The VAFA is sad to announce the passing of Life Member David Burnes, who passed away last Friday at the age of 75.
Hailing from Old Xaverians Football Club where he was President from 1979 to1981, David served on the VAFA Board as Chairman from 1990-91 and as President from 1992 to 1997.
He was made a VAFA Life Member in 1998.
Tributes have been received by a few of David’s closest VAFA Board allies.
Fellow VAFA Director and ex-President David Scott said, “Burnesy was indeed a great servant of the VAFA and one of its real personalities during the ‘golden era’ of the association.
“I had the great pleasure of serving on the executive (board) with David as the Chairman and President after he succeeded me in those positions.
“His informed knowledge of VAFA affairs was invaluable during discussions and debate at board level and it was sometimes punctuated with a bit of humour.
“David will be remembered as one of the real VAFA personalities along with his mate John Fisher, John Dillon, Jim Hawkins, Noel Rundle, Tony O’Callaghan and Phil Stevens.
“Whenever we attended VAFA functions I looked forward to catching up with him and John Fisher and to join in with the usual banter. I will miss it.”
Fellow Life Member John Fisher added, “I am very proud and honoured to have been a personal and very close mate of David’s for more than 50 years. He was a wonderful family man; Liz and his daughters always came first, second and third.
“In respect of the ‘golden era of the VAFA’ I believe that he deserves to be mentioned along side the great names of the past, such was his contribution to amateur football in so many different ways. I feel very proud to have been a very small part of that era and David was an extremely solid supporter of mine throughout, for which I will always be most grateful.”
The VAFA extends it’s deepest condolences to David’s wife Elizabeth, daughters Rebecca and Olivia, and their extended family.
David Burnes’ funeral will be held on Friday 29th August, 2pm at St Peter and Paul’s Church. Corner Mercer & Malone Streets, Geelong West.
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