Vale Stefan Degac

Photo:  Stefan Degac with his Croatia memorabilia. 

Former Croatia Glenorchy player, Stefan Degac, passed away suddenly in Launceston last week aged 65.

He arrived in Australia from Croatia in 1978 aged 22 and moved to Hobart the following year, where he was signed by Croatia Glenorchy.

Shortly after arriving, his visa expired and it was only through the intervention of club president Michael Furjanic and federal parliamentarian Michael Hodgman that he was released from a short prison stay while the issue was sorted out and he was granted a permanent visa.

Photo:  A recent photo of Paul Furjanic, son of the late Michael Furjanic, and Stefan Degac in Launceston. [Photo courtesy of the Furjanic family.]
 

He played as a left-fullback for the club and was known for his commitment to the team.

He moved to Launceston in the 1980s but would drive to Hobart regularly, including in mid-week, to play for Croatia Glenorchy.

He also played for ‘Croatia’ in the Hobart ‘World Cup’ series that was held at the time.

Photo:  The Croatia Glenorchy side of 1979 with Stefan Degac second from the left in the front row. 

Degac eventually joined Launceston Croatia, where he was a leading figure.

Launceston Croatia merged with Western Suburbs to form Western Knights in 1996.

He remained a committed supporter of Croatia Glenorchy, which became Glenorchy Knights, and played in the nation-wide Croatia soccer tournament.

He was a regular attendee at NPL games that Glenorchy Knights played in Launceston.

Glenorchy Knights observed a minute’s silence in memory of Stefan before their NPL Tasmania game against Launceston United last Saturday.

Condolences are extended to Stefan’s family and friends.

Photo:  Glenorchy Knights and Launceston United observe a minute's silence befoer kick-off on Saturday in memory of Stefan Degac. [PlessPix]