Engineer and his beautiful wife had plans well constructed and they initiated every step along the way with precision purpose and passion . Dom agreeing to our suggestion to strip down Butt naked and wrap his big man’s body around Gilly to reverse her hypothermia after she had successfully completed the swim. This was really putting his lifesaving skills into practice . I’d never seen him move so quickly with such enthusiasm . A funny story that we often spoke of
We will miss everything about the big man Dominic Lynch but will not forget ever his Deep and unwavering Love for his Life and his family . The impact that you had on us all was Powerful Mate and watching Gilly and the kids care for you as they did was nothing less than you deserved .

A life lived with purpose passion and filled with the pleasures of a love that knew no boundaries
Dom you might be hidden from our sights but I trust and believe that you are still with us .
Love and respect to you our Friend
We will be making those traditional Cornish pasties we spoke of at our last supper in your honour and drinking gin toasting to you for a life well lived xxx

I invariably came away from a conversation with Dom feeling a little more informed, a little more inspired, or simply more thankful. Whether we were chatting about the conservation of our beloved Bongin Bongin Bay, ocean swimming, or just pausing to appreciate each day we’re given, Dom had a way of sharing quiet wisdom that stayed with you. He left me feeling encouraged and, through his words and actions, gently reminded me that each of us can make a difference.
Dom, thank you.
You are and will continue to be deeply missed by our community, of which you were such an important part.

I have two particular memories to share from over twenty years of knowing Dom and Gilly. He's the brother-in-law - Gilly's my sister-in-law - and when I first married into the Stapleton family I recall Dom whispering to me; 'Don't worry, they're really OK but rather a lot to take in at the start!' He's continued to hug me and be a rock through family 'matters' ever since. I'm not sure how to revisit the family home in Elanora now because I will always be expecting that hug.
My second memory of Dom is more recent - just a few weeks before Christmas on what turned out to be the last time I saw him. Dom was clearly struggling, he'd had his back operation and he looked uncomfortable. If it had been me I would have been looking for all the support I could find but Dom never mentioned anything. In fact, and I will always recall the grin on his face and Gilly's tremendous cackle of laughter, he mentioned that Gilly had offered to stop work immediately to care for him 24/7 and he had encouraged her to 'please - stay at work'!
In a tribute such as this it's generally about the deceased but I so want to mention Gilly and state the obvious - it's her never-ending sense of humour, her compassion and her loyalty and love for Dom that will stay with me for ever. At times when I would have been a complete mess feeling sorry for myself and the situation - she smiled, laughed and carried on being there. Whilst my communication has certainly been lacking she has made up for it and forgiven us for being in our own world when hers was falling apart. I'm proud to be a member of this family and friend/sister-in-law to this couple.

I definitely went in to the archives for these photos of Dom - pre-digital cameras!

First got to know Dom as part of the Neutral Bay ferry crew! Catching the ferry every morning in to Circular Quay was a daily highlight - definitely never a chore - starting our mornings with chats and laughter.

Many a fun night out in those early-2000s with you guys and Bob & Dan. Always a few beverages shared, along with laughter - and dancing!

One of my memories of Dom was high-fiving each other as we passed each other in the Husky Tri. Neither of us were made for triathlons - but there we were... smiling, laughing, and giving it a crack!

Forever in our hearts. Love Jodes & Greeny xxx

Mangifera indica is the latin name for a mango and the fruit is something I will forever now associate with Dom, the photo of him below taken from his Instagram account.

To frame and add context, Dom had come over to ours that day to collect Lucy, who was seeing Purdey. He was full of everything fabulously Dom and despite already very much aware and in the throws of his diagnosis was hugely smiley, up-beat and filled with the joys of the Spring we found ourselves in.

The highlight came when a neighbour walked up the hill with a heavy tray of mangoes and on realising they actually needed to be eaten sooner than she thought and had mouths for, promptly placed one in Dom’s hand.

He was SO happy and for a minute the girls, I (plus Gilly & Toby in our hearts too) and Dom were all in the smiliest orange, yellow and red swirl of loveliness. A moment etched. A flicker of true sunshine and hope and gold. Forever.

A generous gift and one perhaps more poignant than we realised at the time. Did you know mangoes have essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and folate. It supports overall health and immunity?

Also poignant is that our very own mango tree, here in a Newport garden, lovely but invariably leaves only (!), has this year borne fruit. The timing is quite something and as a result we are preciously protecting as well as netting our James & the Giant Peach offering …. This picture was taken today.


Thank you Dom 🧡


Sally & Family xxx xxx

I met Dom through his amazing wife, Gilly. He was so easy to like and even easier to get to know. Since his passing, I’ve heard so many wonderful stories about him that it seems inconceivable he was taken so soon. Yet I have no doubt his legacy will live on for many years to come, not in the least with his wonderful children and beautiful wife and through the many people whose lives he touched.

The last time I saw Dom was at his annual “Staying Alive” party. As always, there was that big smile, a welcoming hug, and so much warmth. I knew that day he wasn’t well, and yet there he was — making the most of life, surrounded by laughter and his cherished friends.

My last words to him — apart from my favourite swear word — were a promise: that I would watch over Gilly as she takes on the English Channel. It will be an honour to do that, and I have no doubt Dom will be with us every stroke of the way.

Dom, It’s been an honour to know you and to have shared some
Wonderful times that will never be forgotten. I’m relieved your fight is over, but so deeply saddened by the loss and the space you leave behind. Your light and laughter live on in all of us who love you.

Oh and PS I’ll make good use of Katya’s Cabin!

Dom has been a constant inspiration since his very difficult cancer diagnosis. Along with his beautiful Gilly he has continually shown his community what bravery & resilience looks like. His determination to stay strong & fit despite cancer running through him, has been absolutely incredible. He always kept his family, friends & community as his priority, despite intense long term suffering. His relentless resilience, big smile and gentle and warm demeanour is something we will never forget.