Vale Glendon ‘Clem’ Burgess

June 24, 2020Seagull

It is with great sadness that Hunters Hill Rugby advises of the passing of Glendon 'Clem' Burgess.

Clem was a clubman through and through. An Honour Cap, he played more than 300 games with the club. But that wasn't what we will most remember of Clem. His contribution to the Reviews of the 80s and 90s was the stuff of legend. If you were there, you wouldn't have forgotten his performance in the Bowlers and Blues Brothers skits along with plenty of others. Great times.

And then, for those of us that were fortunate enough to see Clem in full flight, responding to the C Hop salute, giving his best interpretation of a vociferous Gestapo officer with full audience participation, was a sight to behold and brought the house down everywhere it was rolled out including a mighty effort in Queenstown NZ, a couple of hours after we had been absolutely flogged on the field. Clem's effort that night lifted all the tourists- final score 1 all.

Clem’s Honour Cap resume reads like this :

Premierships: Burke Cup 1977, Kentwell Cup 1987. Registrar 1983. 300 games. 300+ points. Legendary on the social side for his comic review sketches and impromptu performances. An extremely keen club man.

That doesn’t begin to sum up this larger than life character that was C hop. He will be deeply missed.

Not one for churches and chapels, it’s been decided to do something that would have brought out that little ‘Clem’ chuckle. So, this Monday we’ll be having a laugh, reliving some of the wonderful memories of the C-Hop and generally celebrating his life, right on the hallowed turf of Boronia Park.

Service begins at 12 noon, to be followed by a few drinks, and no doubt more stories, at the Putney Bowling Club (The Fountain on the Mountain).