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Barry , aged 77 yrs old, passed away peacefully on Sunday 10 February,2019 at the Gertrude Abbott Nursing Home ,Surry Hills where he had resided for the last 7 yrs under the tender care of the Staff. Our deepest condolences go to Barbara his loving Partner for the last 44 yrs and Members of his Family.The Beaver was unique in his own right and I doubt that we will ever see or meet another man like him in our lives and the South Sydney Rabbitoh’s Rugby League Football Club certainly have lost their Number One supporter.

 

Born of humble beginnings in Cooper St, Redfern he lived with his Mum Una, Dad Vince and older brothers Ken,  Fred (aka Gunner) and sister Jill. Barry went up to that great rugby league school of St.Peter’s Catholic Primary School , Surry Hills where he quickly developed his rugby league skills. Other pupils of the School who went onto to bigger things in top grade rugby league included Keith Holman, Bernie Purcell, Bill and Bobby McCarthy.His Dad and brothers were involved with the then formidable Chelsea United Junior Rugby League Football Club and in no time at all Barry was a Ballboy for the Club’s A grade team and then progressively played in Club’s highly successful grade teams with players like Dave Wood, Garry Hobson, Leo Toohey ,Kevin Roberts , Peter Atkinson, Johnny Heard and Brian Fuzz. In addition over the years he coached many Club teams.

 

In 1961 he played in the South Sydney Premiership President’s Cup team which defeated Eastern Suburbs in the Final 12-7. The team included many talented players like Jeff Byrne (c), Steve and John Lawrence,Dave Martin,Macca McKenzie, Greg Christensen,Barry Atkinson and Harold Thompson. Barry became easily recognised by the large headgear he wore, could play any position in the Forwards but he became a specialist Front Rower through his scrumaging techniques/overall rugged strength, he possessed an uncanny ability to off load the ball to his team mates and developed into a prolific goal kicker.

1961 President Cup Final.

Souths 12 Easts 7.

Barry’s first grade game.

Barry’s first grade game at his beloved Redfern Oval.

1963 – 1964 saw him graded with the South Sydney District Rugby League Football Club and he played a number of matches in the 3rd Grade before getting itchy feet and playing in many Country Rugby League areas ( many as Captain Coach) such as Lismore, Cootamundra , Tumut, South Grafton, Gladstone QLD (where he played in the North Queensland representative team against the touring Gt.Britain team) and in New Guinea/Papua before playing back in South Sydney area with the Moore Park JRL Football Club.

Below the PNG years.

Upon retiring from playing he became a Vice-President of the South Sydney Junior Rugby League , was a masseuse for the South Sydney 1st Grade team and then a masseuse for the South Sydney Junior Rugby League representative teams.

 

We will always remember Barry “The Beaver” as a lovable character , who enjoyed life to the fullest with a huge smile on his face and was respected and friends with  countless people he had met during his exciting life journey of 77 yrs .

 

REST IN PEACE .

Ken Vessey

 

Photos below show  Barry’s love of family, friends and mates.

Barry with the love of his life Barbara Hinds and family.

1. Dick Green, BB, Kevin (Bilko) Roberts, Gary Stevens, and Ian Grace.

Beaver with his mates at a Chelsea Old Mates reunion.

The Beaver and John Lawrence

The “Kid” Ian Phillips and The Beaver

The Beaver and John Bomber Peard.

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