Dear 1eyedeel readers,
Please allow me to pay tribute to a true Blue (and Gold) fan who passed away last month. Bobbie was 99 years old when the Lord took her home on 30 January. Bobbie’s grandson, a mate of mine, told me some years ago of his grandma’s passionate love and support for her beloved Eels. From then on, though we never met, I always asked after her and she asked my mate how ‘Andrew, the Eels fan’ was going. And so a bond formed through our common love of Parra.
This wonderful lady was, by my calculation, already 65 (!) when the Eels made it to the ’81 grand final against the Jets. Bobbie was in London at the time, and recounted to her grandson how she couldn’t find a TV showing the game anywhere, so she had to head to the Australian embassy to watch and celebrate that momentous game. Meanwhile, I was an 11 year old kid stuck at a concert at the Opera House. I had to peek through an Opera House security guard’s window to see on his TV as Brett Kenny threw that magical dummy.
A few years ago, the fullback in that Grand Final winning team, Steve McKenzie visited Bobbie at her Bateau Bay retirement home, through the excellent Men of League program, and presented her with an autographed Eels jersey and autographed copy of “The March of the Blue and Golds”.
In recent weeks, Bobbie was sorry to hear that Jarryd was leaving Parra. Still, with failing health and tubes in her mouth, nose and hanging off her, Bobbie often spent some of the few words she could manage instructing her grandson to “Tell Andrew, Go Parra”!
When I heard of the sad news that she had passed, my mate informed me that Bobbie wanted me to have something. She kindly bequeathed to me the autographed Eels Jersey and book, which I will always cherish.
The late Bobbie reminds me that true Eels fans support their team through ups and downs, and carry the Blue and Gold close to their heart. Rest In Peace Bobbie, may Parra have a big year in your honour!
Replies
Yes, indeed Kramerica. My thoughts exactly! Thanks for replying =)
Who?
Was she Jarryd's Grandma?
Pfff.
No Grunta, her grandson is actually a Manly Fan who has promised to support Parra this year in honour of her.....but at 99, she was still coherent enough to be disappointed we had lost Hayne to NFL....
Grunta you are a imbecile. One day when you pull your head out of your arse you might understand something. I would hate be related to you. If you have found someone to procreate, I pity your children's upbringing, you fuckin waste of space
Grunta thats not even remotely funny, why would you write that in this blog?
Trying to grab the attention in somebody else's blog to say somebody had died, that says it all really.
My condolences Andrew. A fine tribute.
Great innings Bobbie, may you rest in peace.
Rip Bobbie, great tribute Kuole.
You are all class Grunta.
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