LOCAL sports legend David Hyland, who dedicated his life to volunteering in community sport, died at home on Saturday after succumbing to complications from a burst aorta.
A planned fundraiser for the 49-year-old went ahead anyway yesterday as five local sporting clubs joined together to pay tribute to "Hylo".
Brother Russell "Nipper" Hyland said hundreds turned up to honour his brother, who was a life member of Newtown/Chilwell Football and Netball Club, president and chairman of selectors for Murgheboluc Cricket Club and a player and senior coach for numerous other clubs around Geelong.
"Everyone volunteered their services at the fundraiser whether it was manning the bar or donating an item for the silent auction because they know that's what he would have done," Mr Hyland said.
David spent his life working with kids in local sports but was particularly close to his two sons Lewy, 18, and Tay, 19.
"He was always helping kids out, training them and taking them under his wing, giving them a part-time job in his butcher shop," Mr Hyland said.
"Kids absolutely idolised him. He coached an underage premiership team in 1991 and those kids are in their late 30s now but they still love him."
On Saturday, David's youngest son Lewy, captain of Newtown/Chilwell under 18s, played in his honour, Mr Hyland said.
"They won and finished top of the ladder."
Mr Hyland said he and his family treasured the moments they had spent with David in hospital.
"I know exactly how he felt about me and everybody who saw him knew exactly how he felt about them. Not everyone got that opportunity."
Last Modified on 27/11/2010 08:31