Vale Michael Hare

Most of you guys would not know or have even heard of Michael.

About three years ago A quiet Welsh bloke turned up at Palmyra's home games.

He didn't say much, but after a couple of games we got curious, and asked him about himself. Turned out he had been a miner in Wales, had played a lot of club rugby there, retired from work in his fifties a few years ago, and emigrated to Australia shortly thereafter with his wife.

He had enquired where the nearest rugby club was, and turned up.

That first year he watched most games, made a few acquaintances, stayed around for a beer or two after the games, and became a social member.

When he heard there was an end of season rugby tour to Singapore, he put his name down. I had the job of allocating rooms for the tour, and as a mischievous joke, I put him in with one of the most feral party animals of the tourists in the party, Wild Bill.
Michael took it in his stride with patient good humour and the two became good friends.

The following year Michael became more involved in the club. He helped out with ground marking when asked, and with other jobs that needed doing. Quiet, unassuming, but dependable. And a lot of fun to be around.

He took to coming down for a beer after Thursday night training. He knew his quota. His parting words were always "I like your company but I don't like your hours, see", all said in his delightful Welsh lilt.

And again he toured with the boys to Singapore at the end of the year, albeit a little wiser and more cognisant of what to expect!

This season Michael became more involved. He accepted the job of assistant first grade manager and was with the team throughout the long preseason and the practice matches. He was there every training session and enjoyed the sweet taste of victory with them in our first three matches of the season. He was there last Saturday at Kalamunda. We shared a beer and a joke.

In the early hours of last Monday morning Michael's big heart gave out.

Just another member of another club, to most.

But to us he was our member and our friend.

We loved your company Michael, but the hours just weren't long enough.

Michael sounds like a wonderful guy... thanks for your post... my respects to family friends and rugby club...

Great post - beautifully written.

RIP Michael.

Sounds as great a rugby man as any other that has been remembered in these pages. My condolences to his family, his friends, and his club.

Condolences to Michael's family and friends.

Well said Frank, St Peter will have him marking the lines on the "pearly pitch" before long. RIP.
Posted via Mobile Device

Good post....Condolences to Michael's family and friends.

Great post Fulvio, albeit with a sad topic. It sounds like Michael was a true rugby stalwart in the traditional sense. I'm sure all of us at TWF send our thoughts & best wishes to his family & friends at Palmyra.

what a wonderful tribute fulv.
my condolences to everyone Michael touched during his stay with us.

Respect to what sounds like a true gentleman, hope he as took up the game again where our beloved game is played on.

Sounds like one of natures gentlemen, and Welsh. Must have been a great bloke.

Condolonces to his family and friends.

http://gotheforce.com/uploaded/1741/1241523526.jpg