Vale Robert Sargent

Vale Robert (Bob) Sargent

Bob Sargent passed away on the 30 September, aged 81 years. The rugby league community are deeply saddened by his death because he was respected by everyone who knew him and was a thorough gentleman.

Born in Coonabarabran, Bob developed into a hard-running defensive player and was enticed to Sydney to play for the famous Western Suburbs Magpies in 1952 by Ron Watson.

He made his 1st grade debut on the 4 July 1953 at Pratten Park, scoring two tries in a Magpies team that included Frank Stanmore, Col Ratcliffe and Arthur Collinson against a strong Newtown team containing Gordon Clifford, Dicky Poole, Col Geelan and Frank Farrington.

Bob went onto play three more 1st grade games before he returned to the country to play for Young prior to retiring.

In this time his admiration for the Magpies was formed and remained during his life; he was named Player 501 to wear the Magpies 1st grade jumper and was regular attendee at the Pratten Park Magpies reunions.

Upon retiring from playing Bob became a respected coach for several highly rated clubs in the strong South Sydney Junior Rugby League competitions during the late ‘50s-‘60s, including Redfern United, Moore Park Juniors and South Sydney Monarchs where he imparted his extensive knowledge and skills to young players including the likes of Bobby McCarthy, Arthur Branigan and Chris Armstrong.

When Bob was through with coaching he turned his attention to becoming a very talented "man in the middle whistle blower" for the NSW Referees Association, where he controlled junior representative and A Grade fixtures in the South Sydney Junior Rugby League area for many years.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2.15pm on Thursday 3 October at the Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park Crematorium South Chapel, 12 Military Road, Matraville and all are welcome to attend.

Men of League Foundation extends its deepest sympathies to Bob's wife Norma, daughters Leanne and Lorna, and sister June.     
       
By Ken Vessey