Footscray Hockey Club is saddened to inform its members of the passing of Life Member, and lifetime supporter, Bobbie Speed on Monday.
Introduced to the club in the 1950’s by her Life Member husband Alby Speed (dec.), the two were inseparable. As Alby both played and served on the committee, Bobbie was right by his side.
Always the first to be up on the dancefloor at social functions, Bobbie was instrumental in the club being first to welcome opposing teams and umpires into the rooms after the games, where Bobbie would wheel out the tea trolley and serve the tea and refreshments. Not one for just sitting back and letting others do the work, her commitment to the club also saw her as a regular at Board Level, where she was the Vice President in 1960, 64-65, Committee member 1960, Social Secretary in 1962-63, and Assistant Secretary in 1974. Bobbie was awarded Life Membership in 1965.
Bobbie was also a great supporter and well known amongst players and families on the Australian Masters circuit, when Alby played. Following Alby’s playing retirement, the two could be regularly seen at Premier League games, rain hail or shine, with their signature red, white and royal blue striped blanket draped over the fence, Bobbie, with handwritten notes of players names and numbers, to cheer them on.
Following Alby’s passing in 2020 during the Covid pandemic, Bobbie continued to follow the teams, health permitting, where she would either drive herself, or attend with good friend, Neil Coster (Life Member).
Into her 90’s, Bobbie relocated to San Remo two years ago to be closer to family, after coming down with some health problems. She enjoyed her life socialising with others in the nursing home, being visited regularly by good friend and Neil’s wife, Jenny Coster and Lynn Gale (Life Member). On these visits, she always asked how the club and the teams were performing.
Bobbie will be long remembered as a friendly, and caring Life Member, a dedicated volunteer and lifetime supporter of FHC for over 75 years. She is now with her beloved Alby.
Further details for the funeral in Wonthaggi on Monday October 20th, 11:00 am will be via https://handleyandandersonfunerals.com.au/
