By Russell Bennett
From all walks of life across the south eastern community, they came together at the Berwick Montuna golf course on Friday to remember their great mate – Ash De La Rue.
His was a life tragically cut short by cancer, leaving behind a loving family – including a young son.
But his was a life that will never be forgotten.
Two of De La Rue’s great mates, Justin Stanton and Jeff Bernard, organised a golf day on Friday they lovingly named ‘Flynn’s Sporting Journey’ as it was held to raise funds for young four-year-old Flynn as he progresses in his chosen endeavours, be they academic or sporting.
“In April 2018 Ash had what was commonly referred to as a man-flu and he went to the doctor, but he just couldn’t shake it,” Stanton said of the beloved former Berwick footballer and Upper Beaconsfield cricketer.
“A few days later the doctor said they’d organise a blood test because they wanted to nip it in the bud.
“As a result, he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML).
“All of 2019 he spent in and out of Monash Clayton receiving treatment, and with a very small percentage chance of getting into remission he entered remission in November of 2019, but it unfortunately returned in February 2020.
“Unfortunately we lost him on the 6th of June in 2020, and that was obviously smack bang in the middle of Covid so we had restrictions with regards to his funeral service and wake.”
So, a number of De La Rue’s friends and those connected to him through his community and business involvements opted to come together to remember him, enjoy a day on the course, and raise some money to go towards Flynn’s future pursuits.
“Jeff and I approached Berwick Montuna Golf Club and they basically provided us with the venue and we put the wheels in motion to plan a golf event for late last year, but unfortunately Covid didn’t allow it so we postponed it until 12 March this year,” Stanton explained.
“Ash was just one of these guys who was actively involved in a number of areas throughout the community, as well as being a construction manager at Mirvac.
“He touched a lot of people in different ways, either by providing them with employment, or just being involved socially. Jeff and I decided that if we put a golf day together, we’d try and raise some money to put into a trust account for Flynn that Ash’s sister Sheridan could manage.
“It was just one of those things where the local guys wanted to do something to acknowledge the passing of Flynn’s dad Ashley and have this as an annual event.”
About 140 people attended the golf day on Friday, with great mates and local footy figures Kris Fletcher and Andrew Williams emerging victorious.
“Each year we’ll be running this tournament in Ash’s memory,” Stanton said.
“We initially thought it’d just be a small group of people who put their hands up, but before you know it we sold out the whole course and had people and sponsors come from everywhere. It was fantastic, and really touching. The family was present on Friday and they’ve been overwhelmed with the participation from the local community.”
Stanton said De La Rue’s passing was a tragedy amongst a particularly tough 12 months for the whole community.
“Local people really wanted to jump on board, and I guess it was partly their opportunity to come out of hibernation from the Covid pandemic – It was going to be a real celebration of Ash’s life,” he said.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t do it late last year, but we made up for it on Friday.
“A lot of the people there were squeezed out of being at the funeral because the numbers had to be capped. It was the first time many of us were able to see each other since his passing.”
The sponsors behind Friday’s event included: Cool Breeze Rentals, Borza Plumbing, Rochet Kitchens, Dahlsens, Climate Rental Solutions, Berwick Montuna Golf Club, Lumeah Landscapes, Easton Developments, The Wall Store, The Bottle-O (Pakenham), Boardpro, Gem Boom, De La Rue Landscapes, and the Bakof Group.
Family in attendance included Ash’s father and step-mother, Dick and Anne, along with his sister Sheridan and her husband Simon.
