Sport
31 October, 2024
Community mourns local stalwart
MORTLAKE has lost one of its town greats with the sudden passing last week of Geoffrey ‘Tex’ Stafford.
An avid cricket umpire and friend to many, 77 year-old Tex was well known across the district and beyond for not only his time spent behind the stumps, but for his friendly disposition and welcoming nature.
While his cricket involvement spanned more than five decades, and across several associations, he always ensured his family came first and foremost.
He was a loving husband of 28 years to Joanne, dedicated father to Shelly, Joshua and Jarrod, and a doting grandfather to Shae, Noah, Eli, Wynter and Cleo.
“He loved his cricket but he loved his family first; we always came first and that is something we all loved about Texie,” wife Jo said.
“He was certainly a character and he had lots of quirks about him that he shared, not only with his family and friends but the wider community.
“He loved bright colours and hated black. He didn’t care if his clothes matched or not (the brighter the better) and you very rarely saw him in anything but shorts.
“His driving was always typical Tex style; he’d never wear out an indicator because he’d rarely use it! People around town are very familiar with his ute with the big Texan name on it and purple rims to match.”
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s about four years ago, Tex was well aware of what possibly lay ahead of him but was determined to remain as active as possible.
“He wasn’t one to dwell on the diagnosis and continued to do everything he could for us all,” Jo said.
“He gave up his umpiring but his love for the game never faded and he absolutely loved watching all the kids play.”
Eldest granddaughter Shae De Francesco added that green shorts and a red shirt was his ‘go to’ outfit.
“Texie was no fashionista. He didn’t care if his clothes matched or not; unless grandma coordinated what he wore, nothing matched, which was pretty funny.
“Under the nose, sweet as a rose was a saying of his – referring to when asked how long he’d been wearing a pair of socks!
“He was one of life’s true gentlemen. I can only remember ever hearing him swear once and he was always there to support his grandkids whether we were at school, playing sport or doing something else.
“He cheered me on from the sidelines when I played in a cricket grand final two seasons ago and always supported the Mortlake girls team when I was player/coach.”
Family backyard cricket at Christmas time also saw Tex behind the stumps giving directions.
“Texie made up his own rules then,” Shae said.
“It all depended on who he liked most on the day as to whether they were out or not, or if he called a wide or dead ball.”
A true ‘local’ Tex spent his primary school years at Hexham before attending both Mortlake and Hamilton high schools.
He worked as a sheep and cattle farmer and volunteered for many years with the Hexham CFA and Hexham Grounds Committee.
His passion for cricket was evident from early childhood.
In 1959, at the age of 12, he joined the Hexham Cricket Club and played in the Chatsworth Cricket Association.
In 1973 Hexham joined the Hampden association and, just four seasons later, Geoff was a member of the club’s A grade premiership side when it defeated Bookaar by one wicket.
He also played for Mortlake for several seasons from the late 1980s (and is now a life member of the club).
His career highest score was 200 retired against Darlington and his best bowling figure were 8/23 against Chatsworth.
In 1996 he took up umpiring and spent the following 25 seasons behind the stumps, earning himself a reputation as a fair and consistent umpire.
Reflective of his talents, he umpired many representative matches, three division one grand finals and several grand finals in other grades.
“His contribution to cricket has been significant, both as a player and as a umpire,” South West Cricket Association’s Graeme Fischer said.
“He was awarded life membership of SWCA in 2019 and the following year received an award for 50 years’ service to Australian Cricket by Cricket Victoria.
“He was a person of great integrity and a friend and mentor to many umpires and players – may he rest in peace.”
Mortlake Cricket Club spokesperson Simon Ritchie said Tex was a “huge supporter” of local cricket, not just at Mortlake but across the district as a whole.
“He was always there to watch and support everyone, whether they were playing in division one or in the juniors; he’d help out wherever and whenever he could,” Simon said.
“He was just such a great bloke, who always had a smile and a hello for everyone. He was highly respected and will be greatly missed by not only the cricket community but the community as a whole.”
Fittingly, Tex will be farewelled during a special service at the Mortlake Cricket Clubrooms from 1pm on Sunday, November 10.
A burial will follow at the Hexham ceremony before everyone is invited back to the clubrooms for a casual game of cricket and to reminisce.
“Texie would love to see everyone out on the ground having a game,” Shae said.
“If people could wear their club tops, or be dressed in bright colours, that would be special.
“He taught us all so much and he has certainly left a big hole in our hearts.”
Vale Geoffrey ‘Tex’ Stafford
“See you when the rabbits are runnin’ west.”