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BORN
1928
DIED
2011
Bob Davis Obituary
Davis, who has been ill in recent months, was admitted to hospital on the weekend and died suddenly on Monday night.
He played 189 games with the Cats from 1948-58, including the 1951-52 premierships, and was club captain from 1955-58.
He then coached the Cats from 1960-65, taking them to the 1963 premiership.
Davis then forged a long and successful career in the football media.
He lost his long-held title of Geelong's last premiership coach in 2007, and in 2009 he was given the honour of handing the cup to Tom Harley after the Cats' victory against St Kilda.
Davis was recruited to Geelong from Clunes, having twice been knocked back by South Melbourne in an attempt to play in the VFL.
His friends knew him as "Woofa" but during his playing days his great pace led to a nickname of the Geelong Flier after the train that travelled from Melbourne to Geelong.
Premier Ted Baillieu, a Geelong supporter who has known Davis since childhood, said it was a sad day for Victoria.
"Bobby Davis - he was a legend in Geelong, a legend in football," Mr Baillieu said on 3AW.
"We knew each other well enough to have a hug and have a laugh. Delightful (man), delightful family, loved in Geelong and loved everywhere."
"It is a sad day and I pass my condolences and I'm sure those of all Victorians to the Davis family."
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241 Entries
Janine Keating
June 30, 2011
Bob we loved watching you, Lou and Jack on League Teams and World Of Sport. You were a pioneer of VFL television. R.I.P.
BOB COHEN
May 27, 2011
WHAT A LOVELY MAN I HAD THE PLEASURE TO SEL HIM CLOTHES . HIS ENTRY TO OUR BRUNSWICK OUTLET WAS LIKE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR . ALL THE STAFF LOVED HIS COMPANY ALWAYS FOUND TIME TO TALK FOOTBALL WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED
Lyndon Mills
May 27, 2011
The three greats Peter Brock, Lionel Rose and now Mr Bob Davis R.I P
What Peter Brock had done for motor racing Lionel Rose had done for boxing Bobby Davis did it for football.
Mills Family
WA
John Arboit
May 25, 2011
"Vale Bobby" you have left with Geelong the indelible trait of playing the game " as it should be played. " A wonderful character and true to his boots. John, Berwick
How you can show support
Tracey
May 24, 2011
RIP Bobby, I never had the pleasure of meeting you in person but being from Geelong I felt like I knew you! You were Geelong!
I never had the pleasure of watching you coach or play, but as a personality you always made me laugh!
Thankyou
May 24, 2011
vale BOBBY.
will be fondly remembered as the "grumpy old man" [fox] i will never forget what you said to big carl when you interviewed him in queensland,i doubt he will either. you were unboubtdly a wonderful human being.
john rooney [docker]
Ro Cameron
May 22, 2011
Farewell Bobby, you were fair dinkum unbelievable. You will never be forgotten, and there will be no one else like you. If you need someone up there to watch the Cats with, seek out our mate Sue, she's up there too! Go Cats
Stuart Welsh
May 21, 2011
Thank you Bob Davis for giving a person like me Born and bred in Geelong the opportunity of sharing in so many forms of enjoyment, The Football, The Humour that life should bring and importantly the values u have portrayed these include honesty, sportsmanship and family values. I am sitting in Sanfransico USA with goose bumps watching, listing and remembering over a quite frothy "as bill would say" of what you did not just for the football club but the city of Geelong, Thankyou Bob and ur family for being and giving us so much than just football, I celebrate ur life and will value ur ethics in my life Stuart Welsh
Jonathon Tan
May 20, 2011
Bobby Davis was good mate of Geelong and we miss you Bob. Hawthorn Football Club and Carlton Football Club Thanks and Good Lunk soon for Bob.
May 20, 2011
Thank you Bobby we enjoyed you being with us. But for my family we will remember you. Thank you.
Justin Lee
May 20, 2011
Thank you Bobby we enjoyed you being with us. But for my family we will remember you. Thank you.
Jarrod Goodwin
May 20, 2011
What a great man, the grandfather that everyone would have loved to of haved in his older days.
