Surfing stalwart dies

A Killcare Surf Life Saving Club stalwart has died.

"It is with great sadness that we pass on the news of the death of one of Killcare's favourite sons, John Annand," said club president Mr Peter Bagnall.

"One of the best beach sprinters in the club's history as well as a committed patroller, he finally lost his epic fight and succumbed to a lingering illness, aged 81.

"Born and bred in Killcare and a member of the surf club from a very early age, John first came to prominence at school athletics carnivals where he excelled in the 100-yard sprint.

"He also loved surf carnivals and trained specifically for the beach sprint and flags.

"At the age of 20, at an international surf carnival, he won the beach flags competition and finished fourth in the beach sprint," Mr Bagnall said.

"Over the next few years, the Australian beach sprint was won by John in 1958, 1959 and 1961.

"He also won the beach relay with the Killcare team in 1968.

"A lightning fast Rugby League winger who played for North Sydney and managed to win a premiership in lower grades, John was badly injured in that game breaking his ankle which probably cost him the 1960 beach sprint title.

"John probably would have gone to the Commonwealth Games as a 100-metre sprinter, but his love for professional sprinting cost him a place in the amateur era.

"He represented NSW in Surf Life Saving and professional sprinting teams.

"He has trained many of the Coast's sprinters who have gone on to win Australian titles.

"John was a truly great man who will be sadly missed," Mr Bagnall said.

A memorial for Mr Annand was held at the club on June 27, and his ashes were committed to the beach he loved so dearly.

SOURCE:

Media release, 21 Jun 2018

Peter Bagnall, Killcare SLSC