It is with sadness that I post to inform Old Colleagues of the shock passing of John Messenger. John played with distinction for the Colleagues at 5/8, centre or fullback in the Burke and Kentwell Cup premiership teams of the 1960’s and early 70’s. John, who captained the premiership winning 1971 and 72 Burke Cup teams, combined a highly competitive nature and a reliable kicking boot to produce many great victories for the Colleagues during his time at the club.
John got the nickname “mess” or “messo” for invariably being in the middle of the action during a game. (or any where else for that matter) From the Club’s annual report of the 71 season Coaches Osborne and Corlis said of his captaincy “A very popular leader, John had the team’s confidence and co-operation and he used it well”. John a “200 gamer” for the Colleagues was the son of Old Colleague and club legend Charlie Messenger, John and his father were men who formed the fabric and unique spirit of the great Colleagues Rugby Club we enjoy today.
Pages could be written of the stories not only of the rugby deeds of John Messenger , but also his contributions to the sailing community and later to his farming friends at Mt Canobolas ,Orange.
Suffice to say we have lost a great bloke, a friend, a true Colleague in every respect, and many will be poorer for the loss. Our thoughts go out to his family at this time.
Service details .
3.00pm Friday 29th September, Scots College Chapel, Bellevue Hill,
then C.Y.C Rushcutters Bay.
Guest book to send condolences
//www.legacy.com/guestbooks/smh-au/john-messenger-condolences/186734526?cid=full