Kevin Hession, Parramatta Swimming Club founder dies aged 89
The legacy of a man who was the heart and soul of Parramatta Pools will live on when the suburb’s new aquatic centre opens. The gesture was raised as the community paid tribute to the swimming stalwart.
Parramatta
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Affable “larrikin” Kevin Hession, who was the heart and soul of Parramatta Pools, has died aged 89 but his legacy will live on when the suburb’s new aquatic centre opens.
A stand was named after the Oatlands man at the now-demolished Parramatta War Memorial Swimming Centre and a similar tribute will be unveiled at the new $77 million aquatic centre when it opens in 2023.
Parramatta councillor Pierre Esber raised the suggestion at Monday night’s council meeting as a tribute to the Parramatta Memorial Swimming Club founding and life member who died on September 24 after a heart attack.
The Randwick-raised Mr Hession taught himself how to swim at the Coogee Baths before making his mark on Parramatta pools when he moved to the area more than 50 years ago.
He became a founding member of the Parramatta Memorial Swimming Club in 1964 and volunteered tirelessly and enthusiasm for over 50 years as a swimming instructor and squad trainer.
He was also involved in establishing the club’s water polo and live saving sub branches.
Mr Hession’s eldest son Peter, 60, paid tribute to an avid swimmer.
“He had a couple of mottos and one of those mottos was ‘Swimming was one of those sports that may not just save your life but other people’s lives’.’’
He was also a devoted family man.
“Growing up in the ’60s and ’70s, we never had a lot of money but we were loved and cared for. We always had healthy food to eat and nice clothes to wear,’’ Mr Hession said.
His wife and fellow club volunteer Sandra said her father-in-law left a mark on people he taught to swim.
“It wouldn’t be uncommon to be walking down the street and hear grown adults say ‘Kevin, Kevin, you taught me how to swim 30 years ago’ and there’s so many adults walking around he taught to swim,’’ she said. “Once you met him you didn’t forget him.’’
He fought to save Parramatta pools from the bulldozer when Bankwest Stadium was proposed but continued volunteering to teach children how to swim and provided free lessons to youngsters at Epping and Macarthur Girls’ High School pools.
Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer expressed condolences to the family of the great grandfather and said Parramatta Memorial Swimming Club boasted four generations of Hessions.
“Mr Hession was well known in the local area and the local pools, and by the City of Parramatta Council recreation staff as a loud and affable larrikin and always stopped for a chat at the end of each lap,’’ Cr Dwyer said.
“We’ll certainly miss Mr Hession’s passion, dedication and willingness to share and teach people of all generations.’’
He was always prominent organising carnivals, assisting children from Burnside Homes and was awarded the 2019 Lord Mayor Community Service Award on Australia Day for his unwavering community spirit and commitment.
A club Facebook post said Mr Hession died peacefully last Thursday morning and would “be swimming his way to heaven”.
People took to social media to reminisce about Mr Hession.
Bernadette Haddad wrote: “We will miss him dearly, especially Saturday mornings on the pool deck.
“He taught my children so much over the last five years and they will miss him too.’’
Jordan Murray wrote: “His tireless dedication to the community made such an impact on so many lives. I’m sure I’m not alone when every time I hear the words “Holy Toledo!” I think of Kev.’’
Angela Katsiris praised on the “backbone of our swimming club”.
“He inspired so many, entertained even more and was the best swim coach,’’ she said.
“He will be missed. Rest In Peace Kevin, we loved you.”
Mr Hession’s wife Pam died in 1994. He is survived by three of his five children Mandy, Peter and Bruce, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.