OBITUARY: GEORGE BUTTIGIEG 1922 - 2004

George Buttigieg, the foundation President of the Rowville Eagles Soccer Club, passed away peacefully at his home on 18 March after a short illness. He was 81.
George was a lovely man: friendly, gracious - the sort of person who would do anything for anyone. He was often spoken of as being "the last of the real gentlemen".
George was born and grew up in Malta and when war came to that small Mediterranean island in the early 1940s George was in the thick of it seeing service with both the British Navy and Army. In the army he rose to the rank of sergeant but the highlight of his military career was with the Navy when he became the valet to Captain Phillip Mountbatten who, of course, was later to marry Princess Elizabeth. After the war George served in a number of peace keeping missions and his outstanding military record was rewarded with many honours chief of which was the St George Cross that he was personally presented with by Queen Elizabeth.
George was always a keen sportsman but his great love was for soccer. When he came to Australia in the 1950s he was one of the foundation members of the Doveton Soccer Club and then later moved his allegiance to Rowville where he developed the Eagles into a respected club. Despite his great age George not only continued to serve as President but also represented the club on the Soccer Federation.
George was predeceased by his dear wife Mary and son Richard but is survived by his son Charles, daughters Doris, Therese, Antonia and Andriana, 23 grand children and 41 great grandchildren.
Prepared by Bryan Power with the assistance of George's granddaughter, Veronica Cini.

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