FRIENDS and family, bowlers and RSL members joined together for a farewell service to Carl Verbeek, who sadly passed away on July 23.
He had lived in the Ocean Grove area for 23 years and was on the board of management at Club Grove as well as playing an active part in the local RSL. Tributes came from his grandsons who spoke about their pride and love for Carl.
The boys who learned to play lawn bowls with their grandfather later had a roll for him on Ocean Grove’s greens.
Carl’s daughter Paula Plunkett praised her dad who the family lovingly called ‘old boy’.
“Dad was so proud of his four grandsons, James, Jack, Harry and Bradley,” she told those assembled at The Wave.
“They meant the world to him. He would always say ‘how you going my mate’, give them high fives and lots of cuddles.
“If we needed any help he would always say I’ll be there, don’t worry, it’s not a hassle. Dad was always the first to say to anyone that he could help out.
“Dad we will always remember you for your strength, devotion, passion, desire, willingness, bravery, determination and love that you showed towards us throughout your lifetime. We will carry this in our hearts forever. Till we meet again, we love you old boy.”
Club Grove general manager Michael Lewis spoke on behalf of the bowling club.
“What a fantastic gathering today and I guess testament to Carl and who he touched and who he reached out to,” said Mr Lewis. “One of my staff said recently, it’s people like Carl that you meet along the path of life who have touched your heart in some way that you will never forget.
“Carl was a great clubman. He had a unique character. You could never ever doubt his passion: his passion for his family, his passion for our club and his passion for the sport of bowls.”
Carl leaves his wife Rosemary, daughter Paul and son Rick and four grandsons.
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