Vale – Tony “Bottles” Howard: A True Gentleman

It is with a heavy heart that we record that Tony “Bottles” Howard (Men of League Member 7,611) passed away on Monday 15 February 2016 whilst in St.Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney for surgery. Tony was a likeable character, respected by all that knew him and he was a remarkable Men of League Member who supported the Foundation and all of the Northern Sydney Committee functions and outings.

Tony grew up in Forestville, Sydney and initially played rugby union with The Forest Club before becoming actively involved from 1969 for many years with the Forestville Ferrets Junior Rugby League Club as a player and coach through all grades including the 1970 “A” Grade premiership team; his efforts were rewarded with Life Membership in 1983. In 1971 he was lured as a young rugged second rower down to the Western Suburbs Rugby League Club, Wollongong and previously told us he recalled vividly playing against Great Britain international players Tommy Bishop and Cliff Watson in an opposing team in the Illawarra 1st Grade competition.

In 1972 he returned to Sydney to play Reserve Grade with the famous Newtown Rugby League Football Club under Coach Paul Cuneo (now deceased) a former North Sydney /Newtown 1st Grade player. Upon retiring from playing Tony formed a long association of coaching in the Manly Warringah Junior Rugby competitions with the Narrabeen Sharks Junior Rugby League Football Club various grades.

Tony had experienced some health problems in recent years but was the type of man to never complain, took everything in his stride and kept his chin up.

Our deepest condolences go to the members of Tony’s Family and we (the Men of League Members, Northern Sydney) share your sorrow along with his countless local friends in the Manly Warringah District.

Funeral Service details are to be confirmed; please watch local press announcements.

Rest in Peace Tony.

By Ken Vessey.