We are saddened to hear of the recent passing of one of the stalwarts of our club, Robert Parish Jnr at the age of 82.
Rob was a true club all-rounder who served the club for many years in many roles both on and off the field. He was a fine bowler, batted at number 11 and in his own words "an ordinary fielder"!
He was an excellent APS fast bowler for his school, Melbourne Grammar, who upon leaving high school was immediately selected as cap number 304 in the Prahran First Eleven. He represented the club Firsts in 86 matches over the next ten seasons from 1961/62 through to 1970/71.
An excellent opening bowler, he bagged 163 wickets at a handy 25.63 with best figures of 7/71, including capturing five wickets in an innings on eight occasions. Rob took 17 catches and, batting at number 11, compiled 301 runs with a highest score of 33 along the way. He unfortunately had back problems which cut his career short.
Robert took on the key role of Honorary Secretary in 1963/64, a position he held for eight years until 1970/71. He served on the Committee after that and later was elected as a Vice-President, Cricket Victoria delegate and, when the Toorak Park curator became ill one mid-season, he was the curator preparing both practice and centre wickets. Yes, a wonderful club “all-rounder”.
And did we mention that in the years after his term as Honorary Secretary that he also ran the old manual scoreboard at Toorak Park every weekend for five years?
Robert was rightly honoured with Life Membership and inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The Parish name is synonymous in cricket with the True Blues and at other levels. His father Robert J (Bob) Parish CMG, OBE, was also a First Eleven opening bowler for Prahran over 13 seasons during the 1930s and 40s. Off the field he served as Club President for 29 seasons from 1955/56 to 1981/82, and was a Life Member and Club Legend, Bob was Chairman of both Cricket Australia, and Cricket Victoria and managed Australian touring teams to England and to the West Indies.
Rob’s wife Elaine has been a long-time True Blues supporter and Cricket Victoria administrator for 41 years and is also highly considered in the cricket industry.
The Parish name will be never, ever, be forgotten at Prahran Cricket Club. Our love and deepest sympathy to Elaine and the Parish family during this difficult time and may Robert Rest in Peace.
The Funeral Service will be on Tuesday September 10th, 1.30pm at Bunurong Memorial Park, Cumulus Room.
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