It is with incredible sadness that we advise the passing of SKOB Life member and absolute Club Legend John Allan. "Curly", as he was affectionately known throughout SKOB, passed away on Thursday morning. Curly started with SKOB back in 1964 and played 243 games in total, running out for SKOB right through to the late 1980's where he was the inspirational playing coach of the Club XVIII team. He went on to be President of SKOB in 1990 and was a constant contributor to the club both on an off the field for 6 decades.
He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him both within and outside the SKOB community.
Born 01.02.1946. Died aged 78
Played 243 games for SKOB between the years 1964 to 1989.
Played 36 Senior, 131 Reserves and 76 Club XVIII games.
He was captain/coach of the Reserves from 1971-1974
He coached the unofficial Club XVIII team for 5 seasons between 1979 and 1986, 3 as Captain, and was coach again from 1987 to 1989 when the Club XVIII joined the VAFA. When the Club XVIII side became the Thirds in 2010, their B & F award was named the John Allan Perpetual Trophy.
Awarded Life Membership of SKOBFC in 1984 and the VAFA Certificate of Merit in 1999.
There is much to tell on his contribution OFF the field. The nights at his pub(s) were legendary.
He also was responsible for decking out SKOBBERS in the latest fashions selling most of his product out of his car boot!!!!
Everybody is invited to attend the service for John at Le Pine Funerals, 741 High St, Kew East on Friday 17th May at 10am and then help celebrate John’s life at the TH King Oval Clubrooms, High St Rd, Glen Iris from 12.00pm onwards.
Life is mostly froth and bubble
Two things stand like stone
Kindness in another’s trouble
Courage in your own “
(Adam Lyndsey Gordon )
That was Curly
Rest easy ye weary traveler, Curly .
Dowdy
“Curly” , a loyal and trusted friend , a man of boundless good cheer and generosity of spirit and so very brave . On a dawn walk on WA’s north coast after my sons gave us this very sad news my mind filled with lovely memories of Curly when I came upon a Memorial archway : “ We Will Remember Them “ , and this poem at the walks end , “Ye Weary Wayfarer “ :
Life is mostly froth and bubble
Two things stand like stone
Kindness in another’s trouble
Courage in your own .( Adam Lyndsey Gordon )
That was Curly.
Rest easy Curly , ye weary Wayfarer .
Dowdy
A great Friend, an unbelievably kind and generous soul. Had a great catch up with him and Mouthwash for his birthday last year. Beers flowed, great stories regaled. My memories of working behind the bar at the Golden Fleece with him will remain forever. Rest easy Curly ❤️
A great man. My first SKOB coach and one of the funniest, most generous blokes you could meet. Rest in peace mate.