Vale | Peter Lawrance
OBGFC lost one its longest and most loyal supporters recently with the passing of Peter Lawrance. Peter was an original member of the Fools on The Hill, a band of veteran former players who have watched the Tonners from their vantage point on the South Road embankment for many seasons.
The row of camp chairs has been continually growing this season as former Tonners know they can catch up with old teammates and offer vocal support for our boys. Peter suffered poor health for many years but only the worst weather could keep him away. He would arrive full of optimism, never doubting that we could come from any position and win. He was nowhere near as critical of errors as many of us tend to be, and he took genuine delight in the skills of our players. Leigh Hendra was his all-time favourite. He crowned Leigh our “Black Caviar” when he played, and still called to him whenever Leigh came within earshot while doing the official running on a Saturday. Current skipper, Harry Hill inherited the ‘champion’ mantle when Leigh Hendra retired. Pete rated Harry a class above every other VAFA player currently going around.
Peter was an assertive member. He appreciated Sharon Pryor’s efforts this year, to secure and present a club jacket that would fit him. He presented forthright views to the canteen managers to include top quality dim sims amongst their offerings when he arrived at half-time. Peter loved to feel involved, even from a distance. He emailed former coach, Greg Hutchison, for whom he had a deep regard, after every game and loved that Hutchy always replied. He urged me to write the Benchwarmer report every Saturday night when he rang to discuss the day’s events. I was required to ring him on Sunday to give him an early version before the report went on air on Monday. He continually sought information about the next week’s teams and complained when he thought the club website wasn’t instantly updated.
We have all been secretly hoping that Pete would be able to see the finals. He was confident this year that we have a team that can win the flag. His absence will leave a huge hole in our Saturday afternoon’s entertainment. We will always remember him fondly and hope that his spirit and courage will somehow jump the fence and infuse our team as they pursue the prize that has always been the stuff of our dreams. Peter’s final words to Ian Paroissien, who visited him till the end, were simply, “Go Tonners”.
Andrew Mullett, for Ian Paroissien, Ian Mullett, Rod Cowling, Russell Flack, Gavin Richardson, Doug Dick, Nobby Forster and every other Tonner who visits The Hill during home games.
A celebration of Peter’s life will be held at Kooyong Tennis Club, 489 Glenferrie Rd, Kooyong on Wednesday 11 September 2024 at 2.00pm. The celebration will also be live streamed via this link.
Vale courtesy of The Benchwarmer | Andrew Mullett.
