A rugby union-loving firefighter who died from cancer is now in heaven refereeing the game, his loved ones say.
Altona North’s Brett Waterford, 47, was farewelled with a guard of honour at Williamstown on Thursday.
He was a referee and co-ordinator with Power House Juniors in Newport, where his son, Finn, plays.
His wife, Cathy, has set up a GoFundMe page in his honour to support community rugby and refereeing.
Hazel Tiernan, who served on the committee with Mr Waterford, said the community was devastated.
“We are heartbroken at the club,“ she said.
“He was just a beautiful man.”
Finn has been at the club 10 years and his wife Cathy is also on the committee.
“Brett’s been on the committee with about six of us that have, over the last couple of years, really committed to kids and their rugby and grassroots sport and making sure that it’s accessible for everybody – boys and girls.
“[He was] so loved. And 47-years-old … for that beautiful family, is just unfair.“
It was his commitment to the Victorian Rugby Referees Association that led to Mr Waterman last year receiving the Best Clubman Award.
He received a National Medal Citation from the Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service the same year, in recognition of his diligent service.
Mr Waterford was also an army reservist and army personnel helped form the guard of honour at his service.
“He was a much respected Sapper, and CPL Brett Waterford was awarded SOM and became a Transport NCO [non-commissioned officer] who was noted for always giving 100 per cent,“ the fundraising page states.
The service was live-streamed to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.
In lieu of flowers, Mr Waterford’s family has requested a donation to support community rugby union and refereeing to honour his memory.
Mr Waterford is survived by his wife, Cathy, Finn and mother Kate.
