It is with much sadness that I announce the passing of Zone 15 and Umina Beach Bowling Club legend, Wal Rainbow. Wal passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning the 6th October, in a nursing home in Kempsie. Wal was 95 and his wife Shirley is 96. Wal and Shirley had been together since they were 16 years of age and were still very much in love with each other. Wal was a much loved legend at Umina Beach Bowling Club, where he is the current Club Patron. He was part of Umina’s 1st ever pennant winning side in 1969.
- In 1974 he won the Umina’s club 4’s
- In 1992 he won the club triples
- In 1994 he won the mixed pairs
- In 1995 he won the Major Pairs
- In 2011 he won the club triples.
He was very influential in the formation and running of Zone 15 / Bowls Central Coast and was made a Life Member of Bowls Central Coast/Zone 15 on the 17th August 2017.
Wal was:-
- Zone Patron from 1997 - 2009
- Zone President from 1991 - 1994
- Zone Vice President from 2001 - 2002
- Zone State Councillor from 1995 - 1997
He was awarded Australian Sports Medal (ASM) in 2000 for his services to lawn bowls.
The Wal Rainbow Perpetual Shield features all the names of those bowlers that have won Bolwer of the Year since its inception in 1991
RIP Wal....Thank you for all that you did for bowls....you were a lovely man and a true legend.