Local sportsman and supporter Tommy Butterworth passes away at the age of 72

A beloved sportsman and supporter has been remembered as a devoted father, a loyal ally and for his incredible local cricket knowledge.

Former Ocean Grove cricket coach Tommy Butterworth has died. Picture: Ocean Grove Cricket Club.

A beloved Geelong sportsman and supporter who touched several clubs has been remembered as a devoted father and for his incredible knowledge about local cricket.

Ian Thomas Butterwoth, a former Ocean Grove cricket coach, St Albans footballer and club life member, Leopold CC servant and immensely proud father of local cricketers Hayden and Chad, died on June 14 after a long and courageous battle with cancer, two days shy of his 73rd birthday.

In the family’s funeral notice, Butterworth would “forever be the brightest star in our night sky”.

It was fitting he received the Les Kiddle presidents award just a few months ago at Leopold CC — a place he dedicated more than five decades to.

In fact, Chad had won the same award nine years prior.

And it was the same club Hayden would play for this coming summer after a distinguished career with Geelong.

The late Tommy Butterworth. Picture: Leopold Cricket Club.

In a social media post earlier this week, the Lions said Butterworth was simply a legendary character.

“After fighting so hard, Tommy has lost his brave battle and there are so many feeling a great sense of loss as we come to terms that there will be a huge empty void left behind where Tommy’s infectious smile and kind heart had filled the room for so long,” the club said.

“Tommy has always been a huge presence at our club, fiercely loyal, always humble and kind, he was the sort of person everyone enjoyed being around and wanted to chat cricket and life with, and with Tommy’s passing so too goes the incredible wealth of knowledge about cricket in Geelong that he was only too happy to share over a cold beer.”

Butterworth joined the club for the 1971-72 season in the third grade as a raw 19-year-old, and would go on to be a premiership vice-captain five years later.

Tommy Butterworth died on June 14. Picture: St Albans Football Club.

However, Butterworth would have big impact off the field, either as a coach, team manager, scorer, training co-ordinator or simply somebody who would offer an “empathetic ear” or a shoulder to lean on in tough times.

“He gave to our club in so many ways, taking on many roles,” the club said.

“Above all he was a quality person and a caring man with a wealth of cricket knowledge. “Tommy is everything that epitomises what Leopold has meant to so many, for so long.

“His commitment to the club was often unnoticed and went unrewarded, but that was exactly the way Tommy wanted it, he never wanted a fuss, he wouldn’t want these words.”

Butterworth would win the Bruce Bartle Best Clubman award during the 18-19 season, which prompted then club coach Corey Ogle to pay tribute to him at the time.

“Every year Tom goes above and beyond for the playing group,” Ogle said.

“Sometimes the group feels as though they are playing for Australia with the love and dedication Tom provides.

“His help, not only at training but also for the feedback during games I am very thankful.”

The Lions said he dedicated his life to following Hayden and Chad’s cricketing careers, whether it was at Ocean Grove, Geelong, Murgheboluc or Leopold.

Butterworth was extremely proud of his two sons, Chad and Hayden. Picture: Leopold Cricket Club.

“Tommy had been there week in week out especially in the past few years during his toughest battle, and always with a smile on his face,” the club said.

“Being back at the Pold he was excited in watching Chad’s career continue to blossom, little Tommy’s career begin, and this coming year was so excited to have all of his boys back playing together with Hayden joining the Lions to continue the tradition, he had begun all those years ago.

“Tommy put up an incredible and dignified fight, but we expected nothing less from him.

“While it will be incredibly sad to not have Tommy with us in the years to come, we are all so very lucky to have been a small part of his journey, and are all so much better for the experience of feeling Tommy’s love, guidance and friendship.”

Geelong CC said Butterworth had been a loyal committee member, team manager, bus driver and net captain, or just tinkering away with close friend Glenn Ward improving the club’s facilities.

“(He) always brought a positive presence that enriched the lives of everyone around him,” the club said.

“His greatest and most meaningful role was undoubtedly supporting his son, Hayden. Setting him up to be arguably GCC’s greatest player.”

Meanwhile, the Supersaints said the club was “deeply woven into the fabric of the Butterworth family”, with his parents, Ruth and Jack, life members and his brother a past player.

He began his journey in the juniors, going on to wear the number five as a tough and determined forward pocket in the seniors and would later serve as a coach and administrator

“The club has long been a spiritual home for the Butterworths,” the club said.

Former Supersaints player Tommy Butterworth has died. Picture: St Albans Football Club.

“The friendships he built at St. Albans were strong, enduring and brought him immense joy throughout his life.”

The Grubbers said Butterworth was a stalwart of the club, who coached many current and past players while holding many different roles.

A loving husband to Karen and brother to Glenn, Chris and Jenny, Butterworth was also a grandfather of Tom and Matilda.

There will be a private cremation followed by a wake on June 25 from 11am at the St Albans Football Netball Club.

Originally published as Local sportsman and supporter Tommy Butterworth passes away at the age of 72