AFLUA life member and grand final umpire Leo Sutton passed away in Canberra last week after a short illness. Leo was a tireless volunteer in his latter years working for the Canberra Lions Club and the Canberra Hospice.
Leo was an engaging story teller and spoke with such passion and pride of the game that he still loved and watched until his recent passing.
Leo was a late convert to umpiring. He was awarded heritage number 292 making his debut in 1950 as a 24 year old. Ten years later Leo had umpired 172 games including 10 finals and the 1953 and 1957 grand finals on the boundary. One of his best memories came in the interstate carnival, in a match between Victoria and South Australia.
Leo retired at age 33 in 1960. Leo is survived by his wife Shirley, children Leonie, Brendan, Colleen and Michael and their families. Leo was 89.
His funeral will be held in Canberra.
