The VAFA and the Victorian football community fondly remember Ross Booth, who passed away last week at the age of 72. Ross’ memorial service will be held at Monash University this Friday (full details below).
Ross’ involvement with the VAFA stretched across six decades, beginning with six seasons playing for Monash Blues from 1971-76, where he won two club best & fairests and captained the club.
He established himself as one of the VAFA’s premier players, finishing equal third in the A-Section League Best & Fairest in 1973, and was runner-up in 1976.
“Not only was Ross an icon at Monash, so too was he a champion of the VAFA,” said Monash Blues President, Andrew Headberry. “Boothy was a fine footballer and a fine man. The Monash family will sorely miss him.”
Ross joined University Blacks in 1977, playing a further seven seasons of Ammos through to the end of 1983.
“Ross’ contribution to the Blacks extended over decades,” said University Blacks President, Patrick Barry.
“He played over 100 games for the University Blacks from 1977 to 1983 and was awarded Life Membership of the Blacks. He was a regular attendee to the Blacks games and it was only a few weeks ago that he was at the Main Oval supporting our teams.
“Ross made many lifelong friends at the Blacks that he kept close to until his recent passing. Ross was a champion footballer and even better bloke. He will be dearly missed.”
Keen to continue his involvement with the Association beyond his playing years, Ross joined the VAFA Board in 1986 and served in that capacity for 25 years.
Awarded VAFA Life Membership in 2003, Ross served on the VAFA Life Membership Association Executive right up until his untimely passing.
“Ross had been actively involved in assisting with the setting up of the Life Members’ Association, assisting in formulating the LMA constitution, being part of a Life Member Criteria Working Party and only recently thoroughly enjoyed our Life Members’ Association luncheon at the MCG,” said long-time VAFA administrator, Phil Stevens.
“Only days before his passing, Ross and I had been exchanging emails. On Tuesday afternoon, Life Members’ Association president Nick Bourke and myself were told the news. We were greatly saddened and distressed.
“Life Members have provided some beautiful comments that tell us why Ross was a friend to all and a tremendous asset to the VAFA and to football in general.”
“We will miss his friendliness and humour a great deal.” – Cliff and Mavis Bastow.
“A true gentleman, mentor, friend and achiever in life through education and sport” – David Cook.
“A cheeky guy. Lectured me in economics and at the weekend in VFA commentary said I had talent but needed to put on some muscle – 50 thousand viewers kept reminding me!” – Michael Hazell.
“A true gentleman, always willing to assist with no bother.” – Sue Anderson.
“A great servant of the VAFA,” – David Scott.
“Such a wonderful contributor, provider of much wisdom and sage advice. We are all better for having known and worked with him.” – Richard Evans.
“A champion player at both club and state level. A truly great VAFA man.” – Andrew Langford-Jones.
The funeral service for Ross Booth will be held on Friday June 14 (arrive by 11.30am for 12pm) at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University Clayton and afterwards at The Chancellery.
Allocated parking for this event has been secured on campus in the SE3 car park – payment via meters or the Cellopark app.
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