Hundreds of people gather for funeral of South Lismore soccer coach Cameron Hyde
The passing of a beloved Lismore soccer coach has had a huge impact on the community, but his little daughter Lennie will one day be able to read all about her "amazing" father.
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More than 500 people including his family, friends and a strong contingent of the Northern Rivers soccer community, gathered to farewell Cameron Rodney Hyde.
On April 28, mourners came together at the Lismore Turf Club to pay their respects to a man many loved and considered a friend.
A former South Lismore coach, Mr Hyde, known to one and all as “Cammo”, passed on April 21, 2021 after a battle with cancer.
He is survived by his partner Tara and young daughter Lennie.
While there were many tears, there was also laughter as Mr Cameron, “who had a life well lived,” was remembered.
Mr Hyde’s father Rod spoke movingly of his son and the man he had become.
Fellow St John’s College Woodlawn teacher Craig Saad broke down several times when he recalled the remarkable man who was the ideal teacher.
“We never saw what was coming when Cammo entered our lived,” he said.
“He made an impact with everyone staff and students, everyone loved Cammo.
“His real magic and talent at Woodlawn was his impact on students, he ability to work with young people … his kind nature and care made him one of our best teachers.
“Cammo’s X-factor was working in connections and inspiring young people to be best versions of themselves.”
His friend Kane Allan teared up and said Mr Hyde would be looking down and “telling me not to be sook.”
“He was one of the strongest men we knew and there was never a dull moment,” he said.
“Cammo had when he was able to fulfil his dream of winning a premiership for South Lismore Celtics.”
“His love for football was not close to the love for his beautiful wife, Tara, who is one in a million, he was definitely punching (above his weight).
“And as for his beautiful little daughter, she melted you, mate.”
Friend and former coach Scott Hollis had tears rolling down his cheeks as he recalled the man he met on the football pitch, “a scrawny kid with arms waving like windmills and hairstyle he ages looking like de just got out of bed”.
Mr Hollis paid tribute to Cameron, who he said “was a class guy” and had “hit the jackpot with Tara”.
Holding their daughter Lennie, Tara drew laughter when she spoke of Mr Hyde’s antics at soccer matches.
“Cameron really wanted to do his own eulogy; he wanted to have the last word,” she said.
She also spoke of the “enormous gaping hole” Cameron had left in her life.
“The first night when he told me he was going to marry me … he was my lover, my best friend and soulmate.
“While cancer was nothing to joke about, he took chemo in his stride.
“I will miss his ability to believe in something unattainable.”
A highly respected and much loved participant within the soccer community, Mr Hyde led South Lismore’s premier league side to victory in 2019 and he was named the Football Far North Coast Newcastle Permanent Coach of the Year for 2017.
Tara said winning the 2019 premier league was a dream come true for him.
“To all his boys in the green and white, you did more for Cammo in those four than you’ll ever know,” she said.
“Winning silverware was a goal for Cammo but your camaraderie, sense of purpose and mateship … was amazing.”
She also spoke about his love for daughter and said: “I promised to keep his memory alive for Lennie.”
When guests were invited to place a bush leaf on Mr Hyde’s coffin, hundreds moved forward to take part.
Guests were invited to bring a message addressed to Lennie to place in a memory box to allow Lennie to learn of her wonderful father and the joy he brought into everyone’s life.
After the service there was a Private Family Interment.
At the end of the service, members of South Lismore Celtics formed a guard of honour and flares were lit to mark the occasion.
Earlier this week on social media South Lismore Celtics said: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend, Cameron Hyde.”
Mr Hyde passed away at his home in Evans Head, in the care of his loving family and friends.
“This is a sad time for our club and our community, but more so for the Hyde family and his loved ones,” the club said.
On the weekend the Celtics wore black armbands when they defeated Byron Bay FC 3-1 in the Anzac Cup final.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to assist Mr Hyde’s family.
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