Rest in peace Bobby!
Ken Smith
May 20, 2011
Bobby you played the style of football Geelong has been noted for,fast, creative and with flair.To me you were the Gary Ablett (father and son) of your day.As a young boy watching you from the western side of Kardinia Park half forward flank will always remain in my memories.
Judy & Eric Logan
May 19, 2011
To the Davis family who we do not personally know but feel part of the Family as long term Geelong Members.
A true legend and our condolences to the Davis Family...May Bobbie rest in peace..He will never be forgotten..Legends Live on. RIP
Margaret
May 19, 2011
It was 1949, I was 15 yrs old. Bobby was helping at a football clinic in the country. I took a photo on my little box Brownie- he was a handsome fellow, and I changed my allegiance from Carlton to the mighty Geelong Football club then and there!!! 50 yrs later, I finally got Bobby to sign that small black and white photo - what a thrill. A great footballer, coach, TV star and gentleman. Thank you Bobby. RIP. Condolences to your loving family. We are Geelong.
Wilson Family
May 19, 2011
Bobby you were the true Mr Football..
Very talented on and off the field. One thing we all agree on is that you are a legend and for you Aussie rules will never die. RIP Woofa
May 19, 2011
I am a pies supporter but the world is a poorer place , rip
Mitch Pepper
May 19, 2011
I was lucky enough to meet you the one time, and I remember it very well and will never forget the the amazing day I got to shake hands with a true legend.
Tim Devlin
May 19, 2011
It's a great shame to see someone like Bob pass away. May his legacy be remembered for a long time to come.
Phil Brown
May 19, 2011
Bob Davis. Just a bloody good bloke. R.I.P. Bob
Noel Speers
May 19, 2011
To the Davis family,
My sincere condolences. I grew up near Rochester in country Victoria and have many fond memories supporting Geelong since I was a kid and appreciating the contribution of Bobbie Davis to the GFC and the wider community and to football in general.
marcia martin
May 19, 2011
I have grown up with the Geelong Football Club, and Bob Davis. What a wonderful ambassador for the cluband a genuine human being. A sad loss for many who like me feel like he has been part of our lives for as long as we can remember.
Turner Family
May 19, 2011
To Mr Davis' family - our sincere condolences on your loss. The much-loved Bobby will be suiting-up and ready to run on in the hereafter with Teddy, Jack and the other immortals. We will miss you Woofa. Thankyou for all you did, and all you became. We are Geelong.
Bomber Fan
May 19, 2011
I was priviged to see the greatest half forward flanker of the last 60 years, when he played on the brilliantly fast Norm McDonald, but Bob was quicker, like a flying Sherman tank. RIP Bob, we loved you.
John Karamanos
May 19, 2011
I was sorry to hear about Bob's death. My prayers are with his family.
Margaret
May 19, 2011
Over 50 yrs ago, this then 15 yr old girl took a photograph of a handsome footballer taking a footy clinic in the country.
I changed my allegiance from the Blues to the greatest team of all because of you Bobby. About 10 yrs ago, you kindly signed that photograph for me - what a thrill. Great footballer, great Coach, great man, and thanks for all the memories Bobby - a real gentleman. RIP. Condolences to his loving family. We Are Geelong.
Ange Kenos
May 19, 2011
You set the standards in so many ways
secret flyer
May 19, 2011
u r truly a great person. RIP Bobby
virlee isbister
May 19, 2011
Woofa, what a legend, even though it wasnt done when you were in this life, you are a true legend of the game. R.I.P. legend.
Daryl O'Connor
May 18, 2011
God bless you Bobby. You bloody beauty!
ricky williams
May 18, 2011
R.I.P Bob Davis
my thoughts are with his family and friends
Ian Mair
May 18, 2011
Catter in heart and in mind. RIP, you are always a legend.
Mathew Power
May 18, 2011
Bobby you are a true champion of geelong and Australian football
otis
May 18, 2011
thank you Bobby Davis
JA Sneddon
May 18, 2011
You needn't have met Bob Davis to know what sort of a guy he was. A gentleman, a character, a footballer's footballer and a true Australian. You will be missed Bobby.
