Brian Joice (218) 1939-2011

The sad news comes that Brian Joice has passed away after his health deteriorated over the last few months. A member of the Waratahs champion team of all time, Brian captured 504 wickets, first as a fast left arm bowler when he joined the club in 1968-69 and later as a deceptive left arm orthodox spinner. In 1974-75, he stepped down into second grade and took 87 wickets, the second highest in any Waratahs season. He also took seven wickets in an innings more times than any other club member. Brian was also a pugnacious lower order batsmen, twice scoring centuries.
Brian was born and raised in Newcastle, beginning his working life at Newcastle University before coming to Armidale and a position at UNE. His life long good friend, Bill Pitstock, spoke to those attending Brian's funeral about his love of sport, particularly cricket, football and golf. He also mentioned his love of a punt. Several anecdotes were recalled, including some from his Waratahs days.
This website is dedicated to Brian, who along with Tom Cooke and Bill Thompson, produced the first written records of the Waratahs Cricket Club which have been added to and provide the most comprehensive set of records of any country NSW club. As a man, he was larger than life. As a cricketer, he was a match winner. As a yarn spinner he had the happy knack of being at the centre of more stories than he told. As a mate, there has been none more loyal. As a Clubman, none more dedicated to the cause. There are many Brian Joice stories but my favourite sums the man. Upon hearing that his mate Harry Deiderick was to be dropped - a man of infinite heart for the club but limited skills - he told the then President, "if H doesn't play, Joicey doesn't play!" One of my warmest Waratahs memories was that time after each season before presentation night in the years I edited the Yearbook. I'd visit Joicey, give him the new book and sometimes we'd have time for beer.
Brian was an Australian character in the truest sense of our understanding of the term. Generous to his friends but refusing to suffer fools, he could be a terror to his adversaries but always carried himself with honour.
I am so glad to have known him.

Brian's life was celebrated at a service at Piddingtons Crematorial Chapel, Uralla Rd, Armidale at 10:00am on Friday 25th November and was followed by a light lunch and drinks at the Golf Club.