Donald Norman passed away on August 4 aged 77 years. His funeral was held last on Monday at St Marys Catholic Church in Corowa.
Coreen Daysdale Hopefield Buraja (CDHBU) Football Netball Club posted a touching tribute to “one of their greats”, life member and club stalwart.
Don began his senior football career with Daysdale in 1964 as a 16-year-old, winning a premiership in his debut season. He went on to play in multiple grand finals—1965, 1966, 1969, and 1977—and was the Magpies’ leading goal kicker in 1970 and 1971.
Don's passion for nurturing talent shone through his coaching career. He guided Daysdale juniors to grand finals in 1978 and 1980, repeated the feat from 1993 to 1995, and continued mentoring CDU Juniors in 1996 and 1997.
His leadership extended off-field too, serving on committees from 1993 to 1995, with CDU from 1996 to 2005, and CDHBU from 2006 to 2010. He was also the joint club secretary from 1999 to 2009.
The club posted on its Facebook page last Wednesday that Don’s contribution went far beyond his playing, coaching and committee years.
“Before the Darkie Bus, there was the iconic Donnie Ute, packed with Under 17s off to training,” the page stated.
“That image alone sums up what Donnie was all about—selfless, reliable, and fiercely loyal to his footy family.
“He was always one of the first to arrive on Thursday nights and Saturday mornings—washing shirts, selling merch, making and bagging ice, organising footballs and trophies, and even building a shed in his backyard to store the club’s overflow gear.
“He made sure every game day ran smoothly, right down to the last team sheet.
“You’d always find him in his spot inside the pavilion, head down in paperwork, surrounded by the chaos of local footy—and absolutely loving it.
“Donnie, we are endlessly grateful. Your impact is imprinted in the fabric of this club.
“Your legacy will live on through every kick, every goal, every rising star who pulls on the jumper.”
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