The Parramatta Eels and Parramatta Leagues Club are saddened to learn of the passing of Alan Overton AM OAM earlier today.
Alan was chairman of both Clubs between 1988 and 2009 and made an enormous contribution to each organisation. In addition to his love of the Eels, Alan had a long and distinguished career in and around Parramatta and made major impact on the community that he loved and championed.
Born in 1937, Alan was the second eldest of eight children and grew up in Granville. He undertook National Service at age 18, then worked for James Hardie & Co for 47 years. In this position he became involved with the building of Ronald McDonald House (RMH) Westmead when it was re-located from Camperdown in 1996. This created an enduring relationship between the Football and Leagues Club and RMH Westmead that is still going strong today.
Over many years Alan held numerous positions as either Director, Chairman or Patron across a wide range of organisations and was one of the leading advocates for the growth of Parramatta and Western Sydney.
Alan’s contribution to the Eels and Leagues Club was crucial both on and off the field. When he became Chairman of both Clubs in 1988, he was determined that both organisations would become financially stable and deliver a strong platform for supporting the football programs. He played a major role in ensuring the delivery and management of Parramatta Stadium and his tenure provided the Club with one of its longest periods of stability and growth.
Furthermore, Alan was passionate about the Leagues Club being not only a strong supporter of Rugby League but also other sporting and community organisations across the Parramatta district. In addition to RMH Westmead, he ensured Parra Leagues provided support to a huge range of sporting clubs and community organisations.
His passion for the community saw Alan receive numerous Awards and Achievements including the Order of Australia - OAM (Order of Australia Medal) in 1994 for starting a scout group for handicapped children and then in 2004 the Order of Australia - AM (Member of Australia Medal).
On behalf of the entire membership of the Parramatta Eels and Parramatta Leagues Club, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife Merle and his children Karen, Craig and Grant.
Next week the Club will be using its home game against the Dragons to honour Alan’s contribution to the Club and his community.
