VALE KEVIN MAHER

Sadly we have to announce that Kevin Maher has passed away. Doncaster Bowls Club has many old fashioned gentlemen and he was one. He never had a bad word to say about anyone.  Kevin was 89.

He was the only boy in his family. He met his wife at work and after marriage the couple moved to Maggs St East Doncaster in 1959, where Kevin was still living till a few years ago. They were founding parishioners of St Peter and Paul where they got to know the Gathergood’s  and the Whitaker’s. Kevin was a sales rep. for a large biscuit company.

Outside work Kevin was an umpire for the VFA during its heyday of the 60’s and 70’s, initially running the boundary and then as a goal umpire. His children loved seeing him on live TV. He never lost his cool or reported anyone even though the VFA was such a rough and tumble game. He proudly umpired four Grandfinals, in 1967, 70, 72 and 73. He was made a life member of the Umpire’s Association in 1971.

Umpire Maher

He became a fanatical Tiger supporter. He and his son Brian went to all the Richmond games together for over 30 years.

Kevin joined Doncaster Bowls Club in about 1990. He played in the fifth or sixth sides usually as a lead or second. He chaired the Tournament Committee for several years and was also on the bar Committee for 14 years. His family quickly learned never to schedule any family events on a Thursday night because there was no way he would be missing Thursday night meals. He was involved with the running of this summer social event for 20 years – firstly as  Co-ordinator and later as the MC.

Winners of the 7th State Carnival. Kevin Maher on the left, .Skip J Tuckfield on the right.

I am indebted to Kay Golding and Darryl Bishop for the background information of Kevin’s time at DBC, and to Kevin’s son Brian for his life story.