By Oscar Parry
Macedon Ranges community sport stalwart Robert McIntyre died last weekend, with his long history with local sport leaving an “immeasurable” impact.
Rob died peacefully surrounded by family and close to the MCG on Saturday, February 22.
Local sporting community members say that there will “never be another Rob McIntyre in terms of that dedication to community sport“.
Sister Linda Fullard said that “like our father before him, Rob was a community-minded person who had the ability to be impartial and fair“.
“Rob was also very humble and had a deep respect for history. A loyal friend, those who knew him enjoyed his quick wit and dry sense of humour,” Ms Fullard said.
“Rob’s love of the game led him to be a passionate advocate for growing girls’ and women’s cricket as he wanted everyone to share the benefits of playing.
“Despite Rob’s significant contribution to cricket over the years, he always felt that he got more out of the game than what he put in.”
Gisborne and District Cricket Association (GDCA) president Simon Ovenden said “it’s going to be very hard to find another Rob McIntyre“.
“Where do you start? It wasn’t just local cricket, it was the Romsey Football Club as well, he was a life member of both the football club and the cricket club and had an impact at Riddell Cricket Club and life member and legend of the GDCA,” Mr Ovenden said.
“His impact is immeasurable. Fifty years involvement in cricket in the Macedon Ranges and community sport more broadly,” he said.
“He treated everybody equally … he was authentic and he was consistent“.
Romsey Cricket Club secretary Tim McCarthy said Rob played “every role” in the club during his time, including president, captain, secretary, treasurer, junior co-ordinator, and coach.
He was also a member of the Romsey Recreation Reserve Committee.
“I think it’s well known that Rob was always striving to improve … always striving to get the best out of himself and out of those around him,” Mr McCarthy said.
“If you go to Romsey these days and you see what the ground looks like and the way it’s presented, that’s a massive credit to Rob.”
A funeral service for Rob will be held at the Romsey Recreation Reserve, Park Lane, Romsey from 11am on Friday, March 7.
