VALE DARRYL BISHOP.

When Darryl Bishop retired from Coles after 28 years,  Doncaster Bowling Club became his new vocation. “ I worked for the Club full time, “ were his words.  He held many positions, he was known to everyone at our club, and also well known at other clubs far and wide. Pennant players would say,” How’s Darryl going ? Please give him my regards.”

Last April  I interviewed him for a life story article. All his achievements, positions and activities within the Club were laid out in spreadsheet form. They filled three pages. Then there were the Probus and family history booklets. He was meticulous, orderly and oh so forthright.

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Kym, one of his three daughters was able to use these notes for his Eulogy.

Kym spoke of his Brisbane childhood and his education in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Being  the seventh son of 11 children  from a working class family. he would later say, “ I am not rich and I am not poor – but I am happy.” As a teenager he joined the Sea Cadets and the Royal Australian Navy Reserves. When he left school he was a clerk and a bookkeeper for the Queensland Government. At 21 he applied for a position as a ‘Trainee Executive’ with the retailer ’ G J Coles and Co Ltd’, so it was off to Roma, then to Mt Isa, where Coles was building its first store in town. This is where he met the love of his life, his wife to be, Kay. It was a clandestine relationship because Kay also worked for the Mt Isa Coles. In those days it was frowned upon for employees to date each other.

A promotion to Townsville, marriage, back to the Isa, then across to Brisbane, followed by several moves within the suburban stores to eventually becoming the Co- Manager of the city store. Within this period three daughters were born and an adopted son were added to Darryl’s family. As the K Mart stores came on the scene Darryl moved into the position of Commonwealth Buyer for Ladies Knitwear and Knitting Yarns,  he was also transferred to Melbourne. Finally in 1990 he retired. He loved travelling and had enjoyed travelling extensively all over the world for the company.

He had a thirst for knowledge especially military history. In retirement He was able to visit Gallipoli twice, each time with members of his family. He also loved the Navy, so much so that family would have to salute the quarterdeck on the way though the front door, plus the children would be woken up with the sound of the Bosun’s pipe coming though the intercom.

So now the RSL, Probus, hitching up the caravan and bowls took up his time.

Kym said that her Father was a very proud man, a family man, and a humble man. She also said, “ Throughout my life, I have observed many good leaders and had various mentors  – the one  that stands out the most, is our father.”

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Both Darryl’s Son in Law and Granddaughter gave eulogies too. Speaking of fun times such as ;  trying to keep his surprise party a  secret, magic slippers with money in their toes, being squashed in bed and trying to escape the TV News bulletins. They also emphasised that Darryl ruled the roost.  His beloved wife, daughters and the grandchildren all toed the line, especially over the TV programmes which had nil interest to no one else except Darryl, and the meticulous but frustrating BBQ ritual.

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Ian Golding gave a eulogy on his activities within the Doncaster Bowling Club.

Darryl started playing bowls because he realised it was a safer sport than boating on Port Phillip Bay…he had fallen overboard several times.

One of my first memories at the Bowls Club was Darryl standing beneath the glittering disco ball, his arms waving like a sergeant, eliminating  one corner after another, during a special dinner dance game. And who could forget the night he cross dressed to emphasise some rude poem he had on the screen. As always  he was in charge of the remote control!

The wake was held at the bowls club and was well attended.

I would be so remiss if I did not publicly thank all the Men and especially the Ladies who helped that day. Kay appreciated it and do I.

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VALE  DARRYL,   A Life Member who put so much time and effort into Doncaster Bowls Club over 36 years. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by many past and present members.

Lyn Goodman.