George Tobias was farewelled in a moving ceremony last week. His rich and colourful life was filled with family, simple pleasures and good humour.
Champion footballer and local, George Tobias, was honoured last Friday after his recent passing.
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A touching ceremony remembered the man who was loved by so many and touched the hearts of those who knew him.
His rich and colourful life was filled with simple pleasures and good humour.
George Ladislaus Tobias was born on February 6, 1950 at the Uranquinty Migrant Hospital, south of Wagga Wagga, to George and Elsa who had migrated to Australia from Germany in search a new life.
The second of four children, George, with siblings Kathy, Monika and Peter, spent his early childhood in Old Tallangatta before the family settled in Wahgunyah, where he grew up and raised his own family.
He attended school at Wahgunyah, Rutherglen, and later Mount Carmel Convent, and in school holidays he worked at the local bakery with Jimmy Glare or joined community activities such as the Cub Scouts.
George and his wife Pam in their younger years.
One of George’s fondest memories was in 1970 at a Corowa Spiders Football Club Ball, where he was introduced to Pam, the sister of teammate, Robert Tait.
Their relationship flourished, and in 1973 they married and went on to raise three daughters, Jodie, Andrea and Kristen, and welcomed nine grandchildren into their family.
A proud family man, George never missed a chance to cheer them on at sporting games or celebrate their achievements.
George began his working life at Upton’s Engineering in Corowa, as an apprentice boiler maker and quickly proved to be a skilled and capable tradesman.
His time at Upton’s helped shape his lifelong work ethic; practical, reliable, and always proud of a job well done.
George later joined Uncle Toby’s, in Wahgunyah as a fitter and turner and miller, and was involved in the oat breeding program at the Research and Development Centre in Rutherglen.
His dedication and craftsmanship always left a strong impression.
George and Pam with Jodie, Andrea and Kristen.
Sport played a big part in George’s life, highlighted by a remarkable football career, playing for the Wahgunyah Tigers, Corowa Spiders, Corowa-Rutherglen Roos, and Rennie Hoppers Football Club.
A premiership player, best and fairest winner, and goal kicking record holder, he was invited by Ron Joseph to train and play with North Melbourne in the VFL, but George’s heart remained in the country.
After football, George channelled his energy into running, completing six marathons with a personal best at the Canberra Marathon with an incredible time of 2 hours and 58 minutes.
George remained active after his marathon days ended, walking or jogging for many hours and for many kilometres.
He was a familiar sight along the tracks around Wahgunyah, Corowa, and Rutherglen, always stopping to chat with locals along the way.
George loved lawn bowls, where he found great success at the Corowa Bowling Club, where he became club champion and represented both the club and Ovens & Murray.
Lawn bowls was a special pastime he shared with Pam, something they both enjoyed together.
George will always be remembered as a great footballer. Pictured here representing Ovens & Murray.
Despite George’s remarkable sporting achievements, what truly mattered to him were the relationships he nurtured along life’s journey.
He cherished camping trips with friends and family, and loved sharing stories while just as eagerly listening to theirs.
George had a genuine interest in the lives of those around him, making every conversation meaningful.
His life was marked by quiet strength, loyalty, hard work, and a deep love for his family.
Whether on the workshop floor, out on the field, or walking the town tracks, George brought people together with his stories, warmth, and generosity.
He will be remembered with pride and affection by all who knew him.
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