Published: 22 Jan 2011
Greg Brownlee. Passed away Cape Town, Sth Africa. Sat. 8th January, 2011
A knock about bloke from Annandale, who'd treat his brother on the square;
the seafaring son of an S.P bookie, was the blue eyed, red haired Bear;
and as we come alongside in Freo town, on a morning still and fair;
when from the cab of the crane, I saw the "old man" cringe,
as up the gangway strode the Bear;
for this was to be his final voyage, 'though with no celebration or fanfare;
as we set sail across the Indian Ocean, to a land of want and care;
and upon landing on Sth African soil, with a minute not to spare;
with stubbie and form guide in tow, to the races went the Bear;
Mother Russia won the Queen's Plate that day, a bonny Cape Town mare;
with arms waving amongst the cheering throng, was a 6 foot, roaring Bear;
men like he are rare these days, the bold men who dare;
and there are laws in place throughout this land, for the protection of such Bears;
when seafarers strike and organise and rightfully demand their share;
among the leaders of the union push, was the 6 foot, militant Bear;
so, as we bid and say our final adieu, please don't pity or despair;
for beneath this flag draped casket lies, the spirit of Comrade Bear.
