Pat Dichiera

Well here it is folks, an undamaged copy of dad’s runners up Under 18’s team from 1964 (see original post here).  With thanks to the power of social media, some of dad’s old team mates and their family members contacted me and we now have this copy.

Very special thanks to Michael Allen and his wife Patti for taking the time to scan this image from their collection.  Also thanks to Marg Young who also took time out of her day to track down a copy from the Bottoms & Morris families.

Recently I posted a copy of this photo of dad’s Under 18’s AFL team photo from 1964 on the Facebook community page for Lost Mildura.  Through that post I was contacted by a few people that either played in the same team with dad or with the club about the same time.  One of which was Stan Middleton.  Stan a returned Vietnam veteran is a lovely man only 3 weeks older than my dad.  He shared the following memories with me as well as a new photo we have never seen before of dad during his time with Irymple Football Club.

“I knew both Sam & your Dad.  Both I think through the Irymple Footy Club & Mildura Tech.  Also they used to catch the Cardross bus to school I am sure.  I came from Cardross but played footy at Irymple.

Always liked your Dad.  A good man!  Also sad to see that Sam passed away about 5 years ago.  If I remember correctly he ran the service garage station at Irymple!  I knew Terry Bottams very well.  Terry caught our bus as well and also played footy at Irymple.

Will attach a few photos from the footy club which you may recognise many!  Your father in at least two.  One was when we unfurled the 1962 Flag in the first game of 1963.  So we definitely played together in the same team.  Often your dad was a year behind me as his birthday was January & mine December resulting in me going to the next age group a year earlier than Dad.

Here are some Mildura Tech days photos which will feature some of your Dad’s mates.  I was a year ahead so I don’t think he is in any of the photos.  Mostly my year!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/aodcurator/sets/72157650130946978/

Anyway Sharon will close now but be rest assured your Dad hasn’t been forgotten by many that knew him.  I am one!”

– Stan Middleton.

Unfurling of the 1962 flag for the first game of 1963.  Dad is 4th player from left.

Thinking of you and all we lost this day Dad.  All our love always, Sharon, Michael and families.  xxx

Happy heavenly birthday Dad.  Today would have been your 70th birthday, we’re sure you would have celebrated.  🙂   We’ll all have one for you tonight.  Love you always.  xxx