I had the absolute honour of representing the Chelsea Old Mates at the funeral service of Merv Wright at the Maitland Sportsgcround earlier today in what could only be described as moving and unique for one of the Maitland, Kempsey, Baradine, Alexandria Rovers, South Sydney and Aboriginal communities favourite sons.
Many in the crowd which filled 2 and almost the 3rd grandstand along with the large contingent on the grassed outer ground and seated near the canopy wore a mix of Rabbitoh, Kempsey and Rovers jumpers, although the black and white of the Pumpkinpickers truly dominated.
Quinny from the Maitland Old Boys along with other friends and family gave wonderful personal stories of Merv’s life with some of his 13 grandkids and 7 children also giving their farewells as well.
One of them stated that 1962 was a golden year for Merv where he was able to win 4 premierships, Alexandra Rovers A and B Grade, South Sydney Junior Rugby League Presidents Cup and the Third grade premiership with South Sydney.
The sounds of Elvis and Patsy Cline could be heard whilst the crowd remembered Merv in their own way.
To the strains of Elvis singing Amazing Grace, Merv’s casket was carried by the pall bearers to the hearse after which the uniqueness of the hearse doing a lap of honour from goalpost to goalpost with Hank Thompson singing Blackboard Of My Heart and led out of the ground with a guard of honour of pickers and aboriginal community members was really apparent to all.
Unbelievably moving…….
Scott Towers-Hammond
1 Comment
Thank you for representing C O M Scott. A fitting farewell to a humble much loved champion bloke. It is a priveledge to have known Merv Wright.
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