Today we were saddened to learn of the recent passing of the club's first president (1969).
The following tribute was provided/prepared by Daryl Stephens who knew Dick well:-
Dick was one of the original 'Mudklarkers' who did so much to enable the first teams to run onto Cheong Park.
After the first season, Dick was elected president and facilitated the addition of reserves and junior teams.
Like so many others at that time, he and his family had moved from the inner suburbs to the utopia of the outer eastern suburbs, a new home in Lucille Avenue, South Croydon only a couple of hundred metres from Cheong Park.
Dick played a couple of games (to make up numbers) but his best football was back in South Melbourne. He now held an executive position with Johnson & Johnson and his management skills and football knowledge were the best mix for his role of president. He welcomed everyone and although there was a shortage of supporters, Dick was able to ensure all match day positions were filled. Dick ensured that standards were maintained and any transgressions would receive a firm and friendly explanation (warning) 'That’s not how we do things at South Croydon'.
After two years as President ,his work commitments caused him to step down, but he was still there helping out when South Croydon won their first premiership.
Dick moved away from South Croydon to a new role at the airport and although he was not able to attend matches, he always followed South Croydon’s results.
Dick eventually retired to Yea, where he became involved with Picnic Races. His talents involved promotion to attract race sponsors and groups to attend. He also wrote articles for the local paper and had a 'spot' on the radio and 5 years ago was awarded a Life Membership of the Yea Racing Club.
Dick died peacefully May 22nd after a short illness.
From the local paper 'Not only will Dick Cocks be missed at the picnic races but his quick repartee will be missed around town as he would try to brighten the days of friends and acquaintances he met in the streets'. That’s the Dick Cocks we knew and loved!
R.I.P.