Brisbane’s Bayside United FC mourn the death of volunteer Calvin Thomas
The Brisbane football community is in mourning after the sudden death of a man who helped shape a club on the city’s bayside.
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The Brisbane soccer community is in mourning after the sudden death of a man who helped shape a club on the city’s bayside.
Longtime Bayside United FC volunteer Calvin Thomas died after suffering a heart attack earlier this month, with tributes flooding social media this week to recognise the man who dedicated more than two decades of his life to the community and the sport.
The Lota-based club and its members will also come together at their match against the Centenary Stormers tonight as they dedicate the match at Don Randall Oval to the Bayside United life member.
“It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of one of the clubs life member’s Calvin Thomas. Calvin was a valued member of the Bayside United Football Community,” Bayside United FC posted on April 25.
Two people who will be in attendance for the club’s game to remember Thomas will be his two sons, Casey and Jedd, who said he was looking forward to having a beer in his dad’s honour at the place he loved so much.
“Dad became involved with BUFC over 22 years ago, when I was only 5,” Jedd Thomas said.
“Since that date, dad has been heavily involved in the club and its surrounding community. He would always help out in anyway he could and loved to volunteer.
“Dad helped coach and manage teams, attended every working bee and also cooked woodfire pizzas every Friday night.
“The club to him was his happy place, a place where he could surround himself with friends and like-minded people.
“One of my dad’s proudest moments was when the whole family went to the club to see him he awarded and become a life member of the club.
“I will always be proud to walk into bayside United and feel a special connection to my dad. Me and my brother are looking forward to watching a game tonight … he’s favourite thing to do was to have a beer at the club.”
United’s social media post was met with reactions by more than 200 people who shared emotional tributes to Thomas.
Former club president Duncan McConnell said Thomas was a “true gentleman”.
“Always there to lend a hand and help out no mater what was going on,” he said.
“Thanks Cal for everything you did when I was president and everything you did for other Exec Committees before and after my tenure.
“You’ll be missed mate.”
Many other club members shared their thoughts on how much Thomas meant to them.
“Such sad news. Cal was one of the first to welcome us to BUFC and it was a pleasure working alongside him for so many seasons of junior football at the club. A true gentleman. Rest well kind sir,” John Kennedy wrote.
“Cal was one of life’s good ones. Thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. Rest in peace Cal,” Paula Leckie commented.
Bayside United will be holding a minute’s silence before their match at 8.30pm in respect to Thomas.
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