Gold Coast Australian rules club Surfers Paradise mourn death of legend Kerry Wylde

A Gold Coast sports club is mourning the death of a legend and member of its team of the century.

THE Gold Coast Australian rules community is mourning the loss of one of the city’s most inspirational footballers.

Surfers Paradise Demons Football Club have paid tribute to team of the century member Kerry Wylde.

“Surfers Paradise Football Club are deeply saddened by the news of the recent passing of Kerry Wylde after fighting a long and courageous battle,” a club statement read.

“Fondly known as “Wilbur” throughout the Football World, Kerry arrived at Surfers Paradise in 1985 From the Scoresby Football Club. From the moment he set foot into our club, we knew we had a good one.

“After outstanding form in the strong Melbourne Eastern Districts Football League, Kerry was an instant success on his Gold Coast arrival.

“An aggressive wingman with flowing blonde locks, he was regularly seen racking up kicks, taking strong marks, and spectacularly flying high at the back of packs.

“A great team man who would always stand up for his teammates if they were unfairly dealt with. ‘Wilbur’ was a Star Premiership Player, Best & Fairest Winner, and was honoured in the year 2000 with his Surfers Paradise Team of The Century selection.

“A colourful character both on and off the field who also possessed a genuine empathy to others. Kerry Wylde’s super positive attitude to the end was always uplifting, if not inspiring.

“Everybody has a Kerry Wylde Story”.

“Condolences to Tina and Family, your Surfers Paradise Family will always be here for you.”

EARLIER:

GOLD Coast Cycling identity Kerry Will Wylde has been remembered as one of the kindest and most supportive members of his community after his sudden death.

Wylde’s association with the Gold Coast Cycling Club extended over a decade, where he became a familiar and trusted face on the track or the sidelines supporting others.

2007: Kerry Wylde, then 43, with son Kye, then 10. PicMegan/Slade sport triathlons junior action

Former club president Dominique Verstreken said his passing had been a shock despite a prolonged illness.

“He was so brave,” he said. “He would never let on that he needed sympathy or anything like that.

“He was battling illness the whole time but it came as a shock to us all that he’d passed away, quite suddenly really.

“Many of us thought he’d beat it.”

Verstreken said Wylde’s optimism and kindness would leave a lasting impression on the cycling community.

“You don’t get those people often, who are not just supportive of their families but everybody, juniors in particular,” he said.

“He had nothing but encouragement for everybody. I’ve never heard him say anything negative or untowards.

“You couldn’t think of a more supportive father to his son, Kye.

“People will remember him and we will miss him.”

Heartache: Mourning a brother while preparing for wedding

THE family and friends of Ben Kennan have paid tribute to the charismatic, loyal and loving man who was the “glue” that brought people together.

Hundreds from around the Gold Coast have been mourning Kennan, who died at the age of 44 in a car accident in New South Wales on Tuesday, July 6, while working around Newcastle.

A hundred people gathered at Allambe Gardens last Thursday to celebrate Kennan’s life and more than 100 more watched the live stream of the funeral from the Broadbeach Robina Cricket Club where he touched many lives in both cricket and through the Broadbeach Cats Australian rules Club connected to it.

Friends and family have paid tribute to Ben Kennan. Picture: Taken from Facebook.

Kennan’s youngest brother Joel, 38, is due to get married next Friday and has been dealing with the emotion of losing Ben in the lead up.

The duo share the same close knit group of friends who all gathered at the funeral and will now come together again for the wedding.

“It’s been a struggle but the family is holding it together,” Joel said.

“He was a loving and loyal brother. I always looked up to him for both his sporting prowess and for his confidence to take things on. He will be sincerely missed and I love him dearly.”

Kennan said Ben, also the brother of Naomi, 42, and son of Alison, 69, shaped the person he had become.

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“I looked up to him, especially growing up,” Joel Kennan said.

“He was a popular guy and a very good sportsman.

“We grew up playing cricket in the backyard relentlessly and in board and card games we were both competitive. Being six years my senior he had the edge for many years.

“He was uncompromising and didn’t take it easy on me too often.

“We had a great childhood and we have been best mates for most of our adult lives.

“One story I told at the funeral was about how he would make 300, 400 or 500 runs not out while playing cricket in the backyard, declare and send me in.

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“He would then bowl me out and then refuse to enforce the follow-on so he would go back to batting and I’d be bowling.

“I must thank him because I played a fair bit of first grade cricket for Broadbeach in the end.”

The death of Ben is the second shock loss in the family, with Joel, Naomi and Ben losing their father Harry in 2008 at the age of 63.

Harry was the president of the Broadbeach Cats when Ben won the 1996 colts premiership with the club as part of a triple premiership year with the reserves and seniors both also winning.

Ben leaves behind children Amelia Grace, 14 from his first marriage with Emma and Oliver, Caleb, 7, and Arya, 2 as well as current partner Amy.

Close friend Jason Cox met Ben through the cricket club 20 years ago and the two have been mates ever since.

“He was very charismatic,” Cox said. He would walk into a room and be mates with everyone within five minutes.

“I’ve never met anyone like it. He was the glue that kept us all together.

“He was a very fun and loving bloke to be around. He was the life of the party and a top bloke.”