Solicitor John Edmunds, one of Nelson Bay's most generous residents and an all-round sporting enthusiast, has passed away after a short illness. He was 67.
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According to Ray Milton, a long time friend and rugby union associate, John Edmunds had been a fixture of Nelson Bay Rugby Club for 40 years.
He was a player, administrator, golden oldies tourist, and long-term president.
"John was fiercely proud of the Gropers and was often seen running the line on game day. He brought his legal expertise to the fore defending players who had transgressed with either the police or referees, and the players loved and respected him for that," said Mr Milton.
"He was always a staunch advocate for Nelson Bay at NHRU meetings and a strong supporter of all Newcastle rugby. He learnt his rugby at school in the ACT, before playing senior rugby in the Canberra competition. He left Canberra to come to Nelson Bay to set up his legal practice."
His golden oldies tours with the Grey Gropers were to Perth (1991), Christchurch (1995), and Cardiff (2016).
"He will be sorely missed by all rugby people in the Hunter and at Nelson Bay, and especially by his wonderful family, to whom our hearts go out at this tragic time."
One of John's other passions was golf and he was a highly regarded member of the Nelson Bay Golf Club for more than 37 years.
"For many of those years he was the club's legal advisor, a role that he carried out with great aplomb and wisdom," said friend Max Pride.
"He was one of the club's true characters whose presence was immediately felt and heard when he arrived at the club after work. He played golf for many years with a group pf mates known as The Dirty Dozen.
"John was a tremendous asset to the club and provided me with great support during my 14 years as club president. He loved nothing better than debating issues with the members at the club's annual general meetings.
"He was also a great asset to the local community and particularly with his contribution to the Nelson Bay Gropers and other community organisations."
Mr Edmunds leaves behind his wife Kathy, two children and four grandchildren.
