thoughts and prayers with Ross T

saintbrat · Post: # 720243Post **saintbrat** » Wed 08 Apr 2009 2:10pm

http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2009/0 ... tnews.html
Tiwi footy icon, politician dies

GREY MORRIS April 8th, 2009

Hyacinth Tungatalum
TIWI elder Hyacinth Tungatalum has died aged 62 of a suspected heart attack.

A member of the Legislative Assembly in its formative years from 1974-77 in the old seat of Tiwi Islands, Mr Tungatalum was the first Aborigine elected to the Territory Parliament.

"He was an important ceremonial man on the Tiwi Islands and an influential leader of his people," Opposition Leader Terry Mills said.
Mr Tungatalum was also a great servant to Territory football.
A player and administrator for more than 40 years, he was a life member of NTFL club St Marys and the Tiwi Island Football League.

He played with the Irrimaru Bulldogs on Bathurst Island. Hyacinth Tungatalum's grandson Ross is on AFL club St Kilda's playing list.

Hyacinth represented the Northern Territory in its win over North Adelaide in 1966 where his high marking and great speed made him an ideal wingman.

Mr Tungatalum's son Richard said his dad lived for football and the people on his beloved Tiwi Islands.
"Dad was an icon on the Tiwi Islands where everyone knew him and looked up to him," Richard said.
"He will be sadly missed by his family, the Tiwi people and Aussie Rules fans everywhere."
Long-serving St Marys president Vic Ludwig said Hyacinth Tungatalum was a special man for his people.
"He first started playing with St Marys as a 15-year-old and he was a very spectacular player," Ludwig said.
"It's all very sad. Hyacinth was a terrific supporter of Aussie Rules and the game on the Tiwi Islands."

Hyacinth Tungatalum is survived by his wife Natalie and sons David, Richard and Leslie.
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sounds like a wonderful role model for young Ross.

Richter · Post: # 720253Post **Richter** » Wed 08 Apr 2009 2:30pm

Yep. Sympathies to Ross.

A quick note re. aboriginal grieving rituals I think it is true that for many cultures it is not considered appropriate to say the name of the deceased person?

(Maybe just a note for anyone who does bump into Ross and wants to wish him and his family all the best.)

saintbrat · Post: # 720254Post **saintbrat** » Wed 08 Apr 2009 2:32pm

Richter wrote:Yep. Sympathies to Ross.

A quick note re. aboriginal grieving rituals I think it is true that for many cultures it is not considered appropriate to say the name of the deceased person?

(Maybe just a note for anyone who does bump into Ross and wants to wish him and his family all the best.)

and also no photos- although the story is online with photographs,
but there are always warnings on SBS and during movies.

esaint66 · Post: # 720304Post **esaint66** » Wed 08 Apr 2009 3:58pm

Our hearts go out to you and your loved ones Ross.

Saints94 · Post: # 720308Post **Saints94** » Wed 08 Apr 2009 4:08pm

Sad news, sorry to hear that Ross.

Selhurst Saint · Wed 08 Apr 2009 4:14pm

He sounds like he was quite a pioneer and leader.

Sympathies to Ross and family.

B W and R all over · Wed 08 Apr 2009 4:41pm

Is he Ross' uncle or did they simply get the name wrong (Richard as one of his sons)?

saintbrat · Post: # 720339Post **saintbrat** » Wed 08 Apr 2009 4:46pm

Ross's Grandfather
Ross's father is Richard.

He played with the Irrimaru Bulldogs on Bathurst Island. Hyacinth Tungatalum's grandson Ross is on AFL club St Kilda's playing list.

joffaboy · Post: # 720342Post **joffaboy** » Wed 08 Apr 2009 4:53pm

As someone said sounds likea great role model for Ross.

High achieving family. Grandfather elected politician - grandson on an AFl list.

Pretty impressive compare to most of us.

WinnersOnly · Wed 08 Apr 2009 4:53pm

I met Hyacinth on Bathurst Island at the TIWI Grand Final about 10 years ago and can commend that he was a champion fellow. He had a real drawing character the kind of bloke you meet and never forget. He went out his way to take myself and a friend fishing the following day. He touched me with his kindness and genorosity.

Hyacinth was a great Northern Territorian, a great Australian and a great person! Again condolences to Ross & family for their loss...

Solar · Post: # 720446Post **Solar** » Wed 08 Apr 2009 8:39pm

thoughts are with you ross

Duggie1 · Post: # 720681Post **Duggie1** » Thu 09 Apr 2009 12:34pm

The recent ABC TV series in "Message Stick" gave me a wonderful insight into Tiwi Is. footy and those like this great organiser.
I am hoping the ABC produces a DVD of the series.

markinUSA · Post: # 720696Post **markinUSA** » Thu 09 Apr 2009 1:32pm

I would also like to add my sympathies to his family.

Hurricane · Post: # 720715Post **Hurricane** » Thu 09 Apr 2009 2:49pm

Deepest condolences to Ross and his family. By the article and other various comments it seems the footy community and world itself is poorer this loss.

I hope young Ross goes on to be a champion his Grandfather would be proud of

BANG BANG

True Blue Sainter · Thu 09 Apr 2009 2:53pm

Deepest sympathies with Ross and his family in this tragic time!

Here's hoping, as Hurricane said, that Rosco can go on to forge a fine career with the Saints, and have his grandfather beaming down on him from heaven!

R.I.P

saintspremiers · Thu 09 Apr 2009 11:11pm

condolences Choo Choo......explains why he aint playing for the Zebra's this weekend.

thoughts and prayers with Ross T

thoughts and prayers with Ross T

Condolences to Ross & family...