Hundreds of people have rallied to support the family of Noble Park man Clarence Leo, who died following the thunderstorm asthma event.
The husband and father of two died in the early hours of Tuesday 22 November after suffering an asthma attack caused by the freak weather event – that doubled emergency patient numbers at hospitals across Melbourne.
His brother Warren Leo established a Go Fund Me page online to raise $35,000 “to fill the shortfall of what the insurance doesn’t cover so that his loved ones can focus on remembering Samoan Gravy for the life he lived”.
“Our brother Clarence was a father, husband, son, and friend to many,” he wrote.
“We are overwhelmed with everyone’s love, support and offers of assistance.
“This is the easiest way in which you can provide your support.
“It is so sad that his life was lost and taken too soon.
“It has been such an amazing feeling to know that Samoan Gravy was loved so much and that he touched the hearts of so many people.”
More than 230 people have donated more than $28,000 so far.
Mr Leo was laid to rest at Springvale Botanical Cemetery on Monday 28 November following a service at Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints Chapel in Narre Warren North.
Friend Brenton Marsh said in a Facebook post that Mr Leo “had a heart of gold and always looked after your own”.
“Endless love for you, and condolences to your family. Rest In Peace Samoan Gravy, You truly will be missed,” he wrote.
Visit www.gofundme.com/clarenceleo to support the cause.
