Vale Ian Munro

The Victorian Amateur Football Association extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of VAFA Life Member, Ian Munro, who recently passed away.

After first being elected President of Melbourne University Football Club in 1972 and overseeing both the Blacks and the Blues, Ian became involved with the VAFA and its Executive where he was Vice-President.

He contributed to representative teams and the day-to-day operations of the Association, but one of his greatest contributions was helping form and run the VAFA Gold Pass Club.

As published in the centenary addition of For the Love of the Game in 1992, the Gold Pass Club was formed in 1983 as part of the Elsternwick Park Building Appeal.

“VAFA Vice-President Ian Munro spends a lot of time tracking down former players and this luncheon has become one of the social highlights of the year,” it said.

Former VAFA President, Richard Evans, said “Ian was at his best as he loved communicating with clubs and past players, and the Gold Pass Club formed the perfect liaison”.

“When VAFA home and away games or state representative matches were played at Elsternwick Park, Ian was always there supervising the functions and ensuring all the guests, visitors and club supporters were well looked after,” he said.

Ian was a great historian of the VAFA, and his collection of memorabilia was unrivalled, matched only perhaps by his incredible and well-renowned memorabilia from the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games where the VAFA took part in an exhibition match.

Ian was acknowledged for his great contribution to our Association with Life Membership in 1996 alongside Cliff Bastow, Tony O’Callaghan and Max Lyon.

“There would not have been one day in Ian’s life where he did not think of the Association, such was his love for it,” Evans said.

“When we look back over the 127-year history of the VAFA and ponder why it has been so successful and why indeed it still exists, we can look at the Ian Munro’s to find the answer.

“We in the VAFA can be pleased and proud our Association was able to provide Ian with such enjoyment and satisfaction throughout his life.”

The funeral for Ian will take place this Friday, 2:20pm at Le Pine Chapel, 981 Burke Rd (cnr Victoria Rd) Camberwell.