News of the passing of one of Narrabri and district’s favourite sons, Col Stanford, has saddened many in the Narrabri and district community but the highly popular athletics coach leaves a legacy which will endure in many hundreds of hearts and minds in the district and beyond.
Colin Bruce Stanford passed away in Narrabri Hospital on Monday evening. He was 82.
Mr Stanford’s life-long love of sport and dedication to the decades-spanning task of encouraging, training and coaching young athletes in a number of disciplines was matched with a kindly but firm manner that was to endear him to children and families throughout more than 50 years.
Col’s ready smile will be easily remembered by generations of youngsters who were entrusted to his care. He mentored and coached many hundreds of children from their primary years, through the teenage years and on into adulthood.
Towards the end of an active career Col joked that he was now coaching children of a third generation. Col’s love of athletics and his devotion to the task of coaching youngsters saw him travel widely in Australia and overseas.
The sporting success of a number of local schools was often a reflection of the time, effort, devotion (and expense) provided by Col Stanford to the coaching task.
For his part, Col was delighted when his young charges did their best – and sometimes succeeded – at the top levels.
In his lifetime Col was acknowledged with community awards and well-deserved recognition but a great many individuals will feel a sense of gratitude for his interest and care.
An obituary detailing Mr Stanford’s remarkable service to Narrabri’s sporting life will be published at a later time.
Col Stanford is survived by his wife Pam, children Lyn, Karen, Brad and Tracey, their spouses and grandchildren.
A funeral notice appears in today’s issue.