I'm very sad

[erica]

Possibly this is not the forum for this message, but I thought you would all understand how I feel.

I found out today that the man who sits next to me at the footy died suddenly yesterday. We have known Wal for 8 years or so, since he joined us in the Brewongle (he sat in the members' stand before that). In that time, we have shared the highs and lows of footy and talked of other life experiences as well.

Before Wal retired, he was a lecturer at Kuring-gai College of Advanced Education (now UTS) in the sports department. He worked with and knew many of the Swans in the early days when the team moved to Sydney, as his department was involved with fitness work and promotional opportunities. He was a long-time Swans fanatic and often helped out the club during sausage sizzles etc.

Wal could never clap in time with the club song - he was always half a beat behind. I used to tease him about it every week, and he promised to try harder, but he never did. He used to often poke me in the ribs with his elbow when games got exciting - I have the bruises to prove it.

The footy won't be the same now, without Wal muttering "come on Swannies, come on Swannies" all through the game. I am so very, very sad to have lost a close member of our red-and-white family. I just can't imagine seeing his seat without him next year.

[supersall]

I was saddened to read your post and wanted to remind you that you probably brought as much joy to his life as he did to yours. It's the little things that touch us the most.

[Midfield]

Condolences to Wal's family, friends and to you Erica.

[Nich]

Really sorry to hear that Erica. You've done him great justice describing him here in the thread. He sounds like a wonderful Man and being the passionate Swans fan he was could only make him even more the better! Hold on to those wonderful memories you have! Condolences to his Family and all who knew him.

[Bas]

I was saddened to read your post and wanted to remind you that you probably brought as much joy to his life as he did to yours. It's the little things that touch us the most.

I agree. Sorry for your grief and it is an honour to your friend for you to remember him in this way. I have sat next to the same people in the Brewongle for about the same period of time as well. A lot of the seats don't change hands.

[Plugger46]

Very sad to hear. My condolences Erica.

[GoSouth33]

Erica, it always sad to lose people such as you have described. It's great that we make these friendships from the people around us at the footy. At least you will have the memories.

[mcs]

So very sad to hear that Erica- my condolences to you and to Wal's family.

Its funny how footy brings together people like that- and as supersall said- its the little things that touch us the most.

May the Swannies not only win on Saturday for Kirky and Roosy but for Wal as well! (and indeed all Bloods who are no longer with us!)

[Badger]

So sad to hear you have lost your friend. My condolences to you.

[Tooth Fairy]

Very Sad Erica. Wal will be there in spirit no doubt. A sad but lovely story and life.

[Big Al]

I agree. Sorry for your grief and it is an honour to your friend for you to remember him in this way. I have sat next to the same people in the Brewongle for about the same period of time as well. A lot of the seats don't change hands.

It's the same in my area Bas, we lost one of the regulars to Cancer in the off season. Erica, I'm very sorry you lost your friend and my condolences to his family.

[gossipcom]

I'm so sorry to read your post Erica.

Condolences to all that who knew Wal.

[TheHood]

Good on you for honouring Wal. It confirms that footy is as much about who you share the highs and lows with. Wal sounds like a champion supporter and its always sad to lose a champion.

[Primmy]

Good one Hood.

Know how y ou feel Erica, been through it myself a few years back, and now her grandson aged 2 (and a bit) comes to the game and is as engrosed as she ever was. He is the spit of his grandmother.

And as part of the Swans family it is most appropriate that we send you our condolences, as well as to his other family.

[hot potato]

Dear Erica,
It's a very suitable forum to post your tribute to Wal. We all get to know a lot of the people at the footy, we may only see them at the footy but our lives become intertwined nonetheless. You obviously developed a lovely rapport and cameraderie with Wal, and now you will miss him heaps. Must be a fantastic bloke and you must be a special person too. Thanks for sharing and now we can all think of Wal and your loss and his families loss. The players might hear about Wal and play that bit harder in the memory of Wal, the Swans tragic from Kuringai College.
hp