It is with great sadness that we inform the football community in Canberra of the passing of one of the great servants to the game in this Territory. We learn of the passing of Life Member of Capital Football, David Oner, on the 23rd May 2021.
David will be remembered as one of the hardest working administrators and coaches of aspiring referees as an unpaid volunteer for over 40 years. David was dedicated and astute and was Treasurer of the Referees’ Association (AASRF/ASRF) before it became Soccer Referees Canberra and ultimately Capital Football. He was awarded life membership of Soccer Referees Canberra in 2003 which was duly carried forward when Capital Football was established in 2005.
David organised the purchasing of referee uniforms, liaison with the ACT Soccer Federation for referees’ fees and payments and as a result of his work, the Referees’ Management Committee instituted the David Oner Management Award for the referee who exemplifies volunteering and service beyond refereeing, showing administrative and management capabilities of dedicated individuals outside refereeing Committees.
David was also a Level 1 Referee Coach and for decades could be seen advising, assisting, mentoring and coaching young referees at junior grounds on Saturday mornings along with his great friend Henk Thijssens who passed away in October of last year.
David will always be remembered by the award in his name, but for his many friends, colleagues and partners in the refereeing community, the lovely man will be remembered for his kindness, humour, generosity with time and spirit, dedication to football in Canberra and to having a social beer on Saturday evening after the football all day.
Rest in Peace David.
