Ocean Grove Voice - Your Local Newspaper

OCEAN Grove is mourning the loss of bowling club and RSL stalwart Carl Verbeek who passed away on Friday night at St John of God Hospital after a courageous battle against cancer.

Carl leaves his wife Rosemary, daughter Paula and son Rick and four grandchildren James, Jack, Harry and Bradley.

Speaking on behalf of the family on Sunday, Paula said: “He will be sadly missed by his family and we appreciate his courage and determination and strength to battle for the last 12 months.”

Carl emigrated to Australia from Holland in 1961 and was a project manager for Transfield Construction before retiring.

He had lived in Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove for 23 years and was on the board of management at Club Grove as well as playing an active part in the local RSL. For about eight or ten years he drove the Jeep in the ANZAC Day parade.

Most people that knew Carl would encounter him busying around the bowls club, carrying or organising something. He has also played a major part in the ongoing development at Club Grove.

Mike Lewis, general manager of Club Grove, said: “He was a great clubman. He was hands on but also made a fantastic contributor at board level as well.

“We developed a friendship over the three years that probably some people at the club would explain as the ‘odd fellows’.

We agreed to disagree but we got on very well and he will be sadly missed.

“The club was very lucky to have a person like Carl who has dedicated many years to making sure that the club became as successful as it was.

“I know when I first came to the club he was on the top of the list for security and maintenance call outs, which was unheard of, a board member being the first person called out. Absolutely unheard of.

“I would have loved for him to have seen the finished redevelopment, because he put his heart and soul into that.

“He will be sadly missed around the place.

David Gilroy, secretary of Ocean Grove RSL, said: “He was a delightful member, a hardworking member of the RSL, and a good interface between the RSL and Club Grove. We will sorely miss him.”

A service will be held at the Wave in Ocean Grove today (Wednesday July 28) from 11am. Everyone will be invited back to Club Grove at 12noon.