ANZ Retired Officers' Club A very moving memorial service celebrating The Life of Brian this morning at St Michael's church. A large turnout with many Anzroc Members in attendance . A fitting send-off for a well respected man. Best wishes to Noelle and Family.
Something that wasn't mentioned during the memorial service was Brian's
expertise as anchor man in the ANZ footy club's boat race crew.
During end of season trips to play against the ANZ South Australia footy
club, the Vic v SA Boat Race challenge was the social highlight of the
weekend.
Brian could drink without swallowing, and was able pour a glass of beer
down his throat in about half the time others took. I don't think
Victoria was ever beaten while he was anchor man.
Those were the days.
Bruce Leary
ex ANZ London emailed “Strange I remember his words “the thing that exercises my mind” don’t know why I remember, we were in his office in New York at the time. No great age, nice man.”
Ken Parry
emailed “Very sad day .Was a wonderful man and will be missed.”
Graham Anstis (Ras)
a past player and a legend of ANZ Football Club emailed
“So saddened to hear of Brian's passing. I have nothing but fond memories of what a generous, humorous and beaut fella he was. Back in the old ANZedder days where wins were not so often, Chrisso would be one of the first to give you a pat on the back, shake your hand with that monstrous grip of his and then get you a cold beer, followed by an encouraging yarn filled with humour and genuine interest.
I recall often chatting with his lovely wife Noelle whilst having a cigarette out on the verandah of the club rooms at Oval 15, when Brian would come out with a wine for Noelle, a beer for me and then chastise the both of us for smoking. I was so pleased to see that Albert Park FC named the social rooms in Brian's honour, with his long term mate Bill "Jetta" Jackson having the bar named after him. Vale Brian, congratulations of a life well lived. You touched many with your honesty, your humour and your decency
Mick Farrell
another past player and long time administrator of the ANZ Football team emailed “Brian was one of the founding members of our club, will always be a club legend and is an inaugural Hall of Fame member. But more importantly he was a true gentleman, and all who knew him were proud to call him a mate.”
For your info and our members I forwarded the following info in an email to Albert Park Football Club:-
“Hi Justin and all the members/supporters of Albert Park Falcons Football Club
Sadly, Falcon’s life member Brian Christensen passed away peacefully on 7th December 2016
It was a fitting and most appreciated tribute to look to the centre/rear inside of St Michaels Church (corner of Collins and Russell street) and view the multitude of Albert Park Falcons Club members donning the club Guernsey’s, scarfs etc for the memorial ceremony of Brian “Chrisso” Christensen on 20th December 2016
Bill( Jet) Jackson and wife Bev were also at this very moving ceremony. Bill is the only remaining Falcons life member whose history goes back to the formative days of the club, formerly known as the “ANZ Bank Football Club”
Brian will be sadly missed and I am sure his wife Noelle together with Bill (Jet) and Bev Jackson, Birdie and Cheryl Pearson will remain supporters of the Falcons for years to come
GO FALCONS GO FALCONS GO FALCONS GO FALCONS”
Dear Noelle, family and friends
Cheryl and I are so sad to have such a wonderful warrior friend pass away. I have been moved to write a poem in his honour and to show our appreciation on what Brian and yourself Noelle, have done for Cheryl and I over so many years
I hope there are no spelling or grammatical errors as I really believe if there is, Brian will find a way of letting me know. I sincerely pray that it is not offensive in any way but I was moved to lighten a little of the sadness that has brought more than a tear to my eyes
My sincerest condolences and if there is any way at all I can assist I am only a phone call away
Love and best wishes to all the family
Neville (Birdie) and Cheryl Pearson
‘’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’’
AN ODE TO A TRUE FAIR DINKUM 100% AUSSUE MATE
Brian Christensen born on 23rd November 1933
At a time when the world was looking for glee
Two World wars and the Great Depression
The world was blessed with a man who would make an impression
And an impression young Chrisso would certainly make
Kept us all on our toes or we would be lost in his wake
Chrisso as he became affectionately known
Had a work ethic that stood out on its own
Chrisso’s heart was larger than Eyre’s Rock I am sure
A man to be respected, loved and much more
In Football Amateurs, our clubroom is called “Brian Christensen Room”
When we win a match Brian and Noelle are over the moon
I hope the games are visible when he settles in up above
I am sure Chrisso will find a way to get through to the people he love
I am honoured to have known Brian and Noelle through work, football and play
When my turn comes to move on, I pray I will head the same way
Rest in peace my mentor and mate to so many
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