Vale: Alan Overton AM
Published Mon 31 Jul 2023
Scouts NSW are honouring the memory of former long-standing member Alan Overton AM who died on Friday, 28 July, following a seven-year battle with illness.
Alan joined the Scout Association as an eight-year-old Cub Scout in early 1945, just before the end of World War II.
He was a member of 1st Granville Group as a Scout, Senior Scout and Rover Scout. He continued his association with the Group for 71 years as a member of the Granville Old Boys, which met annually at the Group headquarters in Glen St, Granville.
Alan made an impact wherever he went. He was a mover and shaker in the construction of 1st Mays Hill Scout Hall, helping in fundraising and, as an employee, obtained financial assistance from James Hardie.
Alan founded the 7th Parramatta Group, which had a focus on inclusion and accessibility, catering specifically for members with a disability. The hall was modified to accommodate wheelchairs and make access easier for all members with a disability, again with financial assistance from James Hardie and Parramatta Leagues Club.
In June 1994, Alan agreed to take on the position of Area President of Cumberland Area – now Greater Western Sydney Region – and gave excellent service in that role until February 2023, when he resigned due to ill health. He was also a patron of the Cumberland Gang Show and did not miss a performance for 22 years.
As if he was not busy enough with his other community commitments (on 29 community committees), Alan became Vice President of the Scouts NSW Branch Council in 1999 and held that role until February 2016. He was appointed a Life Branch Councillor in 2004.
Over the years Alan was awarded:
- National Presidents Award in 2004
- Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to Parramatta Leagues Club and to the community in 1994
- Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to a range of sports clubs and other organisations in 2004
- Received 16 non-Scouting awards for his outstanding community service.
His dedication is recognised through the Alan Overton AM Award presented each year to the Adult Member (Leader, Supporter or Committee Member), who continues to go above and beyond delivering Scouting within GWS Region.
Outside of Scouting, Alan was the chairman of both the Parramatta Eels and Parramatta Leagues Club between 1985 and 2009.
Alan, who had Alzheimer’s disease, died aged 86 at an Oatlands aged care centre where he had lived for the past three years.
He is survived by his wife Merle, his children Karen, Craig and Grant and his nine grandchildren.
Thank you, Alan, for your tremendous service to Scouting. May you Rest in Peace.
Funeral Details
Alan Overton's life will be commemorated on Thursday, 10 August 2023, at 10am at Castlebrook Memorial Park, Rouse Hill.
Scouters are asked to wear full Scout uniform and decorations – past Scouters, please wear Scout scarf and decorations.
