BY BRENDAN BUNWORTH
Sitting here in the lounge room just 12 hours after finding out a good mate of mine had passed, I thought it only fitting that I should treat myself to his favourite drink – a green can – a VB.
John Burow died on the morning of September 4.
John, or “Buzz” as we all knew him by, was a unique person and a very likeable man. He loved the Mount Gambier Greyhound Racing Club, and the Mount Gambier Club loved him.
It was a sad day learning of his death from Buzz’s best friend, Brendan “Tomma” Casey. He loved Brendan like a son. This made the phone call from him even more upsetting.
What Buzz will miss most are the day trips to the Mount Gambier greyhounds. Many were with “Tomma”, Jack Casey, Tony Harding, John Cameron, Colin Kampman and me.
I can’t actually remember a boring day at the dogs with Buzz. He would always make it interesting and fun. Did the loveable larrikin frustrate us at times? Yes, but only ever for a few minutes such was his nature.
Buzz loved Mount Gambier race days (especially when Jack drove). Many a time he convinced me to nominate a greyhound at Tara Raceway so he could tag along for the drive, drink a few tinnies and catch up with mates at the club. It was a good day out.
“Bunners, where are you nominating this week?” Buzz would ask.
“Horsham or Ballarat,” I’d say.
“No, nominate for the Mount and I’ll throw in Chooks (United Lass). Jack or you can do the driving,” he would reply.
After a few minutes of thinking about it I would go along with him. This happened many times.
It was never a dull day going to the dogs with Buzz. Whether it be the opening of his first VB can on the way at Coleraine at 10.30 a.m. or informing me at race eight that I would be handling his beloved Chooks in race 10 because he wanted to enjoy her race with a beer in hand.
Then, of course, there was the two hour review of the day while driving back to Penshurst. This usually took three hours after stopping for toilet breaks and more beer.
But he loved returning home to Penshurst, though. And the town loved having him back.
Somehow, Cobb Street, Penshurst will never be the same.
RIP Great Man.
