A Tribute: Michael Wood (Woody)

By Bob McClellan

There are many members of our Club who over the years (we are now in our 64th by the way) have freely given their time to assist some way in its running. Some give weeks of their time, others months and some years. Along with our players, of course, these members have made a very significant contribution to the gradual advancement of our Club from E Grade to A Grade today.

Michael Wood is one that I would like to tell you about here.

Michael started his career with our club in 1965 and played in our Club’s first ever Junior side – later named the Under 19’s. 

In only his second year at the club, Michael joined our Committee with his Dad Keith and stayed on it for six years. Later, he was again on the Committee from 1976-85. Then, President in 1983-84 and Vice President to Doug Dick in 1985. Later in the 80’s and 90’s he was on the Committee for another five years and then Vice President to Ross Paterson for three years - 1999-2001.

From 2003, Michael took on the job of Treasurer for several years and was Vice President again for another year.

One of Michael’s proudest moments was to be chosen as President when the Best of OBGFC 1957-2007 team was announced.

But Michael has willingly involved himself in countless other jobs through the years here mentioned and beyond until today. It is hard to believe but it is 56 years since Michael first came to our Club. So who do you think helps with this year’s lunches during home games, including greeting you at the top of the stairs and collecting your money.

Facts about Woody’s simply outstanding service to our Club have been extracted from an article he wrote about his time at the Club which is included in ‘A Tribute’, page 117. You will find this entire book on our website. A very fine website in my opinion courtesy of Alex Karanicolas. You can also purchase a hardcover.

But while you are there, Woody has also written what undoubtedly is one of the very best articles in “A Tribute’ titled, ‘History of Fundraising and Sponsorship’ (Page 165) which further illustrates Michael’s deep commitment to our Club and makes for fascinating reading. In fact, it reads like a mini history of our Club.

Another example of very fine writing and exceptional research you would only expect from Michael Wood. Here we see how deeply involved he is in a topic few would argue is vital to the very existence of our Club.

Also, if you can still find them, I have paid tributes to Ross ‘Rosco’ Stewart, Roger ‘Doggy’ Brown, and Ian Parossien.