Football
14 June, 2025
Rupanyup farewells club legend 'Ruwy'
The Rupanyup Football Netball Club is mourning the loss of one of its most dedicated and beloved members, Jeffrey Mervyn Ruwoldt, known as “Ruwy”, who passed away on Monday, May 26.
Ruwy’s contribution to the club spanned decades.
He played 366 games for Rupanyup, played in multiple premierships, served as the club secretary for 10 years, and continued in the roles of match-day secretary and reserves team manager long after stepping down from his official post.
He was also the club’s reserves goal umpire.
He took responsibility for match paperwork, timekeeping, and netball results, as well as best and fairest votes, with much of it done quietly behind the scenes.
Rupanyup Football and Netball Club vice president Brad Jackson said Ruwy was involved in many aspects of the club.
“He was just an absolute true clubman,” he said.
“His volunteering stretched across so many roles, and most people wouldn’t have realised just how much he actually did.”
In tribute, players across all Rupanyup football and netball teams wore black armbands during the club’s Round 8 clash with Kalkee, and both clubs came together to form a guard of honour between the reserves and senior game.
“Ruwy was pretty well known across the Horsham District Football Netball League, not just as a player, but as a dedicated official and volunteer,” Mr Jackson said.
“Kalkee were more than happy to pay tribute to him with us.
“It was a joint show of respect.”
Ruwy and his wife Wendy, long-time owners of the Rupanyup supermarket, were deeply embedded in the town and community.
Even after selling the business, the Ruwoldt family continued to be generous sponsors and supporters of the club.
“Just one of the most kind-hearted, generous individuals you could ever meet,” Mr Jackson said.
“He never had a bad word to say about anyone, and his legacy is enormous.
“If every club had someone who did even 50 per cent of what Ruwy did, they’d be in a much better place.”
One of Ruwy’s proudest moments came in 2022 when his son Cameron played in the club’s drought-breaking senior premiership.
Ruwy’s funeral service is going to be held at the Rupanyup Community Centre on Thursday, June 12.
His contribution will be remembered not only for the tasks he completed but for the passion and spirit he brought to every corner of the club.
“He lived and breathed Rupanyup,” Mr Jackson said.
“He has left a massive hole that will be impossible to fill.”
