Sunday, December 20, 2009

Vale 'Jackie' Rais


The death has occurred in Hobart of Jack Rais.


‘Jackie’, as he was known, came to Tasmania in 1965 from the UK after service as a commando in the Royal Marines, including in the Korean War.


He was one of three British imports to sign for Hobart Rangers for that season, the other two being Tony Parker and Duncan Summers.


He joined Hobart Juventus the following season but returned to Rangers in 1967.


Rangers merged with Caledonians in 1968 and Jackie later coached the newly formed Hobart City.


Jackie, a half-back or left winger, played his first game for Rangers in April 1965.


A very young David Cole, who is now a referee in the north of the State, also made his debut in that side, as did the late Hugh Mackinnon, brother of former Metro president Jim Mackinnon.


Jim Mackinnon senior, father of Hugh and Jim, was the coach of Rangers.


The squad that day was: French, McDonald, Ruscher, Cole, McLoughlin, Rais, H Mackinnon, Wallace, Parker, O’Brien, Summers (Reserve: Bolton).


The diminutive Rais, whom I knew much later after his playing and coaching careers were over, was a gentleman who had the welfare of the game at heart.


I am sure that all readers will join with me in offering condolences to Jackie’s family.

2 comments:

Brian Roberts said...

Was he a local resident or moved interstate at the time of his passing .

A most genuine person .

Unknown said...

merry xnas to walter and bloggers