Arch Geary at the back gates of the club named after himself and Phil Pascoe
More than 300 people attended the funeral of one of the Wynnum Manly area’s best-loved identities, Arch Geary. Mr. Geary died on Saturday, June 19, aged 87.
Arch dedicated most of his adult life to Wynnum Manly Rugby League. He was involved as a board member and a volunteer for over 50 years from the late 1940’s in varying roles and had life membership bestowed upon him in 1966 for his services to the club.
When entering the rear entrance of the Wynnum Manly Rugby League Club, the gates are named in honour of Arch Geary and best mate Phil Pascoe who also became a life member of the club in 1972. Any supporter of the Seagulls in the 1970’s and 80’s would recall Arch and Phil when arriving at the ground with their “It’s all about Wynnum Manly Rugby League approach.”
Described as “the ultimate gentleman”, Mr. Geary was well known locally as a member of the Wynnum Manly Seagulls Football Club, Wynnum RSL Indoor Bowls Club and as a life member of the Australian Labor Party.
Mr. Geary was born on April 7, 1912, and moved to Clara St, Wynnum, shortly after his marriage to his wife Vera.
State Member for Lytton Paul Lucas, who delivered Mr. Geary’s eulogy, said Mr. Geary was a man of principle.
Arch Geary fund raising for the Club
“Arch Geary spent 63 years in the Labor Party, was made a life member in 1971 and, in fact, had enough membership to become a life member twice over,” Mr. Lucas said.
“He was a local institution and a regular attendee and active participant in all party activities.”
“Recently he attended State Parliament and his presence was specifically acknowledged by the Premier Peter Beattie and the rest of the parliamentary chamber while in session.”
Mr. Lucas said Mr. Geary had loved his rugby league and had helped form the Wynnum Manly Leagues Football Club, building the field from scratch at Kitchener Park and again at Kougari Oval.
Vale, Arch Geary.
The opening of Kougari Oval in 1966 with Arch Geary and Nev Overson proudly displaying the Wynnum Manly Rugby League flag
Photo Source: Wynnum Manly Rugby League Football Club
