The Goulburn Rugby Club farewelled a giant today, October 10, at the funeral of David Klem.

Klemmy passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 2, surrounded by his family. He will be remembered for his decades long commitment to the club which was ongoing and continuous, as a manager of teams for many years, a bus driver, BBQ cook, a sponsor back in the days of Klem’s Bakery, a helper in any way the club asked of him, and a mate.

No task for the club was below him, he’d roll up his sleeves and do whatever was needed. His attendance at games, home and away, never wavered regardless of weather, his health or how the club was performing at any given time.

A Life Member of the club, he was nicknamed Nugget not only because he was small in stature but because he was worth his weight in gold, and his service stands as tall as any member, as one of the giants in the club’s history.

There would be few players in the modern era of the club he didn’t know and almost none he didn’t see play and that fact was evident by the mammoth turnout at the overflowing St Saviour’s for his funeral.

Players, members and friends from every decade from the 1950s onwards packed the Cathedral along with the many friends and colleagues he had met through his many other community involvements including Apex, Rotary, St Saviour’s Neighbourhood Centre and Goulburn Cabs. 

Dave was eulogised by his son Scott, his brother John, former employee Greg Stephenson and nephew Charlie Klem and they painted the picture of his early days in Sydney and on the South Coast, of the funny and practical joking colleague and boss he was to work with and for, of the community-minded participant who didn’t hate a beer with his mates, and of the committed and loving family man he was.

David’s grandson Hamish, who lives in New Zealand, read the Maori prayer “Karakia” and grand-daughter Lucy Klem led the grandchildren in the Irish Blessing, “May the road rise up to meet you…”

Songs in the service included two by Elvis Presley (“Put your hand in the hand of the man” and  “The wonder of you”), “Imagine” by John Lennon and, typical of Klemmy’s tongue-in-cheek sense of humour, concluded with “Surfing Safari (Let’s Go Surfing Now)” by the Beach Boys.

His impact on the club has been immeasurable and the importance he placed on service and helping others has clearly been passed on to his boys.

Due to his passion for the game of rugby and his conviction that junior sports are crucial to a child’s development, donations were accepted towards junior rugby development in lieu of flowers.

Heartfelt condolences to his wife Lyn, his sons Matt and Scott,  his brother John and all of their families at this time as they come to terms with the loss of a great husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather.

Vale David Klem.