Cricket and football followers in the Southern Riverina, Riverina and Northern Victoria areas are mourning the passing of Arthur Owen, 81, of Tocumwal.
Artie, as he was more commonly known, was a much loved and admired presence in the regional sporting community.
He was a selfless and humble gentleman who was happiest when he was involved and contributing tirelessly to the sporting communities of Tocumwal, Southern Riverina and Murray Valley through his great loves of cricket and football.
Artie’s sporting journey began with his beloved Tocumwal Cricket Club in 1957.
He played until 1984, and at one time or another held all club positions, including curating the wicket and junior coaching.
He commenced umpiring in 1982 and stood for over 1200 matches in the Murray Valley, Southern Riverina and Riverina.
His final game was the Murray Valley C-grade final last March.
Artie was also a long time umpire at Bendigo Country Week, standing with his cricketing and footballing friend and colleague Michael ‘Kooka’ Bennett, from Deniliquin, for more than a decade.
He was a founding member of the Southern Riverina Cricket Council in 1982.
He also held the position of president from 2001 until his passing.
For three decades he was a delegate to the Riverina Cricket Zone and Northern Rivers.
He gave lengthy service as an administrator with the Murray Valley Cricket Association - secretary from 1974-2010 and board member (1965-2021) - and Murray Valley Cricket Umpires’ Association (1985-2028) which epitomised his dedication and amazing service.
He was also a long time goal umpire with the Goulburn Valley Football Umpires’ Association.
He spent most of his winter Saturdays on many of the same grounds where he officiated behind the stumps during the summer.
Other recognitions were as follows:
• 1976 Membership of Tocumwal Cricket Club.
• 1988 Life Membership of MVCA.
• 2000 Australian Sports Medal.
• 2000 Life Membership of Murray Valley Cricket Umpires’ Association.
• 2003 Life Membership of Southern Riverina Cricket Council.
• 2005 Cricket Australia Award 50 years’ Service.
• 2012 Berrigan Shire Council Sportsperson of the Year.
• 2013 Life Membership of Riverina Cricket Zone.
• 2015 Murray Valley Cricket Association Hall of Fame inductee.
• 2017 Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association Life Membership.
• 2021 Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to cricket.
The wider sporting fraternity extends sincere sympathy and condolences to wife Christine, children Robert, Arthur, David and Amanda, partners and families.
Arthur’s funeral service was held at St Alban’s Anglican Church in Tocumwal on Wednesday November 16.
Well played Artie. Stumps are drawn.
~ Contributed by Wayne Bradley.