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                          OUR LAST TRIBUTE TO GREGORY CHARLES EDWARDS – 15 JULY 1935 – 25 DECEMBER 2020

We were all sadden to be informed of Greg’s passing on Christmas Day 25 December 2020 after being unwell for a long time.

Greg was held in the highest esteem in the Chelsea United Junior Rugby League Club where he played his junior rugby league in many premiership winning teams , including A Grade premiers in 1958 –59 , played Presidents Cup for South Sydney before being graded with the South Sydney District Club in 1960 .

He was certainly one of the Club’s respected Statesmen , who will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

Over the years he was a regular attendee at the Chelsea United and Chelsea Old Mates Reunions and we saw him regularly on our  yearly trips up to Ettalong Bowling Club, where he would attend with his son Adam . Some years ago Greg and loving wife Jan moved from Clovelly up to Blue Bay , Central Coast to be close to Adam and their daughter Lauren.

On the 4 January 2021 , Fred Hailwood , Nev Woods , John Owen , Bob McCarthy , Billy Phillips and Ken Vessey travelled up to Greg’s funeral service at the Palmdale Hillside Chapel , Palmdale where they were joined by Ray Burns, John Thompson, Buggsy and Peter Sherrin , in a packed Chapel of 50 persons to celebrate Greg’s life .

COVID restrictions applied and there were another 50 persons outside the Chapel to pay their last respects to this great man .

We were privileged to listen to two beautiful Eulogies delivered by Adam and Lauren , in which they spoke of their love for their Dad, the wonderful Husband , Father and Grandfather he had been ; of the life he had given to them and their Families , his love of Chelsea United Rugby League Club , the Rabbitoh’s and of his Clovelly Beach mates and the good times they shared.

All too soon the Service was concluded , we passed on our condolences, offered apologies for those who could not attend , we said our good byes and hit the Motorway heading back to Sydney.

Whilst we were visibly sadden by the wonderful service and farewell to Greg , we were in need of some humour and it didn’t take long before Fred, Nev and Bob were cracking jokes, telling tales (sorry what was said on the bus stays on the bus) and discussing every conceivable topic . Needless to say “it was what the Doctor” ordered and in no time we were back in Annandale and Erskineville .

Many thanks Mates for making the trip to pay our last respects to Greg and his Family.

RIP GREG – WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU

Regards

Ken Vessey

PS – why was Greg nicknamed BOB BOB ?

    — answer will follow shortly

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