Brian Booth died 19th May 2023 at the Calvary Hospital, Kogarah. He had been in the palliative care unit for six weeks and two days. During that time, he was visited by family, cricket, and hockey friends, which he and Judy greatly appreciated.
Many of you know Brian’s story. Born in Perthville, near Bathurst on 19 October 1933. He was educated at Perthville Infants and Primary School, then Bathurst High. He was a gifted sportsman, with cricket, hockey and tennis filling in his days, outside of his studies. He then moved to Sydney where he attended Sydney Teachers College, graduated as a PE teacher, and taught at schools including Hurlstone Agricultural College and Narwee Boys’ High before becoming a lecturer in the School of Human Movement at Sydney University. He retired early and worked with the Christian Businessmen’s Association and the Bible Society of Australia. He was a regular speaker at sports events, dinners, presentation nights, and Churches.
He commenced playing cricket for the St George DCC, his only club, in the 1952-53 season retiring at the end of the 1976-77 season. Not only was he a player, but a mentor, coach, President of the Club and finally a Patron. He was referred to by many as Mr Booth, out of respect. His cricket career with NSW and Australia was memorable on many counts, but this note is not the place to highlight or discuss them. He was both a vice captain and subsequently captain of the Australian team
He enjoyed his hockey, playing for St George and represented NSW and Australia. In 1956 he was selected as a member of the Australian Olympic Hockey team for the Melbourne Olympics. Each year a highlight for Brian and Judy was attending Sydney hockey dinners. He felt it took him back to his early days in Bathurst where he learnt the rudiments of the game.
Brian was quiet and sometimes reserved but always wise. He had great recall of cricket and hockey moments and was a wonderful raconteur when the occasion called for a story. His Christian faith set him apart and he played all sport with the right spirit and attitude. The essay he wrote for Wisden Australia in the early years of its existence exemplified his outlook on life and cricket and how it should be played. He was a friend to many and always made you feel welcome.
Mr Booth, as I called him up until 1978 certainly encouraged me when I founded the Australian Cricket Society in Sydney in 1973. He regularly attended meetings and 31 years ago became our Patron. He enjoyed the meetings, special functions, and the Annual Dinners. Mixing with members and their guests was something that he looked forward to when anything was organised.
Our thoughts at this time are with the family wife Judy, Jan, Lyn and Ian, Alison, Jenny and Jim.
I am sure we are all better people for having known Brian Booth. I know I am.
Ronald Cardwell,
The Australian Cricket Society – NSW Branch