HE could have been the only batsman to hit the Sydney Cricket Ground clock on the full.
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As a basketballer, he was more than handy. In rugby league, he was one of the best centres Goulburn had ever seen; and on the tennis court and golf course he was a dab hand.
That was John Burns, or 'Burnsy,' as he was popularly known.
The accomplished local sportsman died on August 16, aged 81, leaving behind a swag of stories and many fond memories.
Former Goulburn man Kerry Williams, now living on the Sunshine Coast, described him as an "amazing fellow".
"To me he was a mentor, a father figure; not just in cricket, but in life. No one spoke a bad word about him," he said.
Williams played cricket with Burns for many years, including in the NSW Country team, for Southern Districts and in the Burns Cup, which his friend captained. The former was a left-hand batsman and perhaps the "best-ever slips fieldsman".
"In the late '60s, early '70s when playing for NSW Country, he hit the Sydney Cricket Ground clock on the full," Williams said. "Grahame Corling was the bowler. John was eventually run out for 99."
Both men also played for Kenmore in the 1960s with the likes of Russell Mills, Ross Croker and Peter James.
Showing time never dimmed his spirit. Burns came out of retirement in the 1980s to captain Kenmore to a premiership. It was one of his biggest achievements, in Williams' book.
Burnsy’s talent extended much further. Most recently he was known as a basketball coach, mentoring junior and senior teams to State League Southern Junior League, NSW Country and Australian Junior Country Championships. He also guided players and referees in the Goulburn Basketball Association competitions.
He was a single-figure handicapper on the golf course and played pennants for Goulburn. In his younger years he was a brilliant tennis player; even a water polo player.
On the football field he captained the Waratahs, second grade.
"The late John Carr played with him and they were the best centre pairing in Goulburn," Williams said.
He played in the Les Gellfus-coached, premiership-winning GWC League Team, too.
John Burns was honoured by the Goulburn Basketball Association with life membership for his years as president, coach and mentor and one of its drivers, achieving having the Goulburn Basketball stadium built.
He was also behind bringing an American players to Goulburn to bolster the side. Ed Teague is still here as a coaching director and Goulburn High School teacher. “It was the welcome I received from Burnsy that encouraged me to stay,” Teague said.
In civic life, Burns was an active member of Goulburn City Lions over three decades.
Williams said he'd always remember his friend's sense of humour and "quirky personality".
Deputy Mayor Bob Kirk described Burns as "a pillar of local sport".
John Patrick Burns was farewelled at St Peter and Paul’s Old Cathedral on Wednesday, August 24.
He was a much-loved husband of Pamela and Maureen (both deceased), and much loved partner of Margaret; devoted and loved father and father-in-law of Terri-Lea and Kirby Croker; cherished and honoured grandfather of Jordan, Laura, Bailey, Aaron and Erin; much-loved brother and brother-in-law of Janice (deceased) and of Judy and Archie McKenzie; and a loved uncle to Sarah and his nieces. Aged 81 years. A truly wonderful man, who will be sadly missed by all.
