It is my very sad duty to advise that Stan Beal, one of the club’s most popular and respected members, passed away in Prince of Wales Hospital, last night 12 June after a short illness. He was 73.
Stan joined the old Randwick club as 2nd Grade scorer in 1986-87 at the suggestion of workmate and former 1st Grade skipper, Gary Bensley. The following season he progressed to score for the 1st Grade side while undertaking the role of Publicity Officer. Within a year, he had added Practice Captain to his busy schedule. That was the beginning of a multitude of roles he would go on to perform for the club over a period of 37 years.
Despite battling health issues throughout his life, Stan was a tireless worker who may best be described as the ultimate volunteer. He was also CEO and Assistant CEO for Randwick, Operations Manager, committee member, Chairman of Selectors, delegate to the local junior council, manager and scorer of the Poidevin-Gray team. For Randwick Petersham he was Practice Captain and 2nd Grade scorer for many years, 1st Grade scorer on occasions while providing voluntary assistance whenever help was needed.
Apart from his documented activities, Stan’s assistance in providing accommodation for players, finding them jobs and generally acting as mentor and friend to many, cannot be measured in any material way. The huge number of “thank-you’s” directed to Stan in the end-of-season reports of captains in the club annual reports over the years, is testimony to the assistance he provided and the esteem in which he was held.
At the Annual General Meeting in 2019, President Mike Whitney made a special award to Stan, acknowledging a contribution to the club and cricket, well beyond what may be expected by the most devoted of volunteers.
Stan Beal was one of a kind and will be sorely missed. Funeral details will be advised when available.
