Vale – David Schiemer

Men of League Foundation Member #3883

October 12, 1932 – July 31, 2018

Throughout his life, David loved to play and watch any sport going, but loved his rugby league. As a youngster, he showed talent in tennis, athletics and cricket but none could match the excitement of ‘football’.

He started his career in the sport with Bathurst Railway Juniors around 1950, moving on to the first grade team as centre in 1951, and during that year, was selected to tour Queensland with the NSW Railways Representative Team.

In 1953, David was fortunate enough to be selected to play for Canterbury First Grade, with jumper Number 11, and loved it. However a broken wrist slowed him down for a while, meaning when he regained his spot in 1954 it was an absolute thrill.

The lure of a coaching job in the country, and the financial reward that came with it, was hard to ignore with a growing young family to support and so David accepted the position of captain-coach of Gilgandra early in 1955.

In the following years, David was selected in various representative teams, the most memorable being given the position of Vice-Captain of the Western District Team that drew with the touring British Lions. David coached Bathurst Railway First Grade Team for several seasons.

In his later life, David was an avid golfer and bowler, still enjoying a good competition, win or lose.

David was a true gentleman throughout his life and never had an unkind word for any person. He will be missed by his devoted family, who will remember him as a generous, funny and affectionate father, grandfather and great-grand father who encouraged a love for sport for the lessons it teaches and the fun it provides.

Rest in Peace, David.