A valued member of the Illawarra Basketball Association Bob Kubbinga passed away on Wednesday the 21st June and all basketballers were shocked to hear of Bob’s passing as he was a much loved member of the Hawks and indeed basketball.
Bob’s basketball career with the Illawarra Hawks commenced back in 1960’s as a youngster where he played junior basketball and represented NSW in the Under 16 Australian Championships in 1962, 63 and 64 culminating in representing the state at the Under 18 Championships in 1966. In 1968 Bob was a member of the Ted Weston coached Illawarra Hawks in the NSW State Senior Championships with fellow legends Alan Jones, Steve Tonkin, Ray Hannett, David & Peter Brettell, John Scott, Hugh Brandon and Adrian Hurley. This saw Bob represent NSW again at the Australian Open Men’s championships in 1970, 71, 72 and 73 and also represented the NSW Country Open Men in 1978 and 1979. In 1979 the National Basketball League (NBL) begun with Illawarra as a inaugural team. Bob Kubinnga was the Hawks inaugural Captain a position he held also in 1980. The team in the first season was: Jim Slacke, Jim Williams, Gordie McLeod, Ron Smith, Steve Tonkin, Ted Holcombe, Tom Pottinger, Tony Robinson, Phil Hamer, Andy Hedman, Joe Farrugia (Coach), Geoff Durrant (Manager).
Funeral service will be held at Northcliffe Chapel of Hasen & Cole, 634 Northcliffe Drive, Kembla Grange, NSW 2526 on Wednesday, 28th June 2017 at 10:00 AM. Bob, was 68 years of age and is survived by his wife Jeanette, daughters Rachel, Erin, Amy, Joanne and their families which included 10 grandchildren.
Basketball NSW Chairman Bob Elphinston who coached Bob on many occasions was saddened to hear of his passing. On behalf of the Basketball NSW Board, members and Staff we would like to pass on our condolences to Bob’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.