Obituary | Danny Lewis was the 'heart and soul' of De La Salle Caringbah JRLFC and a wonderful character

Danny, who was regarded as "the heart and soul" of the De La Salle Caringbah Junior Rugby League Football Club, was a loveable larrikin, known around the grounds for his generous, warm nature and going barefoot, even in the middle of winter.

In his earlier years, when he wasn't volunteering his time for "De La", Danny worked on the wharves at Darling Harbour, where he was a tally clerk and union delegate.

True to his profession, he commanded a rich vocabulary, but he also had a great respect for women and never swore in their presence and would pull up anyone who did.

Such was his attitude to women, while lying sick in a hospital emergency department bed, he threatened to flatten another patient who was giving a nurse a hard time.

With Danny's enjoyment of boxing "in and out of the ring", the warning was not to be taken lightly.

Danny and his wife Marie, who died 11 years ago, became involved with "De La" when they moved to Caringbah South in the late 1970s.

A former A Grade player-coach, Danny coached many teams at "De La" over the years and also took on the role of secretary for a prolonged period, during which the club grew and prospered.

The Lewis home was full of footy gear - jumpers needing washing, weekly booklets typed up on an old school typewriter on the kitchen table and a caravan, which served as the club's canteen, parked in their front yard during the week.

Danny was heavily involved in the club moving from next to the college to a new clubhouse on Captain Cook Drive.

Right up until last year's Grand Final weekend, Danny was down at the "De La" grounds, supporting his grandchildren and the club.

St Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Church at Cronulla was packed for Danny's farewell.

His best mate Denis Sant referred to the rugby league legend Tommy Raudonikis dying around the same time.

"How would you like to be poor old St Peter at the pearly gates watching those two walking up?" he asked.

Denis said Danny's character "was second to none and the respect in which he was held is shown by the number of people who are here today".

Damien Lewis said his parents "poured their heart and soul" into the De La Salle club.

"It was such a massive part of their lives and our's," he said.

"I am proud they have contributed to building the club to what it is today.

"They made life-long friendships out of it, and so in turn did us kids.

"Dad always had a smile and made everyone feel special".

Damien, along with his brother Matthew, joined his father working on the wharves.

"Dad had many life lessons for us," he said.

"He taught us how to be better people and he taught us respect.

"When you shook someone's hand, it was always with a firm handshake and you looked them in the eye.

"You treated people the way you liked to be treated and your word was your bond."

Matthew Lewis said his father used to say, "There's a positive in every negative - you've just got to look for it".

"What a character he was - everyone he met was better for it."

Danny is survived by Damien, Matthew and Katherine and eight grandchildren.