Our club is saddened to lose one of its’ finest servants in Ross “Barney” Deeath. His passing on Monday 24th October followed a courageous but all-to-brief battle.

Barney served the Drysdale Hawks Football Club with great distinction in many roles over approximately 50 years:- as a player, trainer, committeeman, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President, President, Junior Coordinator, Sponsorship Coordinator, advocate and league delegate! He also served on the Bellarine League executive.

He was a driving force through many years of negotiations and planning which resulted in the establishment of the Belchers Road sports precinct. Barney did everything with grace, style, passion and humility and was a great support to others whatever their role in the club or wider football community.

Barney’s love for the club and attention to detail never wavered and whilst his contribution has been recognized with Life Membership some years ago, it seems such a small token given his magnificent and tireless work for the club he loved so dearly.

The President, Committee, Life Members, members, players and supporters extend their heartfelt sympathy and thanks to his wife Kate; daughter Dimity along with her husband Cade and Barney’s grandchildren Jed and Margo; son Josh and his wife Sophie; and youngest daughter Millie.

It is fair to say that his contribution has been unparalleled and Barney will never be forgotten by all who knew him - “one of a kind”!