Mount Isa Rugby Union is mourning the loss of one of its founder members.
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Ray Clark passed away on December 15 with MIRU calling his death “a very sad loss”. “Ray Clark played a massive part in creating a place for Rugby Union in Mount Isa,” the club said.
Ray ran a sports segment on radio each week and wrote for the North West Star (under an alias). Some knew him as “Irish Ray”, some knew him as “Rugby Union Ray”.
His daughter Lana Johnston said Ray was born in Northern Ireland and early on life revolved around sport and music, playing representative and champion level sport, with high level rankings in rugby union, badminton, tennis and golf.
“He sang passionately and joined a choral group where he met Mum (Sheelagh). They married, then emigrated to Australia in the early 70s,” Lana said. “Within an hour of arriving in Mount Isa, Dad was playing club tennis and quickly added badminton, AFL, rugby league, touch, squash and golf.”
He was a founder Member of Rugby Union for Mount Isa and he arranged many touring teams – Italy, Samoa, Scotland, Australia and his beloved Ireland. Lana said he was a coach, referee, manager, international tour manager and helped with any role required.
“Dad thoroughly enjoyed his volunteer work on committees. I can’t begin to explain the hours we saw him dedicate to numerous groups over the years. The state of his office created many a discussion with Mum,” she said.
Ray is survived by his wife Sheelagh and daughters Karen and Lana.
Ray will be farewelled at Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens, Holland Park on Thursday December 20 at 2.30pm.
MIRU said it was important to keep their history alive and wanted to hear from anyone who has contact with the original founders or their families. Contact President Kurt McGregor on 0449693433.