Torquay community farewells Peter “Drafty” McIvor

THE Torquay community turned out in force to farewell Peter “Drafty” McIvor, who passed away suddenly earlier this month.

A crowd of at least 400 people gathered on the oval at Spring Creek Reserve to celebrate the life of “Drafty”, who was a much-loved figure around both Torquay’s football and cricket clubs.

Caroline Meck – McIvor’s youngest female cousin – gave a race-themed speech that was split into six sections about his life: The Family Plate, The Working Derby, The Marriage Plates, The Sporting Sprint, The Friendship Mile and The Drafty Cup (a mock race call featuring a number of Torquay personalities).

She said the crowd was “gathered here today with tear-stained eyes”.

“Jill and Taylor (McIvor’s daughter) really want to get the message out there to as many people as they can. This is a tragedy. Death is inevitable, yes, but to take your own life is unbearably sad for those left behind.

“Everyone here needs to be able to feel they can put up their hand for help.”

Donations at the service went towards One In 5, beyondblue and Lifeline.

McIvor played 150 games of footy for the Tigers, with his accolades including a member of the seniors grand final side in 1976, winning the best and fairest in 1977, and being named in Torquay’s Team of the Decade in 1970-80, as well as the club’s Team of the Century.

McIvor was also the senior chairman of selectors in 1989, and a selector of the reserves side in 1995 and 1996.

As an A Grade cricketer for Torquay, in the 1973-74 season he made 104 runs and took 7-44 in the same game, and took 8/15 in a game in 1974/75.