VALE – Eric Nicholls

The condolences of the Camberwell Lacrosse Club membership are extended to Ann, Belinda and Scott and their families on the passing of our much loved and admired, Eric.

Eric Nicholls will be remembered as one of Camberwell Lacrosse Club’s best-ever lacrosse players and a long-term contributor as coach and administrator.

Eric started as a junior in 1952, playing with the Camberwell-Glen Iris Under 14 team and progressing through junior and senior teams. He was a dashing star attack-midfielder, playing mainly in the days of wooden lacrosse sticks with minimum protective equipment. 

His time as a player at Camberwell included representative selections in the 1957 Victorian Under 16 team, 1960 Victorian Under 21 team and the Senior State Team in 1962.  

To pursue his career at the top level, Eric transferred to the Caulfield Lacrosse Club and was a member of the 1966 Victorian State Team, before departing Australia for two years to work in London during 1967-68.

In England, he played with and coached the Purley Lacrosse Club and gained selection in the South of England team and the 1967 Australian Team which competed in Toronto for the first World Championship.  

In 1969 Eric returned home and continued as a player and junior coach at Caulfield until 1979, before transferring back to Camberwell in 1980 where he made major contributions as a coach at junior and State League levels for the next decade. This contribution also included a period as Coach of the Camberwell Women’s Under 16 team in 1985-86, with his daughter, Belinda, a prominent player.

As a professional Accountant, Eric gave much of his time in voluntary capacities to assist lacrosse administration at club, State, National and International levels. His roles included:

• 1960- 1962                   Camberwell -Glen Iris Lacosse Club Committee Member 
• 1963 – 1965                 Honorary Secretary, Camberwell -Glen Iris Lacrosse Club 
• 1961-1964                    Executive Committee Member, Victorian Lacrosse Association.
• 1967-1968                    Committee Member, Purely Lacrosse Club (United Kingdom)
• 1969-1975                    Treasurer, Caulfield Lacrosse Club
• 1974                                 Member of ALC World Series Committee
• 1979- 1984                   Treasurer, Victorian Lacrosse Association
• 1984-1987                    Honorary Auditor, Victorian Lacrosse Association
• 1985 -1991                   Honorary Auditor, Australian Lacrosse Council
• 1988 – 1991                 Treasurer, Victorian Lacrosse Association

Since the mid-1980’s, Eric and his wife, Ann, have been keen helpers and spectators at Camberwell junior and senior games, watching their son, Scott, and daughter, Belinda. In more recent times they have enjoyed watching their two grandsons, Bailey and Zac, playing in the Camberwell colours.

What a mighty, lifetime contribution to lacrosse from a wonderful man with a happy and welcoming personality.  Thanks Eric. Rest in peace.

Funeral Details: https://www.lepinefunerals.com.au/upcoming-funerals/35fyd/