Sunny’s full name Arthur Birstins passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Yamba on the 10th June 2017.
Sunny was 82 years of age and is survived by his daughters Penny and Kim and twin grandaughters Ali & Eme. Sunny was of Latvian heritage his parents having migrated during Snowy River Scheme.
Sunny was a multi talented sportsman with the following achievements.
- NSW senior basketball representative. Sunny was a member of the 1958 NSW Open Men’s teams that participated at the Australian Championships
- Australian heavyweight boxing champion. (Boxing Name SUNNY JIM)
- Penrith Panthers first grade rugby league player.
Sunny played for Latvians, Moore Park, Paratels and St.George. Sunny also took up Coaching and did a stint with the Sutherland Sharks.
There are many stories about Sunny most of which are true. One that stands out to me was when St. George rugby league team was in the middle of their ten premiership run Sunny decided to trial with them. The boss at the time Frank Facer noticed Sunny’s massive physique and called him aside and asked ” what position do you play” Sunny replied FRONT ROW or WING. Facer said what do you mean? Facers comments were unprintable but Sonny was told that his services were not required.
Sunny was also the life of the party with his guitar and quirky songs particularly his favourite “I can”t stop loving me”
A CHARACTER BIGGER THAN LIFE.
The funeral will take place at 11:00am on the 28th June 2017 at the South Chapel, Woniora Crematorium, 121 Linden Street, SUTHERLAND NSW 2232 followed by a gathering of family and friends at the St George Motor Boat Club, 2 Wellington Street, SANS SOUCI NSW 2219.
Basketball NSW thanks Sunny’s great mate Jeff Davies for providing the information on our great mate. On behalf of the Basketball NSW Board, members and Staff we would like to pass on our condolences to Sunny’s family as well as the many friends and colleagues that have known him over the many years he has been participating in our great game.