Ian Speed Obituary, Death – We share with you our deepest condolences as we learn that Mr. Ian Speed has died away. In addition to being a life member of the ESCCA, which is now known as the ECA, Ian was also a life member of the St. Silas CC, which later became the Balwyn Saints CC. Ian was a phenomenal cricketer in his day, having scored 8554 runs at the age of 43 and taken 200 wickets at the age of 18.43.
In the 1977–1978 premiership season, Ian won the association batting average competition for St. Silas, besting the Barnies in the process. The following year, he took 20 wickets at an average of 13.15 runs per wicket, which earned him the A Grade association bowling award. However, Ian did not leave cricket at that point. He worked diligently to give back to the game, club, and organization that he loved through different committees.
including working alongside the likes of ESCCA/ECA greats Keith Carr, Barry Tobias, and Ian Stewart, to mention a few. He was a true gentleman. When Ian spoke, you listened intently to his tales of the simpler times and the counsel that he had to offer because he was the kind of person who commanded your attention. He was an avid supporter of Hawthorn Football Club and was present for 12 of their 13 premiership victories.
Following his success in cricket, he went on to acquire a passion for the sport of bowls and the North Balwyn Bowls club. We are thinking about and supporting his wife Kay, as well as their three children, David, Andrew, and Meredith. On September 27 at 2:30 p.m., a memorial service will be place at the North Balwyn Bowls Club, which is located on Buchanan Avenue. A gentleman who played the game of cricket with integrity and who would be missed by all.
