Vale: Bruce Dalton
Sadly, we deliver the news of the death of Northern Barbarians Life Member Bruce Dalton. Bruce passed away on Saturday 21st May 2022 after a period of illness. He would have turned 83 next Monday.
Bruce’s son Mark joined the club in 1982 and Bruce coached between 1984 – 1990. In those days it was rare to have a team past under 13’s as most boys went to private school. Bruce was able to convince the private school boys to still play for the club as well as their school, this enabled the nucleus of the team to stick together. After hearing of Bruce’s passing a former player made this comment “Very sorry for your loss Mark. Your Dad was the best rugby coach I ever had and I had some great coaches. I will always remember his handwritten note to me as a 15/16 year old with a single Mum, listing my strengths as a player and encouraging me to believe in myself! He was a wonderful influence on me as a teenager. My condolences to your family. May Bruce Rest In Peace.”
The following was provided by Ross Storey from the Hornsby Rugby Club.
Bruce coached first and second grades at Hornsby in the mid 1990’s after his son Mark came to the club from Normanhurst Boys High.
Bruce immersed himself in the Hornsby Club as he was not just a coach but enjoyed the “add ons” that this game provides. Many of us enjoyed his company post-game, on bus trips and tours. Bruce had had some previous experience as a Rugby coach and his return to coaching at Hornsby coincided with a rebuilding phase and the introduction of significant law changes in the game. Bruce proved to be a thoughtful and analytical coach who worked hard to help players transition to the new game.
Bruce’s Rugby experience goes far beyond his involvement with Hornsby as indicated by the following from Tim Booth from the Colleagues Rugby club.
A product of Christian Brothers Rose Bay, Bruce joined the Colleagues in 1958. He played open side breakaway in the Kentwell Cup for four years (three premierships) also subbies rep in 1959 and 1960. He was regarded among the best back rowers that have played for the club. A quiet achiever whose deeds on the field did all his talking for him. Bruce confirmed his form at Colleagues by journeying across the creek playing with high distinction with the Easts Beasts.
Sending thoughts and sympathies from the Colleagues family to the Dalton family and friends.
The following was provided by Bob Wilson from the Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club.
While playing for Easts, Bruce was selected to play for NSW gaining three caps between 1965 and 1967. Also while playing for Easts Bruce coached a number of the Bays Junior Rugby teams.
Bruce also spent some time with the Dundas Valley Club in the early 1970’s where he coached and played.
Bruce exemplifies what many of us know in that Rugby can become a big part your life. He was also an exemplar in how he was prepared to give back to the game.
The Hornsby Rugby community and the wider Rugby community extend their condolences to Noleen, Mark and Steven and their extended family and friends.
Photos attached are of Bruce attending a Hornsby Rugby Club Centurions dinner with son Mark and Chris O’Bryan. Bruce obviously enjoyed a beer or two. Photos from the Easts club show there is little doubt that Bruce enjoyed catching up with his old Rugby mates. The photos show Bruce at the Easts Old Boys lunch at the club late last year with his old mate Andy Tyler and at a reunion for a 1967 club tour to Japan.
Bruce Dalton Funeral Details
Garden Chapel
Castlebrook Memorial Park
712 – 746 Windsor Road, Rouse Hill
Friday 3rd June 2022 at 11.00am