Dr Love passed away suddenly and unexpectedly and general manager, Kristen Mann said his loss still feels a bit surreal.
She said their thoughts were with his wife Sara and son Andrew.
“It’s just such a devastating loss for us as his colleagues and friends, but also for the whole community and his patients,” Kristen said.
“He was here for more than 30 years, and at the hospital ... he was known universally and was a rock for the medical centre and the community.”
Kristen described Dr Love as dependable, kind, compassionate and friendly, and a fierce supporter of the Geelong Football Club who loved giving Collingwood supporters a hard time.
“And although he said he wasn’t very good at it, he loved playing golf,” she said.
“He would play golf on Thursdays and declare he was off to “do a course”.”
Team leader Tracey Murphy was a friend and colleague to Dr Love for more than 30 years.
“Michael was always a dependable and approachable leader whose gentle humour brought warmth to our workplace,” Tracey said.
“He gave his all in everything he did, including trying to sing.
“Michael’s skill and dedication as a knowledgeable doctor will always be remembered.”
Dr Love was 63 years old and had been a Corowa GP since 1992.
Before moving to Corowa, he worked at St Vincents, the Royal Children’s and Mercy Maternity hospitals in Melbourne and in Cheltenham in the United Kingdom.
Before Corowa Hospital closed its maternity unit, he delivered about 80 babies a year.
Dr Love was passionate about training young medicos and said he found fulfillment in supporting and teaching medical students, registrars and nurse practitioners to thrive in medicine.
Although his life was cut short, and he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him, Dr Michael Love will leave a legacy of integrity that will live on.
Kristen said his commitment to patient care and teaching of medical students would guide Redgum Medical Group as it moved forward without his guiding hand.
Dr Love was farewelled at Corowa Golf Club on Monday.
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