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George Chen May 31st 2026	Table Tennis Victoria is saddened to learn of the passing of George Chen, a true icon of Victorian table tennis and a highly respected member of our community. George's contribution to the sport spanned decades. He played more than 1,000 matches with Diamond Valley Table Tennis Association, where he is widely regarded as one of the association's all-time greats. In recent years, he continued his playing journey with Central Districts Table Tennis Association, adding further success to an already remarkable career that included numerous premierships, medals and leading player awards. Away from the table, George was equally admired throughout the Chinese community and hospitality industry. Through his restaurant, Golden Orchids, he warmly welcomed many visitors to Melbourne, including touring Chinese national table tennis teams, further strengthening the connection between communities through sport. Despite his many achievements, George was known for his humility, kindness and quiet presence. Remarkably, he was still actively playing table tennis only weeks before his passing. George was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him — within the table tennis community, the Chinese community, the hospitality industry and among his beloved Collingwood Football Club supporters. To those fortunate enough to know George, it was an honour and privilege to share in his friendship and be part of the remarkable legacy he leaves behind. Table Tennis Victoria extends its sincere condolences to George's family, friends and all who knew him. Rest in peace, George Chen.
Ron Keyhoe 17 March 2026	It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Croydon & Districts Life Member, Ron Keyhoe, who passed away peacefully on 17 March 2026, surrounded by his family. Ron began his playing career in 1974 with the formation of Dorset Gardens TTC, a club where he became a Life Member. Over the years, he played 572 matches and was part of four premiership teams, as well as five runner-up finishes. Ron served three years on the Table Tennis Victoria Board and contributed for many years to the Victorian Table Tennis Umpires League in various roles. He was also a member of the ITTF Equipment Committee. Ron proudly represented Australia as an umpire at World Championships and at both the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. At the Sydney 2000 Olympics and Paralympics, he was in charge of Racket Testing (Technical). Ron also played a key role in the development of table tennis equipment, contributing to the design of a new table better suited for wheelchair athletes. Following extensive consultation with players and officials worldwide, these tables were developed and remain in use today. Rest in Peace Ron
Ronald Hunter Poon 3rd February 2026	We are deeply saddened by the passing of long-time Croydon member Ron Poon, who died peacefully at home on 3 February, aged 96. Ron enjoyed an extraordinary table tennis career, playing 1,125 games in Club Pennant competition for the Kilsyth and Mooroolbark Clubs between 1978 and 2019. During this time, he was part of 10 Premiership-winning teams, finished runner-up on 10 occasions, and received two Leading Player awards, including the prestigious 1982 A1 trophy. He was the 2000 Croydon & Districts Senior Player of the Year. At representative level, Ron proudly represented Victoria at the National Veterans Championships for many years. His achievements included 14 team Gold Medals across the Over 50, Over 60, Over 70 and Over 75 Men’s teams, as well as 8 individual Gold Medals—a remarkable record. Rest In Peace Ron
Greg Bellion 5th January 2026	It is with great sadness that we inform members of the sudden passing of Greg Bellion, much-loved husband of Anne and a friend to everyone who knew him. Greg played 326 games for Croydon, having returned to the sport in 2016. During this time, he was a regular on Wednesday and Monday nights, playing for the Kilsyth Table Tennis Club, and had recently begun competing in the Monday Daytime Pennant. Along with Anne, Greg competed on the Victorian Veterans Tournament circuit and played at four National Veterans Championships, representing Victoria in 2018, 2019, 2023 and 2024. Beyond the statistics and accolades, Greg was a constant presence at the stadium and one of Croydon’s most well-liked and respected members. He will be sorely missed by all. Our sincere condolences go to Anne and her family during this very sad time. Rest in Peace Greg
George Puchlenko 28th May 2025	Table Tennis Victoria is deeply saddened by the recent passing of George Puchlenko after a short illness, and extend their deep condolences to Ruth, Tarnia and James. George was an all-roundsportsman, excelling in cricket and table tennis. Most notably in table tennis, he was country champion in 1964 and 1969, representing Traralgon, having started his table tennis in Geelong, whom he supported passionately in the VFL/AFL. Playing VTTA Winter pennant during this time involved driving from Traralgon on Wednesday nights, and joining the St. Kilda Cricket Table Tennis Club, which led to a 60-year commitment as a player and administrator and Life Member, 31 years as President. Playing for St.KildaTTC, he won 11 pennant premierships with 19 different team mates from 1973-95. In the annual SKTTC championships, he was club champion 3 times, runner up 5 times, and 9 times doubles champion. While family life, a busy career, injury and a strong commitment to Rotary diminished his playing time, George remained actively involved with the SKTTC until early this year, and he will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, George.
