Hearts break for Geelong legend after shocking death

Andrew Batson, 59, has been identified as the victim of a medical incident near an Ocean Grove beach last week, prompting tributes from across the region for a person universally admired as “a truly unique individual”.

He was found dead in his car on Surf Beach Rd by a passer-by on Wednesday.

The much-loved golfer, who lived in Point Lonsdale, was club captain at Queenscliff Golf Club and was involved with St Mary’s Football Club for more than a decade.

He is remembered as a “people connector” who touched the lives of countless people in the city and had a powerful impact wherever he went.

His heartbroken wife Jen said their time together was “almost not long enough” after his tragic loss.

The couple recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary.

“It’s terrible to lose him so suddenly,” she said.

The Queenscliff business owner recalls that their paths crossed many times throughout their lives, until they were introduced again by mutual friends.

“He has since become the love of my life, and he fills my world with so much joy and laughter,” she said.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my life with such an incredible person.”

His brother, David, said Andrew was a “dedicated and passionate” man who responded to every task or request with “yes, I can do that.”

“This was Andy Bat,” he said.

“An absolute top product.”

He said his family was grateful that he met Jen.

“He was so happy and in love,” he said.

“He had a full life.”

Sean Blood, vice-chairman of St Mary’s football club and owner of Blood Toyota, said the loss of his close friend was “sudden” and “tragic”.

The duo were board members of the popular Geelong Football League club for many years.

“Andrew was a great junior coordinator and improved the junior programme at the club for over a decade. He was involved in everything,” he said.

“He’s a great loss as a friend, and was such an important person within the football club… always had a big smile on his face and chatted to everyone.

“He was a man who had a great bond with everyone he met.

“He will be greatly missed.”

Queenscliff Golf Club chairman Brad Teal said the club already missed “our beloved comrade” and members were devastated by his “surreal” passing.

He described the club captain as “an absolute ball of energy”, not only at the golf club but also at Queenscliff.

“There are no words that can describe what happened and the distress people feel,” he said.

“His friends who he grew up with and had close ties with will all be affected by the passing of “Batto” because he was a very sociable guy, knew so many people and brought so many people together.

“We will miss him tremendously… he was always cheerful and optimistic.”

Mr Batson was also a welcome guest and volunteer at Queenscliff Football Club.

He was the loving son of Stan and Myra, a beloved sibling of David, Carmel and Anne, beloved brother and sister-in-law of Maurie and Tami and a proud uncle to his nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.