To BACKPACKER

[RoostarGirl]

I just wanted those who knew the Backpacker to take a moment and write something they remember about him here. I'm not sure if people are aware but it has been a year since one of our great mates passed and it only seems like yesterday.

I have so many fond memories its hard for me to find something to single out.

However the funniest thing BP ever did was give me a WW as a username. Its a bit of an in joke but those that were around back then will remember.

The W W along with Vote for Ozzie and Guy still clear favourites.

Love ya BP.

 

[...Morticia...]

I'm not sure theres enough of the older crew still around t' remember him rg but to those newer forum sevens players that ever wondered why the Backpacker shield was played for last year or where the concept of Backpackers player ratings came from, it wasn't some obscure name pulled out of a hat. There was a real person behind the cybername. Backpacker, Third reserve, Matt, Dad, Pop. Father of two, grandad of two, sparring partner of a few, mate of many, rooster fanatic through and through and his kids best friend. Theres too many memories and feelings a bit raw at present being so far from home. RIP BP 1953 - 2004

and t' ozzie. theres light at the end of the tunnel now. still a long way t' go but things will be ok. kia kaha my friend and let us know what the new addition is when it arrives.

 

[ozzie]

I remember BP as a friend - my only regret was not meeeting him face to face. I would say it would have been a terrible morning the night after.

BP and Mortica have been very supportive of my son who is doing a nursing course - a whole heap of CDs on nursing turned up to him and he really apreciated the fact that BP had the time to think of him - even though he didn't know him. Gosh I miss him and I know that he has gone to a place reserved for very special people - heaven.

God bless you BP. But I can't forgive you for the double nicks for Mortica - you had me going for two weeks.

What people have to remember is not the past but the legacy left - BP managed to do this with grace and humility and a great sense of humour

RIP - your mate Ozzie

 

[roosterboy60]

I also said this on the Forum 7's Radio Show...

Around this time last year one of the Forum 7’s nicest people The Backpacker passed away.

For the people who didn’t know him, or knew of him but didn’t get to know him, he was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet and his sense of humor was great.

When the Forum 7’s was looking like it was going to fold, BP was there and along with a few other people made Forum 7’s what the game is today.

I first got to know BP when I joined the Easts team in late 2002 I think, but didn’t really start talking to him until the 7’s moved over to League Unlimited.

Despite the age gap, we were very good friends, and infact the whole Easts team were very close with each other.

I considered Ozzie and BP as my best friends in the Easts team, as they helped me with anything I needed.

BP’s daughter Morticia is still part of the Easts team and it’s great to have her still involved in the Forum 7’s.

I didn’t ever get to meet BP because he lived in NZ, but I wish I did get to.

I know everyone in Forum 7’s still misses BP, he may be gone but he’ll never be forgotten.

 

[Alan Shore]

I'm not sure I ever spoke to Backpacker but I do remember him and I value immensely his efforts to reinvigorate the F7s and for being an all-round nice guy. RIP mate.

 

[Everlovin' Antichrist]

A year... gee that went quick.

I had just begun to get to know the big fella a bit when he fell ill. A lovely bloke with a great sense of humour and very supportive of F7's, it was a concept he really believed in.

RIP Champ.

 

[Big Poppa Pump]

I have not posted here in ages & to be honest I had no intention of doing so however I saw this thread & I had to break my exile one last time.

BP was a good bloke. We never met but we did talk through PM's & I feel I got to know him pretty well via my friendship with Smurf & T. I know how much he meant to his family & friends. They must miss him terribly. I know how hard it hit Smurf. Geezuz it hit hard.

I used to talk to Smurf & T a fair bit. I dont know why I dont anymore. Its my fault though.

 

[...Morticia...]

Hey BPP, it means alot my friend. all good in melbourne. and i miss our chats. don't be a stranger.