Still seems like yesterday, Great player but even more so Great Mate! would have been 67 today!
And as Neil Diamond would sing ..... "Done too Soon"
For those that haven't seen it! here is my eulogy of years ago!
Rob loved days like today.
He probably would have thought it a tad hot for footy, but would have played and dominated, anyway.
His greatest pastime on days like to day would be cooking a BBQ for family and friends, playing golf, or on his boat catching a few "Flatties" and maybe the odd "Schnapper" in Port Phillip bay, or just shooting the breeze on his sundeck at Sorrento.
Rob was at his happiest when you were happy, it seemed as if by some magical formula he had the "knack" of making you feel as if you were the most important person at that moment he was speaking to you. He loved his family and he loved and valued his friends!
Charismatic people have this gift. Some use it for gain, and power, Rob used his charisma because he was genuinely interested in you and your family.
Yes Rob was a "Superstar" footballer Bernie Quinlan so rightly said yesterday.
But Above and Beyond he was a "Mega Superstar" person! Is this not a better, more substantially satisfying legacy to leave?In private life he was a generous with his time and expertise, as he appeared in public life.
I have seen and been lucky enough to witness the way he gently and compassionately met people who at the conclusion of an interaction walked away much happier for the experience. Floating on air is as real as an experienceI have seen and been a part of, and just as euphoric! Just ask any who met him and knew him. I count myself extremely lucky and enriched by knowing him as a friend and mentor! The Euphoria stayed with you and lingered on and on.
Over the 35 odd years I have known the man, I have been extremely fortunate to have been welcomed into part of the fabric of his life.
He had many "Brothers" in arms and his own two brothers, Tom and Jim must have thought that they had won tattslotto every day of their lives having him as a brother. I can tell you he felt the same way about them!
A more gentle, humble, empathic, generous, self effacing, humorous, genuine person you could not find than Rob Flower.
I was at his funeral yesterday, and I will be at his public funeral tomorrow.
Each time I look up at the sky on a clear night I will seek out the brightest star. If all stars represent great people, then Rob's star will surely be the brightest! With more people like Rob Flower in the world, it would be a more sensational place to be!
Vale Rob Flower, a shining light in my life, never forgotten, always remembered
"No Regrets"
Thanks mate
