THE Geelong Football community is morning the sudden loss of long-time umpire and Anglesea club stalwart Dean Lobbe
Dean passed away on Wednesday, with the Anglesea Football Netball Club remembering the club member as an “incredibly generous and positive influence.”
“(Dean) epitomised all that is good about our community and our club. Life member and legend,” a tribute on the club’s Facebook page read.
The Geelong Football Umpires League and AFL Barwon also paid their respects to the local legend ahead of this weekends matches.
“AFL Barwon is saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Dean Lobbe, a beloved member of our community.
“Dean was an incredible member of the AFL Barwon community, particularly with Anglesea FNC, the BFNL and the AFL Barwon & Geelong Umpires community.
“Dean was a man of immense integrity, compassion and commitment. He touched the lives of so many, both on-and-off the field. His positive attitude and willingness to give everything to those around him, will never be forgotten.
“Our deepest condolences to Dean’s family and friends during this period, the Anglesea FNC, our Umpiring communities and all with our region and beyond whom knew Dean.”
The GFUL remembered Dean as a committed umpire and a dim sim fanatic.
“Dean was a running member of the Geelong Football Umpires League – who most of the time would umpire the Anglesea reserves games and then back up in the seniors, running the boundary.
“Some weekends, there would only be a couple of minutes to get off the ground and get ready to go again for the seniors.
“One thing that didn’t change from week-to-week was Dean’s love of dim sims. He would make time to ensure that he enjoyed a couple of dimmies before heading back out.
“While he spent his Saturdays running the boundary, he spent Sundays in the middle – field umpiring.
“Nothing was ever too much, with Dean prepared to fill whatever role needed filling on the day.
“To say he loved what he did would be an understatement.”
Anglesea will host Torquay at Ellimatta Reserve for its Round 4 clash in the BFNL.
