It is with deepest sadness we record that Dick passed away peacefully on the 17 January 2016.Dick was a thorough gentleman,generous and respected person,who was held in the highest regard by all who knew him throughout his marvelous and sporting life.Typical of the 1940’s Dick was a member of a large family with brothers Jock,Tommy,Robert and sister Sonja (all deceased) and living brothers Billy and Steven.
Dick was renowned for his love of all sports especially rugby league,cricket ( Moore Park competitions for the Sydney Town Hall) and the horse racing game.He was one of Chelsea United Rugby League Football Club “Greatest” both in his playing days, in retirement and one of it’s strongest supporters. As a teenager and a rugged unforgiving hooker he played in many great Club teams with the likes of Leo Toohey,Kevin Roberts,Jim Nelan,Billy Stokes,Ken Kay,Barry Bieber and Dave Wood to name a few.
Also in the 1960’s he was a prominent member of many successful Sydney Town Hall Rugby League teams that competed in the NSW Public Service Lunchtime Domain competitions with team mates the likes of Bob McCarthy,Bob Grant,Trevor and Alan Heiler,Barry Bieber,Bobby Degan,John Hynes and Stan Browne. Always playing in the 1st Division these games were against teams that had many 1st and graded NSWRL players like John Raper,Bob Landers,Kevin Considine,Bob Hefferan,Wayne Stevens,Ray Gartner,Bernie Cuneo and the high standard games would attract hundreds of spectators.
Dick was a tireless worker for the Chelsea United Rugby League Football Club being involved as a Player, Coach,Selector and Committee Member and with the passing of another remarkable Club stalwart Pat O’Grady ,Dick arranged for many years the Club’s Reunions ,prior to the current Chelsea Old Mates Organisation being established.
He also had a successful and high involvement in the “Sport of Kings” and this was evident by the large number of prominent members of the racing game present to pay their respects at his funeral service.
Dick will be dearly missed by his loving sons Niklas,Lee,daughter Alexis and their partners Cilla,Amy and Peter plus his 5 grandchildren Cooper,Ali,Angus,Lucy and Max along with the many hundreds of his old friends who packed St.Brigid’s Church,Coogee to capacity.
DICK – REST IN PEACE
Ken Vessey
Chelsea Old Mates
1 Comment
Regretably I was unable to attend the funeral owing to family commitment.But my memories of Dick will be wth me forever.
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