Nick
May 18, 2011
RIP Bob Davis, thank-you for your contrabution to the AFL / VFL. A true LEGEND. If only the young players of today could take a left at of your book.
Paul Banfield
May 18, 2011
Bobby You were one of the best Paulo
Footy Fan
May 18, 2011
A traditional footy player with a heart of gold. R.I.P Bobby x
Cj Mulligan
May 18, 2011
R.I.P Bobby Davis, You will be sadly missed and Great all rounder, Geelong Football Club and All The Cats Supports will always have you in there hearts Xx
Jim Kelly
May 18, 2011
The original Geelong Flyer, a true gentleman and one of the few real nice guys. You wont be forgotten by all fans alike. Go and kick a footy with Ted and the rest of your mates.
Megan Kelly
May 18, 2011
A true Geelong legend now eternally flying round the wing in that big footy oval in the sky!
RIP Bob x
chris riddle
May 18, 2011
R.I.P Bob
Such a big footy man I hope both teams wear arm bands.
GO BLUES
John Wild
May 18, 2011
RIP Bobby, great player, great coach & a true legend of the game on & off the field.
Maree Kellerman
May 18, 2011
R.I.P Bobbie great memories of you since my childhood. We will never forget a 'Great Man' a 'Great Cat' it was because of you that I barrack for the mighty cats. Sleep peacefully
Maree Kellerman
David Bennett
May 18, 2011
The first ever Geelong player I met as a young boy in 1953, and a moment that will always be remembered and cherished.
Even at a busy training night he had time to speak to a young awestruck supporter .....me!
brooke gocats
May 18, 2011
R.I.P Bob Davis. you were a great player and geelong and i miss you.
D. TOOHEY
May 18, 2011
RIP BOBBY, .... YOU WERE A LEGEND AT KARDINIA PARK .. AND WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU .. LETS WIN IN MEMORY OF BOBBY THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AGAINTS CARLTON. ....( ALWAYS REMEMBERED).
Lyn McNair
May 18, 2011
RIP Bob. You were one of a kind and not just the Geelong Football club and it's supporters but all AFL fans will miss you. So glad you got to present the '09 cup to the boys.
Andrew
May 18, 2011
A sad loss for football. One of the great characters of footy will truly be missed.
allan willet
May 18, 2011
a fair & fearless player.
John
May 18, 2011
Bobby, you have been a true legend of our great club for so many years. There are many Cats fans out there that have never met you, but will hold you in the highest of places and respect all you have done for Geelong.
Our thoughts are now with your family and friends, all the best Bobby.
Steve Kearney
May 18, 2011
R.I.P
Gary Marshall
May 18, 2011
Do it for Bobby this year Cats - still some life in the league's oldest list yet!!!!
Jim Pavlovic
May 18, 2011
R.I.P Bobby your passion for game & Geelong will be remembered forever.
nippa young
May 18, 2011
R.I.P Bob Davis... only meet you once at Clunes Footy Club best team in 50 years celebration,what a TRUE gentleman and very unique LEGEND .Nippa Young(Clunes,Victoria)
May 18, 2011
RIP Bobby Davis.
Paul Montgomery
May 18, 2011
RIP Bob, a Cats legend, admired by everyone.
Jonathon Tan
May 18, 2011
We Miss you Bob Davis was sadly lost for footballer and coach of Geelong Cats and Team of Geelong for Bob Davis Yestemday was 82 years old. Thanks and Hawthorn Football club and Carlton Football Club goodbye Bob.
A Tran
May 18, 2011
The glowing tributes since yesterday are a testament to the love and respect that you are held in the heart and mind of every football lover, not just Geelong supporters. You are a truly great human being and the Geelong Football Club is very fortunate to have had your exemplary service. RIP, this Cats supporter will never forget the legend that was Bobby Davis.
Denise
May 18, 2011
A sad day for GFC & all Geelong supporters.
