By Casey O'Connor
On Friday many will gather to farewell the man affectionately known by many as the “Roughest and Toughest,” Greg Howard.
Greg passed away quite suddenly after a long battle with cancer. His fight against the disease certainly was a tribute to that moniker he gave himself. Because it was certainly one tough battle and one which he handled well.
Not sure about the Roughest but I guess you could say Greg was a true diamond in the rough.
Greg was sport’s fan, a true Broncos believer and Maroon to the core. He was a solid Queenslander – if it was a Queensland side playing marbles, they had Greg’s undying support. Some of my keenest memories are of him as a cricket umpire and I certainly rate him. He took no prisoners out there in the middle and there was no arguing with Greg – Out was just that OUT. O your bike.
He was certainly an interesting character to meet up with at any watering hole after you had played a game of cricket in the hot sun, while he’d had a day socialising.
He was the mate everyone loved to socialise with.
Life was not always easy for Greg and wife Evelyn. Several years ago, they lost youngest son Clayton in a car accident, and it was a huge blow to them both and eldest son Grant.
So, on Friday after a graveside service in Stanthorpe Greg’s many mates and acquaintances will gather at O’Mara’s and recall their fondest memories of the “Roughest and Toughest.”
RIP Mate – Your Innings is done – well played.
