It is with great sadness that we report the sad passing last night of Geoff Bradley, husband of Maureen and father of Life Member Matthew, after a long battle with dementia. Geoff and Maureen became great supporters of the Club from the time Matthew joined the Club as AW Green Shield captain in 1992-93. Every season, their names appeared at the end of team reports in the annual report as captains thanked the parents who had helped with afternoon teas and general duties at home matches. As Matthew graduated to being a regular player at Caringbah Oval, they became dominant helpers with all matters regarding the clubhouse – both during matches (drinks, lunches & afternoon teas) and more importantly after matches when they ran a great bar operation in the days when players still came back to the clubhouse from other grades to discuss the day’s proceedings and race results over a few beverages.
Jason Young summed up Geoff’s contribution best in his 1997-98 1st Grade Premiership team report, when he wrote “Geoff Bradley – ‘Barman’, helped Greg (Ball – team manager) and kept us up to date with the races at drinks”. Geoff’s contribution culminated at the end of the 1999-00 season when he and Maureen were joint winners of the Clubman of the Year Award. Then Secretary David Givney wrote in the annual report “This year’s dual winners are Geoff and Maureen Bradley, who were in attendance at Caringbah Oval, manning the bar, selling drinks and sweets, organising lunch and afternoon teas, week-in week-out for the entire season. They did this whether First Grade were playing or not, forgoing the opportunity to watch Matt bat at away games. This is classic voluntary labour and we are all indebted to you! So congratulations on being the 1999-2000 Club “People” of the Year!”
Geoff was a great character with a fascinating background in the horseracing game. He also served three years on the Club’s management committee from 1997 to 2000. It was always a pleasure to have spent time with you, Geoff! To Maureen, Matthew, Geoff’s daughters and all his grandchildren, we extend our sincere condolences. RIP Geoffrey.
Since 1965