Vale Bobby Davis -Legend
Phil Hams
May 18, 2011
RIP Bob, didnt see you play but all I know who did say you were a star. Loved watching you and the boys on WOS and League Teams. Never forgotten.
Cameron Jones
May 18, 2011
A true Geelong champion. Glad the boys won a couple premierships before you passed. R.I.P Bob Davis
Jason Deeble
May 18, 2011
True cats legend. Loved by all. Will be missed. Will never forget the smile on bobby's face handing the cats the cup in 09.
Catherine Reid
May 18, 2011
RIP Bobby...I will always remember that image of you holding up the Cup with the Geelong boys in 2009...always puts a tear in my eye....watch over our Catters!
David Clarke
May 18, 2011
Rest in peace and thanks for all of those special memories of when you gave so much to Geelong Football Club.
Sincere condolences to his family and his beloved football club
Geelong. May your spirit never die.
Rosemary Landry
May 18, 2011
Farewell Bob, RIP. So glad you had the thrill of standing on the dais with the boys in 2009 to raise the cup.
Jim Pavlovic
May 18, 2011
R.I.P Bobby your love of the Geelong Football Club was respected by all of us who followed our own particular clubs with passion, none of us held it against you that you loved your club so much & wanted to do what ever you could as player, coach, recruiter & ambassador of Geelong to keep it strong & proud you will be deeply missed by all football fans who share your passion for the way the game, condolences to family & friends of the Geelong Flyer Bob Davis.
Margaret Pierce
May 18, 2011
What a Great Bloke you were You were a legend my saddest goes to your family The greatest team in the AFL
Stuart Tilley
May 18, 2011
The image of u holding the premiership cup aloft with the 2007 cats is something ill never forget u where the image of all the cats supporters out there waiting so long for that premiership cup RIP BOBBY u are a tru legend of our game and you will never be forgotten
Mark O'Brien
May 18, 2011
A legend in many ways, thank you for contribution to our great game, and to our lives. We feel like we have lost part of our own family.
God bless.
Clinton Mitchell
May 18, 2011
Rest in peace to a man who truly did bleed blue and white. Bobby you are an inspiration to all cats supporters and all the Geelong supporters around the world a little piece of us died with you yesterday. You will forever live on in our hearts and memories. We will miss you Bobby. We are Geelong and you are the greatest cat of them all. Rest in peace
Rod Miller
May 18, 2011
Farewell to a great man. Now with his old mate, Captain Blood, Jack Dyer. R.I.P Bob Davis 'The Geelong Flyer.
Mike
May 18, 2011
R.I.P Bob loved watching you and team on World of Sport....from a Bomber supporter
Jan Martin
May 18, 2011
A huge loss to the Geelong Football Club. C'mon boys, let's win the 2011 premiership for him. May you rest in eternal peace Bobby and thanks for the memories.
Les Robinson
May 18, 2011
Great man, Great loss, Great sorrow
Mark Pieterson
May 18, 2011
Real class is demonstrated by the fact that regardless of what club you supported everyone loved Bob. Bob, Lou and Captain Blood, we grew up watching them and you could always feel a genuine love for the game as well as each other. At a time when a lot of the footballers I grew up with now have sons playing the game, it is sad to lose Legends like Bob
May 18, 2011
RIP Bobby, a great man that even a one eyed blues supporter had to admire and respect, a big loss to all.
Peter
May 18, 2011
Vale Woofa. The greatest member of the Greatest Team of All. In football and life you played the game as it should be played.
Mish Linton
May 18, 2011
R.I.P. Bobby Davis. You were a Legend. Not many left now. Say hello to Captain Blood.
Mark Elliott
May 18, 2011
Bobby you were a respected man, player and coach. My Dad used to love watching you, Lou and Jack on tv. My condolances to your family. Above all else I am so happy that you got to see the mighty cats break their premiership drought. You were a great man may you rest in peace.
