23 May 1957-23 August 2026
It was with great sadness that we heard the news of the passing of Charlie Martin last Sunday evening.
Charlie was a Life Member of Hockey Geelong as well as a Life Member of Hockey Victoria for his services to hockey in general and umpiring in particular. He was well known throughout the state for his commitment to hockey.
Charlie was strongly connected with the Winchelsea Hockey Club and organized the club in all ways. His constant companion in his much-loved wife, Bev was often the team manager in the early days.
It would be fair to say Charlie had, along with many of the time, white line fever. While that was on the field Bev was the voice of reason off the field. She would welcome everyone and was so nice. Off the field you would not meet a nicer person than Charlie. On the field Charlie was a fierce competitor, playing in the back line with his extremely heavy stick. It was always difficult to get past Charlie as if he missed with the first tackle he would swing at you on the way past. In those days the ground at Winchelsea was not what you would say, smooth. The cows were often walked off the ground before the game could commence. This type of ground suited Charlie.
During his time at Winchelsea, Charlie nurtured many people and one such family was the Walters family. Kelli, Shane and Scott were greatly influenced by Charlie and he taught them the love of the game. These three people went on to achieve great things in our sport and it can be traced back to Charlie. When one looks deeper at those who have achieved, there is often someone in the background responsible for their successes. Many can say Charlie was their influence.
Charlie took to umpiring early and he was a natural in adjudicating the games. He understood the rules and applied them in a common-sense manner, not by the rule book. While one may not always agree, and who does with umpires, you knew he was probably right. Charlie went on to lead the umpiring in Geelong and nurtured a vast number of umpires, encouraging them and guiding all in all ways. He saw it was not just knowing the rules but being able to interpret them. He blew the whistle with authority giving the impression he was absolutely right. Charlie also served as the Competition Results and Players Registrar for Hockey Geelong for several years.
During the 1980s and 1990s Geelong was the home of the Victorian Womenโs Country Championships and Charlie organized the umpiring and the event for many years. He would enter his office, place all his things over every table and take over. We soon learnt to step back as he was a force of nature when in full flight.
The Womenโs Country Championships went to Melbourne and Charlie was poached by Hockey Victoria to lead the organisation. They always ran smoothly. If there was a problem Charlie would have an answer before he heard the problem.
I contacted Charlie a couple of months ago and he reminded me that he was lucky to be alive after surviving a cardiac arrest a few years before. At the time of speaking, he was battling a few issues and driving was no longer possible. I told him of the redevelopment of Stead Park and he was thrilled, asking many questions about every detail. Charlie could not believe there was to be an umpires change room with a lounge and television. He said that he used to get changed in his car! We agreed after the opening I would drive and pick him up and show him around. Unfortunately, that will not occur but he will be us in spirit.
Charlie is survived by Bev and two sons, Jim and Ben, daughters-in-law Lucy and Leah and grandchildren in Thomas, Noah and Orla.
The funeral for Charlie Martin is on Monday 31 August at Quinn Funerals Chapel at Wesley Place, 15 Skene Street, Colac from 1.00pm. A private burial shall take place after.
The Hockey Geelong community is richer for Charlieโs immense contribution and poorer for his passing. RIP.
Graeme Dent
President Hockey Geelong
