Inspirational

I was sitting back watching the Jim Styne’s documentary the other night and I must admit, it was hard not to tear up watching such an inspirational bloke fight the challenges that keep coming up for him. It got me thinking, who have been the inspirations in my life that I respect and admired.

Two amazing local blokes came to mind, the Late Mr. Peter Krenz and the Late Mr. Barry Hayes. Both have had a large impact on my life at different stages and in different ways, but both had an amazing ‘thing’ about them. I use the word ‘thing’ because I don’t think there is one word that could describe their determination to fight, attitude towards life, their caring nature and ability to put other people before themselves.

Both blokes were ‘Eaglehawk Boys’ and very passionate about their community and helping others. Both had a long battle with cancer and had numerous tumors. Peter passed way in October 2007 and Barry in December 2008.

Peter Krenz was a man of passion and heart. He was one of the most determined and caring blokes I have ever met. I first met Peter back in 2004 where he took me under his wing and allowed me to work with him on the ‘Bcentral’ project.

Looking back, I think I was the luckiest 14 year old ever, because what I learnt from Peter over the 4 years, far out weighed what I learnt in 13 years of school. Pete was a man of action and if you wanted something done, you went to Pete. He was a true fighter and I really admired this in him.

His cancer was only getting worse, but his attitude towards life only got stronger. Peter’s legacy is all around us in Bendigo. Krenzy wasn’t the loudest bloke in the room, he rather let his actions speak louder then words.

Peter won the Bendigo Citizen of the Year Award in 2006. I remember his speech; he was very humble and didn’t enjoy the limelight. In his speech he said that the award wasn’t for him, it was for his beautiful family and great staff.

It is scary to think what I would be doing with my life if it wasn’t for Peter Krenz having the belief in me, and encouraging me to challenge myself.

“Hurry up Reade” were the first words I heard from Barry Hayes as I struggled to keep up with the group at umpire training. Barry Hayes was appointed coach of the umpires and as a board member at the time, it was one of the best decisions we ever made.

Barry was a tough footy coach and an even tougher umpires coach. He was a man of discipline and was all about pushing yourself. Over the two years that Barry was coach I have never done as many push ups and punches. As tough and as strict as Barry was, our numbers at training nearly tripled and kids were turning up to training an hour before hand waiting for Barry to arrive. As a board we couldn’t work out why so we surveyed our members. It turned out that members most enjoyed the discipline from Barry. He became a role model for the kids and an inspiration for the adults. He provided a father figure and took the time to listen to young people that had never been listened to.

Barry’s memory got worse as the tumors got worse, but he always tried the hardest to remember your name. He always led by example and tried to complete as many as the training drills as possible (this is whilst fighting tumors). His ability to challenge himself and taking the time to listen to others is something I will always admire.

These are just two of the inspirational people in my life that I have the privilege of knowing.  After reflecting on stories like Jim Stynes, Krenzy and Barry’s, it makes you realize how lucky and easy most of us have it.

All you got to do is look at what these blokes have achieved whilst battling their cancer, they are what I would call, “true heros”.

James Reade

You can follow James’ blog on www.yobendigo.com.au or www.jrevents.com.au