VALE NOEL BRUCE STANTON

Athletics West is saddened to announce the passing of Athletics West Life Member (Noel) Bruce Stanton. 

A stalwart of the sport for many decades, Bruce was the founder of the Geographe Districts Athletics Club, based in Busselton and the surrounding towns. This club was an early forerunner of today’s combined 'One Club' model, where Little Athletics and Senior athletes competed together with more than 300 members coming together at the club.

His tireless dedciation saw Bruce take on a range of roles, including as President, Coach, and Official, dedicating countless hours to the development of the sport. He later became a coach at Northern Districts Athletics Club in Nollamara, where he trained numerous state champions, record holders and national-standard athletes across all disciplines of athletics.

As an official at Perry Lakes for many years, Bruce held various roles, including Chief Track Referee, Field Referee, and Walks Judge, among others. His passion extended beyond officiating and he was deeply involved in the administration and organisation of athletics in Western Australia.

With more than 40 years of volunteering in the sport, Bruce also contributed to Professional Running as a handicapper and served as Head Athletics Coach at Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) during the 1980s. Under his leadership, MLC achieved an outstanding record of winning 11 consecutive IGSSA Carnivals, a remarkable feat at the time.

The entire Athletics West community would like to extends it condolences to Bruce's family and it's utmost appreciation for his dedicated service to the sport.