VALE – Micheal Schwarcz

It is with a very heavy heart that I write to inform members of the passing of Peter Michael Schwarcz.

I am sure that everyone in our Section has a story to tell about Micheal, and even though he could be at times polarising, he was a great servant of our Section.

Michael was one of the longest serving members of our Section, having been a member since June 1991. It wasn’t long before Michael has accepted his first appointment to one of the many sub-committees before his first stint as a member of the Management Committee in 1993.

Whenever there was a vacancy on any committee, Micheal would always put his hand up. He had a prodigious work ethic which he brought to any role. Michael served as Bowls Coordinator to four Presidents, Chairman of Selectors under two Presidents, and terms as Vice President and Treasurer.

Micheal also served for three years as President of the Section between 2006 and 2009. This period was marked by significant reforms, including the aggressive pursuit of an expanded Juniors program.

In addition to these formal roles, Micheal served the Section as an umpire for 26 years following his accreditation in 1992, and as a coach for 20 years following his accreditation in 1998. One of Micheal’s greatest passions was helping fellow bowlers improve their bowls and go on to bigger and better things.

Micheal went on to serve the Zone in a number of roles, including 3 years as President from 2009 to 2012. Micheal was also the State Councillor for Zone 10 on the Board of Bowls NSW for over five years.

In recognition of his exemplary and dedicated service, Micheal was awarded life membership of both our Section and the Zone in 2016.

Noting his success as a bowler, Micheal was a member of the WPH team which won the No. 4 Pennant Flag in 2009, and the No. 5 Pennant Flag in 2014. Although the Major and Minor Singles alluded him, Micheal had won the Novice Singles, the Joe Bedford Trophy, the Minor Pairs, the Handicap Triples, the Major Triples, the Fours, and a number of Mixed Events.

It hasn’t been the same around the club lately with Micheal not there. Even when there were differences of opinion, Micheal’s contribution to the discussion was always given with one thing in mind. The betterment of the Section. Micheal was a ‘club man’ through and through. He loved bowling at West Pennant Hills and I truly believe it was his love of bowls and his determination to keep bowling which kept him going as long as he did.

Micheal is survived by his wife Judy, his two children, and numerous grandchildren. Our thoughts are with Judy and the Schwarcz family at this sad time.

The Schwarcz family would like to inform clubs that it was Michael’s wish to have a family private funeral

By David Wilson, Former President – West Pennant Hills Sports Club