SAO
May 18, 2011
RIP Bobby, may you be resting comfortably up there. I can remember you and Lou on the TV when I was a kid, remembering mum & dad laughing with your quips.. A great loss to the football community
Kenny Merconavich
May 18, 2011
i am at shocked and saddened at the death of bobby davis bobby was great player for gerlong cats and was premiership coach at geelong cats. i was there when hawthorn beat geelong cats in 2008 grand final and i was vet happy when the hawks beat the cats in 2008 grand final i saw bobby after the game i yelled out go hawks to him but next year in 2009 he got to hold premiership cup with cats again. he was very good player and i am shocked and saddened at death of bobby davis but i hope the hawks beat the cats again this year to win the cup like in 2008 which was very exciting like when i was at waca in perth when i saw shane warne bowl monty panasar around his legs on the 3rd ball after lunch. rip bobby davis.
Nicola
May 18, 2011
I never saw you play and I did not have the pleasure of watching League Teams or World of Sport as we did not get these programs in Tasmania. However, we were able to watch you on later programs like Grumpy Old Men on Fox,on which you were fantastic. Your record for Geelong also speaks for itself, as player and coach. You will be missed.
Shaun Randle
May 18, 2011
They don't make footballing personalities of your stature anymore Bob. The world is a better place for you being in it. Thanks for all you gave to the game and to everyone associated with it.
gael oliva
May 18, 2011
Bobby you were a respected player and coach and it was a pleasure to watch you play and coach. My father use to laugh at you and Lou on the television with the things you got up to.
My sympathy goes out to your family and the Geelong FC on the loss of a great person, You will never be forgotten rest in peace.
David Peterson
May 18, 2011
RIP Woofa.
Dan Liiv
May 18, 2011
So sorry to hear the news. A great loss for your family, the club, Geelong and football. We are all better to have known you in some way.
Big Tony
May 18, 2011
As a Western Australian from afar we marvelled at your grace and poise when playing also the way you treated fellow sandgropers gone but never forgotten Bob RIP
May 18, 2011
Above all you were a gentleman
John Lucas "The Sovereign Islands Qld.
Andrew Morgan
May 18, 2011
My dad watched you fly down the wing in 50 and 51. My mum saw you fly off the bench at the final siren in '63. I watched the new breed of cats fly up to get the cup from you. We all loved you Bobby. My family. My club. My game. My town.
Nick Felstead
May 18, 2011
Simply put, you were a legend
John Smith
May 18, 2011
Bobby you were a legend in more ways than one.Your footy career speaks for itself but my fondest memories growing up as a kid was watching you,Louie & Jack on World of Sport every Sunday lunchtime.Thanks for all your great contributions to the success of both the VFL & AFL. So glad the Cats won for you on Friday night even though I am a Pie's supporter. Condolence to your family & friends.R.I.P Bobby
Sammy da Bull
May 18, 2011
You are an icon of the 'good ole days' when life & footy was simple.
Rex Nixon
May 18, 2011
It's sad another champion of the game gone but will not be forgotten when the greatest game on earth is talked about. RIP Bobby Davis
Phil Darby
May 18, 2011
Bob, you were my childhood hero in the 50's, the first player I ever recognised on the ground at Kardinia Park - what a thrill, and an enduring memory.
Your electrifying dashes down the half-forward flank to put the ball on George Goninon's chest will never be forgotten.
If they play the game up there, you'll be captain and coach.
carmel partridge
May 18, 2011
Truly one of life's gentleman, loved and respected by all. A Cat legend! Farewell Bobby, gone but never forgotten, RIP
Ian Davidson
May 18, 2011
Bob you laid the foundations for what the Geelong Football Club is today. You will be missed but never forgotten.Rest in Peace
May 18, 2011
One of the greatest men to be involved with the greatest game on the planet! Bob, you will be sadly missed and forever remembered by everyone who has grown up with footy, including this lifelong Tiger supporter. R.I.P. Woofa.
Peter Richardson
May 18, 2011
One of the greatest men to be involved with the greatest game on the planet! Bob, you will be sadly missed and forever remembered by everyone who has grown up with footy, including this lifelong Tiger supporter. R.I.P. Woofa.
Daniel Grinblat
May 18, 2011
RIP bobby Davis
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