Vale Neil Browne
07 Sep, 2012
Neil “Choc” Browne, a legend of our club and amateur football as a whole, sadly passed away on Saturday after a long battle with illness.
Choc joined Old Wesley Football Club in it’s formation year in 1966 and was integral in the establishment of the fantastic club that we all enjoy today. His tireless work for the club saw him awarded the inaugural Life Membership of OWFC in 1978. He played over 150 games and his official roles included President in 1973, 1974 and 1975, numerous years on the committee and coach of our Reserves team in 1970, 1971 and 1972.
A strong supporter of community football, Neil was also on the board / committee of the WAAFL for over 15 years and awarded Life Membership of the WAAFL in 1986.
His company Crossland & Hardy Licensed Surveyors have sponsored the club for more than 30 years and Choc also provided generous financial support to be a Foundation Member of the Wesley Curtin Past Players Association (established in 2007 with the objective of securing the Club’s long term financial security).
Choc has also been a great mentor to many of us in our past and ongoing roles at the club. His valued advice and wisdom have continually guided the club throughout it’s various ups and downs for more than 4 decades. Throughout this time he has yearned for a League Premiership and was hoping to see this finally achieved on Saturday week. Sadly, he will not be with us to support the boys in the Grand Final, but the club could not bestow a greater honour on Choc than to finally win that flag as a tribute to him.
The entire Wesley Curtin Football Club family join together in offering our deepest sympathies to Felicity, Shannon and Tab and families. Neil’s funeral will be held at 10.30am on Monday 10th September at Pinaroo Cemetary, Whitfords, where I am sure a large contingent of past and present members and supporters will get the opportunity to pay our respects to “The Father” of the Wesley Curtin Football Club.
Rest in Peace Choc.
Mark Hayter
On behalf of All Players, Supporters, Sponsors and Fellow Life Members
of Wesley Curtin Football Club.
