Footscray Hockey Club is saddened by the passing of longtime Life Member, Harry Swann who passed away this week at his nursing home at the age of 98.
Known as ‘H’ to many of his close club friends, Harry joined the club in 1957, after arriving with the Fijian team for the 1956 Olympics. After settling down in Sunshine, Harry became a beloved clubman, regularly featuring in successful teams. With wife Val (also a life member) they were major contributors on and off the field to the junior section, after son James started in the 70’s.
Awarded life membership in 1974, Harry served on the clubs committee in the late 50’s and early 60’s, and played 570 games. Harry was always the father figure in the team, leading by example as he developed many of our finer junior players starting their seniors journey. He will also be remembered as one of the original ‘Dads Army’ playing members in the late 80’s, where a senior group of men, as well as a handful of up and coming juniors would battle it out on the field before adjourning for a beer or two after the game.
After retiring from playing in his early 60’s after 570 games, Harry would continue to support the ‘Dads Army’ team, as was a regular on the sidelines to many of the games, always wearing his beloved club tracksuit top or bomber jacket, sharing a beer and having a friendly chat.
He will be fondly remembered for his warm smile and laugh, and we extend our
condolences to his son James and family.
