Almanac Tribute: Paul ‘PAL’ Lourey, RIP.
I have some terrible news, for so many people, including our own Almanac community.
Our dear friend Paul Lourey, known to all of us as PAL, died suddenly on Monday. He was respected and admired. Those who enjoy the sporting life of Melbourne, would often see him at Ammos footy games – he was a stalwart of De La Salle footy club; at local cricket matches – he was one of the best clubmen the Glen Iris Cricket Club has ever seen; or at the MCG or Docklands watching his Saints or taking in a session of first class cricket.
In the blur that is the early years of the Almanac, I reckon it was P.J. Flynn who introduced PAL to the crew. The references and recommendations of ‘Sneaky Pete’ Flynn, as he is known in a couple of his universes, are infallible. He knew we’d love PAL, and there was never any doubt that PAL would slot in perfectly. He was part of it all for a decade or so.
Blessed with hang-dog eyes, he could sometimes look like Eeyore but he did not share Eeyore’s sensibility. PAL was always hopeful, always energetic, always a contributor, always giving.
His knowledge of sport and his ability to delve into his memory to tell a story or to pull out a fact to settle a beer-in-hand argument, was the purest demonstration of a life in sport. Whatever sport is, whatever sport gives us, PAL got it. The beaming smile told us that.
Earlier this year, I was visiting Melbourne and, on the Saturday, gravitated towards the Brunswick Street Oval. Shuffling across half forward at the Clifton Hill end was PAL, and although he was carrying clipboards, a goal umpiring coat, and an ancient bag, he was still able to puff on a durry. We walked straight to each other and the chat started pretty much where it had left off when we’d previously met, a few months before.
PAL was also at the Grand Final Eve Lunch just gone. Aged 62, he was contemplating a comeback for Glen Iris. One day P. Flynn might tell the whole story.
Last night the Glen Iris CC community and other friends and family met to have a beer or two in honour of their great mate. This tribute to PAL was posted on their website.
Our deepest sympathies to friends and family.
About John Harms
JTH is a writer, publisher, speaker, historian. He is publisher and contributing editor of The Footy Almanac and footyalmanac.com.au. He has written columns and features for numerous publications. His books include Confessions of a Thirteenth Man, Memoirs of a Mug Punter, Loose Men Everywhere, Play On, The Pearl: Steve Renouf's Story and Life As I Know It (with Michelle Payne). He appears (appeared?) on ABCTV's Offsiders. He can be contacted [email protected] He is married to The Handicapper and has three school-age kids - Theo, Anna, Evie. He might not be the worst putter in the world but he's in the worst four. His ambition was to lunch for Australia but it clashed with his other ambition - to shoot his age.
Hugely appreciative Harmy.
I loved Pal.
The sadness is profound.
Thanks JTH for these words. Hugely likeable chap old PAL. I always loved chatting with him. Friendly, warm, knowledgeable and a real listener. I had a great time bantering with him across the rambling Almanac lunch last month.
I will miss his presence at the lunches.
RIP PAL.
Beautifully said, JTH. I had the privilege of chewing the fat with PAL on a number of occasions, and always came out the better for it. He was a thoughtful man and genuinely interested in what you had to say. I was with him on the siren of that game at the BSO, and he was typically gracious in narrow defeat. Heartfelt condolences to PJF and to all those lucky enough to be his mate.
Well said, Harmy. You’ve captured his spirit perfectly. Pal will be sorely missed by many.
Godspeed Pal.
Pal is a beautiful soul. We are all blessed to have known him.
Pal was everyone’s person – he could hold a conversation with your mates, parents, in-laws or a passer-by mucker at the pub. He was intelligent, insightful and humorous. Passionate, honest and dependable.
My final day with Pal involved a boat to Geelong, a stop at the pub, the Cats and the Saints at Kardinia Park, a car trip home with a few beers, laughs and PJF in charge of the Spotify list. You made my Mum laugh in the car at a time in her life it was difficult to smile. It was everything our friendship was. I will cherish the evening forever.
Like all, I will miss him dearly.
To a land where Jarman’s quelled, Scarlett doesn’t toe poke, the bounce of the ball falls into Milney’s arms, and the Aussies win the Ashes 5-0 every series.
I love you, Pal.
Thanks, Harmy. You’ve captured Pal beautifully there, really appreciate.
One of my last days with Pal was Grand Final day. His unsuccessful plan was to try and get home at a reasonable time after Friday’s lunch, which had never happened in Almanac history.
Like a true all-rounder, Pal turned up on time and performed to stumps and beyond.
So deeply sad for our great mate, love and miss him so much.
Hard to believe that someone as large as life as PAL is gone.
He was certainly up and about at the Nac gf lunch.
RIP, PAL.
Everybody I’ve spoken to has reflected on their own last day with Pal.
Universally, the reflection has been:
How good a day was that?
Played Pal!
Thankyou John , that is a beautiful tribute to our brother Paul. As my sister Chris has said, we know you and his huge sporting community are all heartbroken and in shock, as we are. We love and appreciate the hundreds of moving tributes that are coming in. Because of the suddenness of this tragedy, the funeral arrangements are a tad delayed but we should hopefully be able to make an announcement in a few days. Warmest wishes, Mari Lourey. Xx
Loved having a chat with Paul. Did so last GF lunch and will miss him at the next.