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Vale Ronald Dale Barassi - Rest in Peace

Dannyz
in Melbourne Demons

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37 minutes ago, Clintosaurus said:

Eddie is a brilliant MC.

… for events other than the memorial service for RDB. 

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    I loved the event and marvelled at the site of some of the olde footballers. The Carlton crew with a hobbled and hunched Percy Jones, Bruce Doull unchanged, Syd Jackson. I saw Sam Kekovich interviewed before the gate opened and delighted in his apology to Ron if he could talk to him 1 last time. Brent Crosswell was magnificent he is an orator who spoke so well. All the speeches were perfect, which I suspect being a state funeral were all written or ghosted by professional speech writers. Steven Smith spoke of Barassi's return to Melbourne and how he changed the culture and Richard Colles detailed how important Ron was in saving Sydney and moving the Barassi line.

    There have been many legends in the history of the VFL/AFL but in my mind none match Ron. They may have better credentials in some areas but no one could match his playing, coaching, vision, or persona and I doubt anyone ever will.

    I was sorry that his manager of 40 years Rosemary Long didn't get a chance to speak, she has dealt with Ron for so long and I am sure he was not always the easiest person to manage.

    Vale Ron, you were my first real hero

     

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    2 hours ago, WalkingCivilWar said:

    Cringe when Jacinta Allen mispronounced Ron’s mother’s name. Mispronunciation of a proper noun - particularly a loved one’s name - during a memorial service is  awkward, but is avoidable. It’s not like she had the names of hundreds of people to mention. 

    Yes but she was pretty good overall.I think she made a joke about Ron’s moustache.
    liked it

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    There goes my hero....inspired me to be brave and strong....as far as I can be.

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    This is not about Ron per se,but another aspect of his fame.

    l was a student at Monash University in the early 1970s and the head of the History Department, Professor Ian Turner, used to give an annual lecture named the Ron Barassi Memorial Lecture. He would talk about various aspects of the game in a humorous manner. The thing is he was a Richmond supporter and always wore a Tigers beanie! So even Turner recognised the stature of Ron in the world of footy.

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    The unmistakeable carriage of a man.

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    Wonderful service. I watched the whole show from far away Perth and enjoyed it very much having watched regularly the great man in my youth. Played in a practice match trying for a game for the Melbourne thirds (under 19s). I was on the same team as Ron and he fed me at least 3 perfect handpasses. I didn't make the final list despite his help though. On the only negative side, I thought that maybe one of his old Demons mates like Brian Dixon might have been asked to say a few words.   Maybe he declined.

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    From what I can see from videos online it looks like it was a wonderful tribute to the late and great Ronald Dale Barassi.

    I still hope that they name the AFL Premiership Cup after Ronald Dale Barassi.

    It would be a fitting tribute and an enduring legacy for all he did for the great game of Australian Rules Football.

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    My partner just told me an unbelievable story.

    She lived a few doors from 4 time premiership legend John Lord and had got to know him over time. 3 years ago and not long before he passed away she went through a nasty divorce and John rocked up at her door and offered to take her out to lunch for support.

    She had prior commitments and declined. Standing next to John was Ronald Dale Barrassi.

    I said to her are you farkin kidding me, how could you possibly pass up on opportunity like that. 

    What a beautiful gesture by those 2 men.

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    For people having a sook about Eddie McGuire, it was the Barrasi family that actually specifically requested Eddie to MC the event as he is a very close friend of Ron and the family.

    Regardless of what you think of Ed, respect his family wishes in all of this.

    It was indeed a beautiful service.

    Edited by dazzledavey36

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    1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

    For people having a sook about Eddie McGuire, it was the Barrasi family that actually specifically requested Eddie to MC the event as he is a very close friend of Ron and the family.

    Regardless of what you think of Ed, respect his family wishes in all of this.

    It was indeed a beautiful service.

    Barassi   One R and two S's. Not being nasty, mate just pointing out the correct spelling of our legend's name. You have quite a few mates who spell it wrongly too. Have a good day and let's hope our Demon girls have a win today. Cheers.

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    24 minutes ago, Bobby McKenzie said:

    Barassi   One R and two S's. Not being nasty, mate just pointing out the correct spelling of our legend's name. You have quite a few mates who spell it wrongly too. Have a good day and let's hope our Demon girls have a win today. Cheers.

    👍

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    I watched the service this morning, and thought it a wonderful tribute to the great man in exactly the right location. Amazing how many lives RDB touched in his lifetime. Some good speeches, particularly RB3 and Brent Croswell. Once the initial shock of Ed as MC passed, I think he did a good job. One of the challenges at funeral is trying to recognise older attendees!

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