 The St George and rugby league families were saddened by the loss of former prop forward and colourful personality Harry Eden late last year.
Mr Eden succumbed to skin cancer at age 64 in December after fighting the disease with typical tenacity.
He played 34 First-Grade games for Dragons and an additional 47 top
grade fixtures with Eastern Suburbs and South Sydney.
Initially a centre with Easts, Mr Eden was thrown headlong into the
front row in the 1971 Grand Final, producing a powerhouse display in
the 16-10 loss to South Sydney. While he would always lament that
defeat, his spirited performance entrenched him in the forwards.
As a light-weight prop, Mr Eden was renowned for menacing much
larger rivals and he maintained a muscular physique into his 60s, even
lacing up the boots for a fundraiser in 2004.
The who's who of rugby league descended on Sutherland's Shire
Christian Centre to pay their respects to Mr Eden, one of 16 children,
on December 20. Former Saints player Jason Stevens, whose minister
brother Paul conducted the service, eulogised his mate and former
manager.
"I used to tell him not to go too hard in negotiations but he would
remind me he was doing it for my mother and brother," Stevens
recalled.
Carol Eden told the Journal her family was grateful for the support
shown by the Leagues and Football Clubs, especially Nathan Brown
and the players.
"Both I and the children would like to thank everybody who supported
Harry during his period of illness and who sent flowers, cards and
letters of support," Mrs Eden said. "It has been impossible to answer
everybody's cards and we wanted you to know we have appreciated
your support."
The funeral congregation paid homage to Eden by singing one of his
favourite songs - Rawhide. He is survived by wife Carol and his two
children, Peter and Kim.
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St George Leagues Club
LEAGUES CLUB JOURNAL
