Vale John Van Groningen

[Doc26]

I was informed overnight of the passing of John Van Groningen from complications with his battle with cancer.

John was previously Chaplain to the Melbourne Magic in the NBL before accepting the position of Chaplain at the Western Bulldogs and was only awarded Life Membership of the Western Bulldogs last Thursday at the AGM along with his close mate Will Minson. John did manage to attend last Thursday's presentation.

John established the highly regarded organisation Red Dust Role Models which undertakes regular visits into remote Indigenous Communities in the Northern Territory with elite sports people which has included former Olympic swimmer Linley Frame, Will Minson and many others where sports clinics are conducted.

These visits now extend into India.

John was highly regarded at the Western Bulldogs and will be sadly missed.

Condolences to John's family and friends.

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/9427/jvganddoggies.png

John with some of the boys at the Red Dust Gala.

[OLD SCRAGGer]

That is so sad, He seemed so positive at the AGM..RIP

[Bulldog Revolution]

Very sad news

A pillar of the bulldog community who seemed to have a positive impact on all of the players that he mentored

[gohardorgohome]

John has twice organised Western Bulldogs players Will Minson, Brad Johnson and Shaun Higgins to talk about Red Dust Role models and footy at the Gisborne Rookies Junior Football club.

He was an excellent speaker and it was clear he was much respected and liked by the players.

Sad news