Former Eels Chairman remembered for enormous contribution to western Sydney

Alan Overton, Peter Wynn, his daughter Renae and Dennis Fitzgerald.

A former Eels chairman will be remembered as a mentor and mate who made an enormous contribution across western Sydney.

Alan Overton died late last month aged 86.

On Friday, July 28, the Eels released a statement to express sympathies following the death of Overton, who was the chairman of Parramatta Leagues Club and the Parramatta Eels between 1988 and 2009.

“In addition to his love of the Eels, Alan had a long and distinguished career in and around Parramatta and made a major impact on the community that he loved and championed,” the statement said.

Born in 1937, Overton was the second eldest of eight children and grew up in Granville.

He met his wife Merle when they were teenagers working at Goodyear and raised three children – Karen, Craig and Grant – in Merrylands and Carlingford.

He undertook National Service at age 18, then worked for James Hardie & Co for 47 years.

Overton became involved with the building of Ronald McDonald House when it relocated from Camperdown to Westmead in 1996.

In a statement, the Eels said this created an enduring relationship between the clubs and Ronald McDonald House that is still going strong today.

Eels legend Peter Wynn said “Ovo” was a mentor and a mate to everyone.

He said one of his favourite memories was when Overton came over with a dozen bottles of Tyrrell’s Vat 47 Chardonnay, following his retirement.

“I’ve known Al since 1981, when James Hardie became the major sponsor of the club,” Wynn said.

“It was a very exciting time for everybody because it was a local business and it meant so much to the community.

“He wanted the place to be successful and gave a lot of players jobs, folks like Stan Jurd, Michael Erickson and Gavin Catanach just to mention a few.

“He was friends with everyone and went on our end-of-season trips.”

Overton was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 1994 and appointed a member of the Order of Australia in 2004 for his service to the community.

He formed a scout group for handicapped children and was the Deputy Chairman of Scouts NSW.

In a statement, the Eels said Overton held numerous positions as either Director, Chairman or Patron across a huge range of organisations and was one of the leading advocates for the growth of Parramatta and western Sydney.

He became a chairman of both clubs in 1985, and was determined that both organisations would become financially stable.

“He played a major role in ensuring the delivery and management of Parramatta Stadium and his tenure provided the club with one of its longest periods of stability and growth,” the statement said.

“Furthermore, Alan was passionate about the Leagues Club being not only a strong supporter of rugby league but also other sporting and community organisations across the Parramatta district.”

Overton had Alzheimer’s disease and passed away at Oatlands Aged Care Centre.

Last weekend, the club used its home game against the Dragons to honour Overton’s contribution to the club and his community.

“He was always there if you needed him,” Wynn said.

“He was very well respected and surely missed by all.”

A funeral service was held on Thursday, August 10.

This article was previously published in the Parra News.