Lindsay Smyrk was supposed to be spending a Sunday afternoon celebrating his wife’s birthday but decided to go on a quick bike ride with some friends first.
“As usual he was squeezing every bit out of life,” his daughter Lucia told Victoria’s County Court on Wednesday.
He had left his friends and was on the final leg towards home when he was struck from behind by Amelie Vergez, then 19.
Witnesses had seen Mr Smyrk, who was wearing visible clothing and had flashing lights on his bike, riding fully on the shoulder of the road.
They saw Vergez’s car as it drifted slowly out of the left lane and struck Mr Smyrk near Woodend on October 9, 2022.
He was thrown on to the car and then on to the road.
Mr Smyrk was airlifted to Melbourne but died from his injuries.
Family could not be notified in time to say goodbye.
Ms Smyrk said she felt the need to highlight what a great man her father was, so his death doesn’t become just another statistic.
He was a husband, a father of three daughters and a beloved grandfather who was a rock for their family and prioritised his health and fitness to ensure he had plenty more time with those he loved.
Ms Smyrk revealed her sympathy for Vergez, knowing the crash will impact her for the rest of her life as well.
“I do not blame her, as such, for what has happened, or have anger toward her,” she said.
She didn’t think her dad would either.
“I know my dad would have expressed sentiments such as ‘this could have been any of you girls’.”
Both she and her sister Anna said they didn’t advocate for harsh penalties for Vergez.
Caroline Smyrk said said the far-reaching effects of losing her life partner of 48 years still impacted the family daily.
The sudden loss and not being able to be there to say goodbye when he died were the most difficult things for her.
She also struggles to come to terms with the fact she will live 20 years or more alone, after 48 years of constant companionship.
Amelie Vergez apologised to the family from the witness box, giving evidence that it was “beautiful” hearing about what a wonderful person Mr Smyrk was.
“I’m so sorry I have caused you so much pain,” she said.
“It was really hard hearing what I put you guys through and how I’ve left your mother.”
Now 20, the student said she never would have wanted this.
The hearing before Judge Stewart Bales is continuing.