It is with great sadness that we inform the SA tennis community of the passing of Geof Palmer.
Geof passed away on Wednesday 4th of June at the age of 77. Our prayers and condolences go to Geof’s wife Marion and family, including his 3 children and many grandchildren.
Geof joined Tennis Officiating in 1980 and worked at all levels from grassroots to Grand Slam for 43 years within SA and nationally. He held many roles including Line Umpire, AO Chief of Evaluators (Coaches) and Chief of Umpires. After officiating at 28 Australian Opens where he influenced officials from every state and territory as well as countless international umpires, Geof was Chief of Officials at the City of Playford Tennis International and the Assistant Chief of Officials at the Adelaide International. Geof’s standing in officiating gave him the opportunity to travel all around the country, naming the Hopman Cup in Perth and the Burnie Challengers as his second homes.
However, it was fitting that Geof retired from officiating at his home event as Assistant Chief Umpire at the 2023 Adelaide International.
Many officials who met or worked with Geof, found a gentlemen, from an era where he truly served the game of tennis, an outstanding official, a friend to many, a top bloke, a great mentor…so supportive of SA line umpires, a wonderful person and man, a class act, one of a kind, a gem who cared. Synonymous with tennis officiating.
Although a tee-totaller, Geof took great pleasure in receiving an ice cream or a bottle of his favourite drink: Coke, from other officials during a tournament, especially if he was interstate or receiving them from an interstate official!
Geof’s family is so proud of his dedicated service and achievements across many years involved with tennis. We are also so pleased he had the privilege of being able to work in roles and with people that he thoroughly enjoyed and found great purpose in. The friendships and experiences he had were so special. Geof was thankful for everything the sport had given him, and the sport of Tennis is in a better spot for everything he has committed to tennis.
Geof will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all.
A Memorial Service for Geof Palmer will be held on Friday 20th of June at the Glenelg Golf Club
GEOF PALMER:
- 43 years of service started in 1980
- retired 14 March 2023
- 28 Aus Opens
- AI’s: 2020 the first Chief of Officials assisted by Kirsty and later Geof delayed his planned retirement to act as Kirsty’s assistant all the way through to 2023
- Hopman Cup in Perth for many years
- Burnie International for several years from the early 2000’s
- at the 2023 Tennis SA Awards night on The Drive centre court with his wife Marion, where he was a finalist for the Phil Read trophy and Excellence in Officiating Award
Above: Photo taken at the 2023 Adelaide International, Geof’s last officiating appointment (as Assistant Chief Umpire). All the officials with him are from interstate – some knew Geof for only a year, others for many years.
Below: Geof receiving a commemorative award at Tennis SA in 2017. This was for his work and commitment for more than 25 years at the Australian Open, many as Chief Coach. Geof was greatly missed by all in Melbourne after retiring from the AO that year.
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