Moree sadly lost one of its legends last week, with the passing of Moree Boars' number one supporter, community stalwart and World War II veteran Alf Scott.
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Alf sadly passed away in Perth on Thursday night, May 2, at the age of 94.
Apart from the past 10 months, when he farewelled Moree to be closer to his family in Sydney and Perth, Alf lived all his life in Moree and drew his roots from humble beginnings, when he lived on the southern side of the bore drain as a child.
"There was no town water, road or footpath to my home," he told The Moree Champion when he turned 90.
"My parents worked hard through the Depression.
"When I was going to school we had boots, not shoes, and when it rained we would take them off and hang them around our necks. I never had long pants until just after I was 16 and never owned a car until I was 41. I rode a bike, which I didn't get until I was 12, or walked."
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Alf passed his school days caddying at the then-nine hole golf course before he was picked up for military service when he was 18.
He served four years in the 53rd AA Composite Regiment at Tarakan and Borneo in Indonesia during World War II.
After he was discharged in 1946, he moved straight back to Moree. A short stint at a J Morgan and Co general store led to employment with John Assef at his self-titled store, Assef's, where he served 57 years, working right up until retirement at 81.
In 1949 he married Beryl who shared 39 years together and welcomed two children, Richard and Susan, and two grandchildren, Tanya and Adam.
On the sidelines, Alf dedicated himself to the community.
He sat as committee secretary and president on the Moree Amateur Swimming Committee and helped to build its clubhouse. He juggled the role of publicity officer and columnist for the Moree Diggers Swimming Club, Moree Greyhound Racing Club, volunteered with Moree Cancer Support Group, and dedicated more than 15 years to P and C associations across Moree.
And the list of accolades Alf has received goes on: life member of Moree Amateur Swim Club, life member of Moree Boars, Country Rugby League Merit Award, Moree East Primary School life membership badge, RSL of Australia over 50 year's service award plus many more.
It's no mystery that perhaps Alf's greatest passion was rugby league.
In 1947 Alf trialled with St George football club but after being notified of his grading, had to forgo the chance to play in Sydney on the advice of doctors due to war disability.
Instead he turned to playing with East Moree in the town competition but again due to infection Alf turned to administration.
Alf served in different positions until Moree went into inter-town competitions.
From 1951 until only a few years ago he served as secretary/treasurer of the Moree Boars Rugby League Club.
Along with his friend Burt Jovanovich, their dream was to see a league's club in Moree, which came true. In 1972 Alf was made a life member of the club.
Since 1955 Alf has kept a record of Moree Rugby League Club players and it is recognised as one of the best records kept in the country.
Not only was Alf publicity officer for the club at one point, but he also wrote on the game and a regular column for the Champion of which he was a contributor for about 50 years.
Fellow Moree Boars life member Todd Mitchell said Alf was the "loveliest man" he's ever met and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
"Alf will be very, very missed, not just by the Moree rugby league community but by the whole Moree community and greater rugby league community, from Group 4 and 19," he said.
"He was so well-known and well-respected in the 70-odd years he was involved in rugby league. There's nothing he couldn't tell you."
Mitchell said even though Alf left Moree last year, he would still ring up members of the Moree Boars to keep updated on how the side was going.
"Not to have that phone call anymore will be quite sad," he said.
"He was a very dear old man, and a very dear friend to a lot of people."
The Moree Boars posted a tribute to Alf on their Facebook page on Friday.
"Today, with great sadness, we have to say farewell to our longest supporter and mentor as Alf passed away last night (Thursday 2nd May 2019)," the post said.
"Alf, you are a legend, you are a true gentleman. You gave more than your fair share of time and effort, not only to your beloved Boars, the game of League but to many more organisations in Moree, like the true patriot you are.
"You are one of Moree's greatest treasures and are held in the highest regard to so many that have had the pleasure to know you.
"The Moree Boars wish to pass on our sincerest and deepest condolences to Sue and Richard and their families.
"May Alf forever live on in our conversations, our memories and in the legacy he has left behind.
"'If Heaven wasn't organised before you got there, I bet it is now'. You are, were and will be missed.
"May you Rest in Peace now Alf, thank you for all you gave to the Moree Boars."
Assef's also posted a tribute on Facebook on Saturday.
"We are deeply saddened at the loss of our good friend Alf Scott," the post said.
"Alf served the Moree community in many ways over his life here, with 57 of those years as part of the Assef's team.
"But to us he was and always will be considered not just a faithful, hardworking member of the team, but a beloved member of the Assef family.
"We'd like to thank Alf for his many years of service to this town and to our family. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by us all."
