RURAL communities across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland are mourning the loss of farming entrepreneur and pilot George Grimwade, remembered for his leadership, generosity and love of family after his tragic death in a plane crash near Hay last week.

His aircraft went down near Toronga Station, Hay, on November 5. He was 38.

Mr Grimwade was the managing director of Grimwade & Gordon, running a major grazing enterprise spanning properties across New South Wales and Queensland. Known for his sharp business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit, the father of three was widely admired by peers and friends alike.

He leaves behind his wife Phoebe, and their three young daughters —Isobel, Charlotte and Francesca.

In a statement, Mrs Grimwade said the family was “completely heartbroken by the sudden loss of an adoring husband and totally dedicated, loving father.”

“George was the love and greatest light of my life for 19 years and a life without him is unimaginable,” she said.

“His achievements were extensive and varied, but he was most proud of his three beautiful daughters. Anyone who had the privilege of crossing paths with George had their life enriched by the experience — that was his impact on people.

“His beautiful smile, his deeply caring and kind nature, his generosity, wisdom and intrinsically positive energy will remain in our hearts forever.”

The son of Martin and Jane Grimwade, and brother to William Grimwade and Phoebe Cohen, George grew up at Glenaroua, in central Victoria, where his lifelong passion for agriculture first took hold.

Building a leading pastoral enterprise

Alongside business partner Michael Gordon, Mr Grimwade led their pastoral company Grimwade & Gordon through a period of rapid expansion and innovation. The company’s portfolio includes Old Cobran at Deniliquin, Toronga Station at Hay, Congararra at Enngonia, Ellavale at Fords Bridge northwest of Bourke, and Yankalilla and Melrose Stations near Cunnamulla in southern Queensland.

In 2023 G&G paid $26 million for  two significant New South Wales western land leases, Ellavale and Congararra.

The business was, until recently, the largest goat enterprise of its kind in Australia — running 100,000 breeding nannies and turning off 2500 goats per week into the domestic market via Old Cobran.

Following the goat meat price crash in 2023, Mr Grimwade successfully pivoted the operation to sheep, now running 38,000 breeding ewes across multiple properties. He also established a Dorper stud with a foundation flock of 600 ewes and Dell Dorpers rams — a venture he took great pride in.

Business partner and close friend Michael Gordon said George’s legacy would live on through the enterprise and the many people he inspired.

“George was so much to so many people,” Mr Gordon said.

“His genuine care for those around him drew loyalty and friendship. He inspired with his work ethic and knowledge, which he was always seeking to expand.

“As a business partner and close friend, we worked through the many swings and roundabouts of building a pastoral enterprise of scale, always aligned and always with a smile and enthusiasm.”

“There will only ever be one George Grimwade.”

A generous community spirit

Beyond business, Mr Grimwade was known for his generosity and community spirit — coaching junior tennis in Deniliquin and co-owning the Wakool Pub to keep it open for the locals.

He will be remembered as a respected farmer, pilot, mentor, husband and father — a man whose warmth and optimism left a lasting mark across rural Australia.

Funeral details are yet to be announced, but will be added here when they become available.