St George has much sadness reporting the passing of Syd Felstead at home in Vincentia on NSW South Coast, Saturday evening 4tt June 2011. Syd’s sudden cause of death is not known at this stage. It appears; mature age may have caught up with our great colleague.
Syd was always strongly supported by his wife, Betty [nee O’Reilly b.1924] whom he married during the war and had four children; Graham, Sandra, Robyn and David. Both boys played briefly at St George, where Betty was a pillar of strength, working in the canteen at Hurstville Oval, selling raffle tickets and organising social functions. They retired to live at Vincentia, where Betty passed away in May 2005.
Syd Felstead made a valuable contribution to successes enjoyed by a vast base of Australian Rules players, supporters. He established basis for present day operations for many persons who continue to participate, enjoy Australia Rules throughout Sydney and NSW. St George benefited from Syd’s earlier work; winning eleven, Third Grade Premierships between 1958 and 1980; with two runner ups and only three times did it not make the final four in that era.
Australian Rules is poorer upon the passing of Syd Felstead. Syd was a pioneer; St George has lost an icon!
Life Memberships and Awards –
- Life member of St George AFC – awarded 1953
- Life member of AFL (NSW/ACT) – awarded 1967
- In 2000, received from Prime Minister an Honour Award for 2000 Bi Centennial celebrations – for past contributions to Australian Rules
- St George AFC “Hall of Fame” – inducted in 2005 one of five initial inductees
This is only a brief outline of Syd’s achievements. To truly understand the contribution Syd made to football in NSW please download the attached pdf. Vale Syd Felstead
On behalf of all colleagues at St George AFC and colleagues from the wider community of Australian Rules throughout Australia and those who had contact with Syd, we offer our condolences to Syd’s children; Graham, Sandra, Robyn, David and family members.
Syd’s funeral details are as follows:
Thursday, 9th June @ 1-00 pm
Shoalhaven Memorial Gardens
Worrigee Road
WORRIGEE NSW – Just South of Nowra on NSW South Coast.
Patrick J McCourt
Club Historian – St George AFC
Life Member St George AFC
Hall of Fame Inductee – St George AFC
PO Box 280 Broadbeach Qld 4218
Mobile – 0418 273 594