Ken Johnson 23rd March 2025	TTV is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ken Johnson. Ken achieved many awards as a table tennis umpire, player and administrator. Below are just a few of his achievements: Instrumental in the setting up of the Mornington Table Tennis Stadium in 1982 President of the Mornington Peninsula Table Tennis Association (now MFTTA) for seven years running from year 2001/02 to 2008/09 and served on the Management Committee for most years from 1982 onward until 2009. Life member of the MFTTA Inc Umpire at 2000 Sydney Paralympics Umpire at 2006 Commonwealth Games Over 75s Australian Veterans National Singles competition, 2007 Sokolowski Award for Male Veteran Player of the Year, 2007 Table Tennis World.com Most Successful Over 75 Men’s Table Tennis Player 2007 National Over 80s singles champion, 2012 TTV Distinguished Service Award winner 2012 Veterans Over 80 Open Singles Champion 2013 Won national singles, doubles and mixed doubles in New Zealand 2013 Inducted into the Table Tennis Victoria Hall of Fame 2016 Umpire at multiple Masters games in New Zealand Umpire at the Pacific Games finals in Fiji
Graeme Strong 3rd March 2025	Table Tennis Victoria is saddened to hear of the passing of Graeme Strong. Graeme was a dedicated member of the St Kilda and Croydon table tennis communities and proudly represented Victoria at several National Veteran Championships. He is a member of the Strong family which has played long-standing contribution to St Kilda Cricket TT - Graeme's love for the sport and his enduring presence left a meaningful mark on those around him.
Joan Munn 14th January 2025	Table Tennis Victoria is deeply saddened by the peaceful passing of Joan Munn after a long courageous health battle. From 1986-2012, Joan played every Australian Veterans championships, winning 20 National Veterans titles, including 1997 O/50 Ladies Singles and 1992 World Veterans O/50 Ladies Consolation Singles. She attended many World Veterans events, and especially loved visiting and playing in New Zealand Veterans every Easter for almost 20 years. Despite no longer playing post 2012, she remained passionately involved watching every week, advising and motivating, and regularly catching up with her table tennis friends who will greatly miss her kindness, humour, positivity and compassion. Rest in peace Joan.
Pam Tait (Formerly Holden) 20th November 2024	It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to Pam Tait, a true legend of table tennis and a cherished member of our community. Pam’s extraordinary career spanned decades, highlighted by 73 National Veterans titles, two World Veterans medals (1 gold, 1 bronze), and achievements in every age group from Over 40 to Over 80. Beyond her unparalleled success on the table, Pam’s sportsmanship, humility, and dedication to the spirit of the game set a shining example for all. Pam’s legacy includes her induction into the TTA Hall of Fame in 2019, her 50 Years of Service to Table Tennis Award, and her pivotal role in shaping veterans table tennis in Australia. She will be remembered not only as a champion but as a positive role model and passionate advocate for our sport as a decorated TTV Life Member.
Bruce Wright 13th November 2024	TTV is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bruce Wright. He was the inaugural President of the Yarrawonga Table Tennis Association, and held the position for 60 years. Bruce represented Yarrawonga at 66 consecutive table tennis Country Weeks, and there is a teams shield named after him. In 1998, Bruce was recognised by TTV as the Volunteer of the Year, and his dedication left a lasting impact on those who were around him. Our thoughts are with his family at this time as he will be deeply missed.
Claude Carbonaro 9th November 2024	TTV is deeply saddened by the passing of Claude Carbonaro. Claude passed away on Saturday the 9th of November after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Claude was a former president and organiserof Melbourne Lakeside Table Tennisand Victorian Public Service Table Tennis Association. Claude dedicated himself to the table tennis community for 35 years, notably receiving TTV’s Volunteer of the Year Award in 1996. Claude’s kindness, dedication, and positivity left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, Claude.
