SAD TIDINGS
December 2018 and January 2019 were indeed sad months for many former residents of Yallourn, with the news that three well-known and popular identities Jim Dooley, Jim Watt and Barry Spurrier had passed away.
JIM DOOLEY 1935-2018
An earlier tribute of Jim Dooley can be found on the Yallourn Association Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/yallournassociation
JIM WATT 1930-2018
James Andrew Watt (born in 1930) died at the Yallambie Village for the Aged on December 22nd 2018. Jim was a very popular personality in Yallourn and was an accomplished footballer and an enthusiastic member of the Yallourn Fire Brigade. Jim Watt will always be remembered as a humble and respected person who gave much to the town of Yallourn.
Condolences are expressed to Jim Watt (Junior), Heather and family on the loss of their beloved Father.
A story regarding Jim Watt can be found on this website at: http://www.virtualyallourn.com/search?search=jim+watt
A further article about Jim Watt and his days as a playing member of the Yallourn Football Club can be found at:
https://www.footyalmanac.com.au/the-death-of-simon-shaw/
BARRY SPURRIER 1939-2019
Barry Spurrier passed away at the Alfred Hospital on Saturday 5th January after lengthy illness. Barry (born: 1939) grew up in Yallourn and completed his tertiary studies at Yallourn Technical School in the field of chemistry. Barry’s work as an industrial chemist took him ‘far and wide’ including to England and Canada. In later years, he established a highly successful export company.
Barry was an adept and courageous player for Yallourn Football Club; and was a member of the Yallourn Amateur Athletic Club for some years. He was arguably the first person in Yallourn to take to surfboard riding with ‘serious intent’ during the 1960’s; and throughout the summer months, his Volkswagen (with boards firmly secured) would be seen ‘heading off’ towards Cape Woolamai, Cat Bay or Summerland Bay (Phillip Island).
Deepest sympathies are expressed to Barry’s wife, Marion, children (Martine, Chris and Anthony), his sister, Kay (Heeps) and all members of the Spurrier family.
A reference regarding Barry Spurrier’s career at Yallourn Football Club can be found in an article on this website at:
http://www.virtualyallourn.com/node/24332