By Russell Bennett
There are few names more revered than the Coombs family at Nar Nar Goon.
On Sunday at Spencer Street for the Nar Nar Goon Football and Netball Clubs’ sponsors and life members day, Ray Coombs was bestowed with the posthumous legend status – only the second person to achieve the honour, after Bill ‘Doc’ Doherty.
Representatives of Ray’s family were front and centre as some of the Goon’s favourite sons paid tribute to the impact he had on their hallowed grounds.
They were presented with a plaque, by life member and past president Adrian Scott, which read: “Legend status – 2019. Ray – In recognition of your outstanding service as secretary of the Nar Nar Goon Football club for 13 years, your hard work line marking the oval for 28 years, and your expertise in the branding of the building bricks. Your commitment to the club is unsurpassed. Congratulations ‘Coombsy’.”
Ray, the winner of Cardinia Shire Council’s ‘Stan Henwood Award’ in 2017, passed away suddenly in November last year.
On Sunday, Adrian – clearly touched by the occasion – spoke about just what Ray meant to their club.
“My relationship with Ray was perhaps more-so from a recreation reserve committee perspective,” he said.
“I spent 10 years working alongside Ray.
“His sudden passing in November last year left an enormous hole here – not just for the football club, but for the community of Nar Nar Goon.
“People come and go in football clubs and communities for lots of different reasons, but there’ll be no family name that leaves a more lasting impression on the Nar Nar Goon Football Club and this recreation reserve than the Coombs family.”
The Nar Nar Goon Football Club has also vowed to install a park bench in Ray’s honour at its Spencer Street home ground.
