Rugby league has lost a true gentleman, larrikin and Outback legend this week, following the passing of Owen Lingard from Roma.
Affectionately known as Bodgie by everyone who knew him, he passed after a long battle with his health. It was a battle he had been winning for a number of years, but it finally took its toll on him this week.
Bodgie always had a story to tell, whether it was a recent yarn or from many years ago, and he always put his own spin on it. When he spoke, everyone listened.
I only knew Bodgie for eight years, but every time I saw him I would be sure to go and speak with him as he always made you feel as if you were the only person in the room.
His knowledge of everything rugby league in the Outback was truly amazing and it was only a couple of months ago that he finally told me about his accomplishments in the game, as it was never about him when we spoke.
He played many years for his beloved Wallumbilla Herefords - now know as the Red Bulls - and won three premierships. He coached many teams, including Junior Zone and Cities A Grade, and managed South West Mustangs (20 years), South West Stockman (20 years), Queensland Country and Queensland Rangers, as well as the Wests Tigers for two weeks upon their visit to Toowoomba.
Bodgie's list of awards for his contribution to rugby league is also endless, including Life Member of Roma and District Rugby League, a Queensland Rugby League contribution award, an NITV contribution award, and an Australia Day award in 2000, also for his contributions.
He was also president of the Roma league for 10 years, a judicial officer for 30 years, president of the local branch for Men of League for the past 20 years, as well as being given the honour to toss the coin for the inaugural NRL All Stars versus Indigenous All Stars game.
These are just some of his accomplishments in our game but, outside of this, he was also a very much-loved husband, dad and granddad to his family. He will be missed by many.
Bodgie's service will be held at St Paul's Anglican Church, Bungil St, Roma on Thursday, September 29, at 10am.
There will obviously be a lot of stories, memories and laughs when everyone gets together to celebrate the life of one hell of a good guy.
