From footballers to street kids to politicians and members of the public who had never met him, Jim Stynes has been remembered as a gentleman, an angel, an inspiration, a saviour and one of football’s greats.
Stynes was a man who transcended his AFL feats to achieve even more as a community worker and his death from cancer on Tuesday has touched many walks of life.
“Jim’s legacy will be the greatest story in the history of the game,” Stynes’ former Melbourne teammate Russell Robertson said.
“But he was a lot more than that.
“He was a guy who helped people with their lives … he helped save lives.”
Current Melbourne co-captain Jack Grimes echoed the sentiments.
“Jimmy dedicated his life to others when he was the one who needed the most help,” Grimes said.
“I don’t think we can comprehend how much of a loss he’s going to be to so many people.
“We really see him as a hero – he saved the Melbourne Footy Club.”
Melbourne Football Club president Don McLardy also spoke as chairman of the Reach Foundation, the youth charity Stynes set up in 1994.
“There are few places in Australia that have not heard or been touched by the legend of Jim Stynes – the affable Irishman who left his homeland to chase a dream, and succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations,” McLardy said.
A tribute on the Reach website spoke of the man who supported more than half a million young Australians and encouraged them to recognise the greatness in them.
“Those of us who knew and loved Jim will honour his legacy by living our lives with the passion, honesty, courage and purpose he inspired in us,” it said.
“We’ll miss you big fella.”
One of the young people helped by Stynes said his simple philosophy was defining.
“He believed in us – it’s as simple as that,” said Emily Paulo.
“And we believed in him.”
AFL legend Kevin Sheedy said the entire country benefited from the Irishman’s decision to have a go at Australian football.
“My recollection of Jim is that I think Australia is better off for having him migrate here.”
His death struck a chord across the AFL and sporting community.
“Jim Stynes doesn’t just make me proud to be a part of this sport and country, makes me, as he should make every Irish person, proud to be Irish,” tweeted Carlton’s Irish player Zach Tuohy.
Every AFL club posted a tribute, while the Australian Olympic Committee, rugby league and soccer figures all paid tribute.
His death even touched some as far afield as seven time Tour de France winner and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong.
“RIP Jim Stynes. We’ll miss you mate,” Armstrong tweeted.
And those who never met him were aware of his achievements.
“We were sent an Angel for such a short time, but he did his job well! RIP Jimmy Stynes and thankyou for your life,” wrote Carmel Partridge on one of thousands of tributes on newspaper websites.
Prime minister Julia Gillard described him as a sporting legend.
But the loss will be felt hardest by his wife Sam and two young children.
“Jim in his passing has made us see that in our grief that we can smile in our hearts for a beautiful man who will forever hold a special place in the hearts of many,” Sam said in a statement on Tuesday morning.
“Jim’s lesson is that life was to be challenged and treasured.”