Pansy and Keith Phelps spent their lives in Byron Bay, residing for many years at 123 Jonson Street.
Keith worked as a slaughterman at Anderson Meat Works and built bicycles in his spare time, often helping locals with odd jobs.
Pansy was devoted to raising their ten children: Nola (dec.), David (dec.), Joy, June, Fay, Judith, Warren, Noel, Dawn, and Robert.
Sport was a central part of family life. All ten children were active in various sports, with the four boys heavily involved in the Byron Bay Surf Club. They competed in boat races, beach events, and swimming competitions during the era of Count Haskew and Billy Winter.
David, the eldest, was a champion swimmer and beltman, winning multiple NSW country titles. Noel and Robert excelled in rescue and resuscitation, while Warren competed in boat and beach events. Today, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren continue the family’s surf club legacy.
A family reunited
On October 4, the Phelps family reunited in Byron Bay, with 100 relatives attending from across Western Australia, Queensland, the ACT, and towns throughout New South Wales. The afternoon was filled with laughter, stories, and heartfelt memories.
The Phelps family is truly remarkable, with several members having represented Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland in sports such as softball, cricket, swimming, surf lifesaving, and athletics.
Vale David
On Sunday, October 5, under perfect Byron Bay skies, the family gathered at Main Beach to farewell David. His ashes were scattered into the sea, accompanied by flowers and petals drifting gently with the tide – a serene tribute to a beloved husband, father, brother and sportsman.
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