Vale Ron Crowe

Rugby league lost a great servant when Ron "Dookie" Crowe passed away. While he played our game at the highest level, he was a true country boy and his beloved West Wyalong was always in his thoughts.

Ron began playing with West Wyalong in 1948 and made his Maher Cup debut in 1949 while still only 16 years of age. From there he went on to represent Riverina, NSW Country, City, NSW and Australia.

Ron was with West Wyalong for around 19 seasons and towards the end of his playing career, he did spend some time with Barmedman.

In 1962, South Sydney signed him but rather than leave West Wyalong, he commuted to Sydney by plane each weekend to play. With Souths he played 15 first grade games and also played for City Firsts.

The powerful front rower first represented NSW Country Firsts in 1960 and made six appearances for this team up to 1968. He also played 16 matches for NSW and five Tests for Australia.

Ron made his Test debut at Auckland's Carlaw Park against New Zealand on 1 July 1961 and played his last Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground against Great Britain on 25 June 1966. He toured New Zealand with Australia in 1961 and played five minor games for his country on this tour, as well as both Test matches.

Ron and his family have always been very much a part of the West Wyalong community. He was made a Life Member of the football club in 1977, while the home ground is named the Ron Crowe Oval.

A funeral service will be held at Ron Crowe Oval in West Wyalong, on Saturday 28 September, beginning at noon. All past and present players from many clubs will be forming a guard of honour at the service. All old players, both teammates and opponents, are encouraged to wear their team blazers or any other club apparel.

Flowers are welcome and donations can be given to the Dementia Foundation.

Men of League extends its deepest sympathies to Ron's wife, Nancy, his four children, Janice, Anne, Denise and Michael and their families, plus all of his vast number of friends and extended family. Ron has 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Ron Crowe. Born 19 November 1932, passed away 24 September 2013.

By Barry Ross