24.07.2009

Farewell to George Tempest

George William Tempest (1921 – 2009)

Athletics Australia and Athletics Western Australia are saddened to advise fellow officials of the passing of AA Life Governor and AAWA Life Member George Tempest in July, 2009.

A former state middle distance champion, George Tempest is probably best remembered by Western Australian athletes as the firm but fair and infinitely knowledgeable track referee. What is not widely known however, is that if it hadn’t been for the army, George Tempest may never have become involved in athletics at all. It was only after his win at a Defence Forces athletics carnival in the mid 1940s that George was encouraged to run competitively. He joined the YMCA club and at the Leederville Oval enjoyed success in middle distance events. In 1948 he was selected for his first national championships - held at the St Kilda Cricket Ground in Melbourne.

In 1950 George joined the Floreat Club and began what was to be a remarkable career as an athletics official. He was a regular at interclub and, as a national technical official, undertook national and international duties for more than 30 years. His first international meeting was the British Empire and Commonwealth Games held in his home town of Perth in 1962 – his last at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, where he served as a track umpire. Other international duties included the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane and the 1985 World Cup in Canberra.

Active as he was trackside, there was a not-so-public side to George. He was an active contributor to the work of the Athletics Australia Officials Committee, and for many years fulfilled the role of Officials Education Liaison Officer in WA. Many of WA’s current officials gained their initial qualifications under his guidance – benefiting both from the detailed feedback provided to them after sitting exams, and his mentorship of novice officials on the field of play. The smooth transition of WA officials to the new AAOE Scheme in 1994 was largely due to his meticulous record keeping of officials’ progress through the old system during his time as the OELO in the West.

Away from competition George was active too. A successful coach of middle distance athletes – including his son Stewart who saw success at national championships, George revived the Floreat Athletic Club in 1980. Undaunted when the club disbanded in 1995, George continued to travel from his home in Mandurah to Perry Lakes until 2000 when health problems, precipitated by the long gruelling days on the track at the Olympic Games, forced his retirement.

In his passing, George has left memories that signify the impact of his personal dedication and commitment to athletics, not only in WA, but also at a national level. During the 53 years he served the sport, George received Life Memberships of Melville Athletics Club, the AAWA and Athletics Australia. In 2000 he was a proud recipient of the Australian Sports Medal and in 2008 he received the ultimate recognition from Athletics Australia – the award of Life Governorship.

Sadly George did not live to see the world class facility promised for so long and recently opened at the AK Reserve in Perth. His passion for fair competition and skilled officials will however long be remembered by all those who benefited from his knowledge, his mentorship and his commitment to the wellbeing of athletics in Australia.

George was a perfectionist who gained the respect of everyone throughout a long and distinguished life, which is detailed in the following:

Life

- Born in Subiaco on July 12, 1921 to George and Annie Tempest
- Eldest of nine children – Ian, Joyce, Lily, Evelyn, Phyllis, Eva and Bill
- Lived in Leederville, Mt.Hawthorn, Victoria Park, Melville, Claremont and Mandurah
- Attended school at St.Mary’s Leederville
- Joined the Army in 1942 and served in Darwin and New Guinea
- Married on Christmas Eve, December 24 1949
- Worked as an electrician with CA & Hine until 1960 then resident electrician at the Showgrounds in Claremont
- Retired in 1982

Athletics

- Coach, club manager and official since 1958
- Life Member of Melville Athletic Club 1942, WA Amateur Athletic Association 1969, Australian Athletic Union 1980
- Founder and President of Floreat Athletic Club 1980
- Australian Sports Medal 2000
- Officiated at 1982 Commonwealth Games, Brisbane
- Officiated at 2000 Olympic Games, Sydney
- Life Governor - Australian Athletic Union 2008

We salute you George!