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Vale: Allan Purcell, Life Member

Updated: Sep 17, 2020


Werribee Hockey Club is saddened to announce the passing of a long time and an outstanding member of the Werribee Hockey Club Family. Allan passed away on Friday 22nd May, 2020.


Allan will be greatly missed by his wife Heather (also a staunch supporter of the Club), Mark (ex player and WHC Life Member), Andrew (player and Premiership Coach) and Brooke (ex player) and their families. Allan has valiantly battled health issues for many years now, however still found time to attend our home games and cheer on the teams – no matter what the weather.


Allan has been associated with the Club for more than 34 years. He has undertaken numerous roles at the Club including a player, coach, president, vice president, men’s convenor, Club historian and secretary for 8 years. I am sure there are others. He served on the committee for at least 15 years if not more and was a tireless worker for the Club. Allan worked hard, with a handful of other members, to get our first synthetic pitch. This was a long and hard-fought venture and allows us to share the facilities we have today. He was always looking at ways to improve our club and get the best for us. A very worthy recipient of Life Membership.


Allan loved Werribee Hockey Club and thought of it as his second home. All he wanted was for the Club to succeed. Even though he was unwell he stayed in touch with the Club he loved and only a couple of weeks ago communicated this to the Club.


In recent years I have lots of fond memories of Allan arriving at the Club, looking for his chair and then setting himself up ready for a great afternoon of hockey. He loved a chat and it was great to see so many of the boys stop and say gidday. Without fail, every afternoon that he was there we would chat – sometimes it was about the old days and how much the Club had changed, other times he’d ask about how things were going and offer his advice as to how to ensure things improved. Allan loved Werribee Hockey Club and so much of what we have is from his input over the years.


We would also like to acknowledge Heather, Allan’s wife of many years. Heather supported Allan in all that he did for the Club and ensured that even though his health was failing in recent years he could get down to the Club and watch the home games. Thank you, Heather, for allowing us to be part of Allan’s life for so long. He was a much-loved and respected member of our hockey family.


If you could share the memories, you have of Big Al or Mr P, from his time at the Club the family would be most appreciative.


Allan you will be missed. Rest in Peace.




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