‘One of the best’: Andrew Batson, 59, farewelled in moving funeral at GMHBA Stadium

A revered Geelong and Bellarine personality who could make a room “hang off his every word” has been remembered as a connector of people at a packed funeral service.

Andrew Batson and his wife, Jen. Mr Batson is being remembered as a wonderful man and respected community member across Geelong and the Bellarine. Photo: Supplied.

A revered Geelong and Bellarine personality who could make a room “hang off his every word” has been remembered as a connector of people at a packed funeral service at GMHBA Stadium.

Heartbroken family and friends farewelled “irreplaceable” 59-year-old Andrew Batson, a man described as “larger than life” and “one of the best”, on Friday.

The Queenscliff Golf Club captain and long-time St Mary’s Football Club stalwart filled The Captains Room function centre at the Cats home base, a testament to the countless lives he touched across the city and wider region.

Mr Batson was the club captain at the Queenscliff Golf Club. Photo: Supplied.

He suffered a medical episode in his car in Ocean Grove last week, with the woman who discovered him given special praise by his friend and service MC, Simon Farrell, after she spent “four hours by his side”.

Mr Farrell spoke fondly of his friend who “loved a beer” and “was a very proud St Mary’s man”.

“The football club was a huge part of Batto’s life,” he said.

The former board member was credited with turning the club’s junior program into one of the biggest and strongest in Geelong today.

His brother, David, shared glowing memories of their time growing up playing cricket and football, and the famous “Batson niggle”, such was their good-natured competitiveness.

This would endure on the golf course in older age.

“My earliest recollection of him was his armpit....from a headlock,” he said.

“He had a huge impact on me.

“I always felt and received his love, and that means the world to me.”

Andrew Batson. Picture: Mike Dugdale

Mr Batson, a STIHL Australia accounts manager, was described as a “true Blue” Carlton supporter and a person who “drew you into his orbit”.

He had just celebrated his first wedding anniversary with his adored wife, Jen, at the time of his passing.

They were married in Vietnam.

“He couldn’t have been any happier” at the time of his death, the service was told.

Friend of the couple, Ross McDonald, said the Queenscliff Golf Club had enjoyed an unprecedented period of success and credited much of it to “Batto”.

“He was a great connector of people, was always at the golf club” he said.

“He was one of the best.”

His niece, Bridget Perkins, recalled an uncle “we always felt loved by” in a moving tribute on behalf of his nieces and nephews.

“He was always there for us and treated us like we were his own,” she said.

Mr Batson was a loving son of Stan and Myra, a cherished sibling of David, Carmel and Anne, loved brother and sister-in-law of Maurie and Tami, and a proud uncle to his nephews and nieces.

Originally published as ‘One of the best’: Andrew Batson, 59, farewelled in moving funeral at GMHBA Stadium