Michael, or Leo, as he was commonly known passed away after a brief illness on Saturday May 21. He was buried on Thursday 26 May. Leo’s wife Margaret, told us of Leo’s love and passion for umpiring and of football that he shared with his grand children up until his passing.
Leo began umpiring in 1949 in the YCW football league. He was promoted to the VFL Second Eighteens panel in 1950 where he umpired for three years until he was elevated to the VFL in 1953. Leo was a VFLUA member from 1953 until his retirement in 1962. He became a life member in 1963.
Leo umpired 189 VCFL matches including 18 finals. He umpired 2 Tasmanian finals and 4 Metropolitan League finals.
His one grand final was in 1962 in the Northern District League Reserves.
Leo served in the RAAF between 1944-45 and in the AIF in 1945-47.
Vale Michael Leo Noone