TEARS, CHEERS FOR A FOOTY HERO
TEARS, laughter and heartfelt tributes were heard by hundreds of people who gathered at Tweed’s Seagulls Club yesterday to mourn and celebrate the life of rugby league stalwart Tom Searle.
Mr Searle, 73, died on June 22 in Sydney following a year-long battle with brain cancer.
His service was ticketedonly due to COVID-19 restrictions and was filled to capacity with 400 people attending.
It was rich with emotion as stories of his football career and social life were shared by his family, friends and former colleagues.
The coffin was draped with football jumpers from his former clubs.
His son, Titans founder Michael Searle, described his father as his best friend and hero.
Michael joined his father on a trip back to his hometown at Tamworth and then on to Manly to visit good friend and former Titans coach John Cartwright just days before he died.
He told the gathering his father had a feeling his time might almost be up, but Tom Searle had remained dignified and showed plenty of courage and inner strength until the end.
“It was wonderful to be able to spend the time with him. It was hard to see him struggle, but at no stage did he have fear in his eyes. He was ready,” Michael said.
“He left with dignity and he left with gravitas. That’s my old man.
“He was a lion to the very end. He was one the greatest humans I’ve ever met.”
Seagulls Rugby League Club CEO Matt Francis spoke at the service, which he said was a fitting tribute to “Tommy”.
Mr Francis first met Mr Searle in the early 90s when they worked together supporting young athletes before continuing their careers in the NRL.
He said there were plenty of tears throughout the day, but more importantly, there was plenty of laughter.
“It was a fitting tribute to Tom, with the support of the Seagulls Club, and even with COVID restrictions we still managed to have 400 people attend but could have had three times that amount,” Mr Francis said.
He said speakers told of Mr Searle’s ability to search for the best in other people and also for them for find the best in themselves.
“The service finished with a standing ovation in celebration and thanks to Tom for what he did for us all,” he said.
Searle family and friends were joined by many people he helped, including rugby league greats Ben Ikin, who emceed the service, Preston Campbell and Kevin Campion “to name a few”.