Chris Mainland 18th June 2024	We regret to inform you of the passing of Chris Mainland, on June 18th. Chris, who was 68, passed away from liver and kidney failure. Chris was a valued member of the St Kilda Cricket Table Tennis Club committee and known for his sharp insights and expertise in trivia and music. He served as Pennant Secretary and was involved in the TTV History Project, as well as being the president of the South Eastern Table Tennis Association. Chris's dedication to their club championships was exemplary, both as an organiser and participant. His achievements include numerous premiership wins and personal accolades. Chris’s contributions and presence will be greatly missed.
Dr John Strantzen 16th April 2024	TTV is saddened to hear that Dr John Strantzen passed away on the 16/04/24. ChatGPT said:John was a valuable member of the table tennis community, holding numerous roles including TTV Life Member (awarded in 1983), Secretary of TTV from 1974 to 1978, Vice President of TTV from 1970 to 1973, and serving various times on the Pennant, Tournaments, and Social Committees ChatGPT saidJohn was a valuable member of the table tennis community, holding numerous roles including TTV Life Member (awarded in 1983), Secretary of TTV from 1974 to 1978, Vice President of TTV from 1970 to 1973, and serving various times on the Pennant, Tournaments, and Social Committees. John was a valuable member of the table tennis community, holding numerous roles including TTV Life Member (awarded in 1983), Secretary of TTV from 1974 to 1978, Vice President of TTV from 1970 to 1973, and serving various times on the Pennant, Tournaments, and Social Committees. John played for St Kilda Cricket and formed his own club in the Diamond Valley called "Horizontal Green". John is survived by his loving wife Val, also a table tennis enthusiast with Diamond Valley, and his adult children, Charlotte and David.
Jim Montgomery 4th November 2023	Table Tennis Victoria is deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Montgomery. Jim was a beloved figure in the table tennis community, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy spanning over six decades. As a player, administrator, coach, and mentor. Jim was instrumental in founding and supporting clubs, associations, and programs, contributing at both state and national levels, including his service as Secretary-General for Table Tennis during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. A Life Member of Table Tennis Victoria, Jim was recognized for his remarkable achievements, including receiving TTA Volunteer of the Year in 2019 for over 50 years of service. Jim’s influence shaped the sport and positively impacted everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, Jim.
Michael Ede 28th July 2023	TTV is saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Ede, a long-time Veteran player and respected member amongst our community. Michael was known to play at Wonthaggi Table Tennis Association and was a familiar face at Croydon many years ago. Michael will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of playing alongside him.
Nancy Pattinson 26th July 2023	TTV is saddened to announce the passing of Nancy Pattinson – a devoted figure at Wonthaggi Table Tennis Association and a cherished member of our community. Nancy has made a huge contribution to TTV and was featured as a TTV Unsung Hero in 2020: https://www.tabletennisvic.org.au/.../ttvs-unsung-heroes.../ Nancy’s contributions will be remembered, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Don Cheyne 1st June 2023	Table Tennis Victoria is deeply saddened by the passing of Don Cheyne, a dedicated member who received a 50-year service award in recognition of his remarkable contributions. Don’s generosity extended beyond his role, as he led Monday night sessions at St Ninnians Hall and St Johns Table Tennis Club, donating all proceeds to charity each year. Known for his kindness and his ability to inspire confidence in others, Don set an example for all through his dedication and warmth. Rest in peace, Don.
Angelo Tabone 7th April 2023	Table Tennis Victoria is deeply saddened by the passing of Angelo Tabone. Angelo was a great servant to table tennis within Victoria, a life member and an all-round wonderful person. Angelo’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, and his warm presence will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Keith Keane 16th February 2023	Table Tennis Victoria is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Keith Keane at the age of 94. Keith was a passionate and highly respected figure in the table tennis community, dedicating much of his life to coaching and mentoring juniors across the state, particularly at Albert Park and Coburg. His commitment to developing young players and his positive influence on the table tennis community left a positive legacy.

This page has been setup to honour TTV community members that have passed away since the beginning of 2023. Please contact TTV if you would like to inform us of a passing.