Tributes have flowed for a respected teacher and basketball identity who made history as the first captain of the Brisbane Bullets before becoming a member of Basketball Queensland’s Hall of Fame.
Bruce Fitzgerald spent decades contributing to basketball and education on the Sunshine Coast, with his career taking him from Queensland courts and classrooms to schools overseas.
The Brisbane Bullets confirmed Mr Fitzgerald’s passing in a statement online, remembering his contribution to the club during its formative years.
“Bruce captained the club under Head Coach Bob Young in 1979 and played for the Bullets for three seasons, establishing himself as a crucial member of the Bullets roster and helping to lay the foundation for the organisation’s success through the 1980s,” the social media post said.
“He went on to become a respected and beloved teacher on the Sunshine Coast, staying active within the State’s basketball scene. He was admitted to Basketball Queensland’s Hall of Fame in 2018.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Bruce’s family, friends and loved ones.”
Mr Fitzgerald was also remembered by Sienna Catholic College, where he was described as a much-loved teacher whose career spanned several countries.
“Bruce was a man of great honour and integrity – a devoted family man and a great friend,” the college said.
“He had a wonderful sense of humour and a love for adventure that saw him travel to all corners of the world and teach in schools from Burnside and Sippy Downs to Oman and Singapore.
“A passionate and talented teacher, Bruce strove to ensure that the students in his classes were as committed to Mathematics as he was, and he had the enviable knack of making difficult concepts attainable.
“A brilliant but humble basketballer, he was not only the inaugural captain of the Brisbane Bullets but also coach of many school and district teams, instilling in his players not just a love of the game, but also of the importance of being great sportsmen and women.
“We hold Bruce and his family in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”
Sunshine Coast Phoenix said Mr Fitzgerald had been instrumental in the local basketball community and played a significant role in its history.
“Bruce was a pioneer, trailblazer and true legend of Queensland Basketball,” the club wrote.
“He was the first captain of the Brisbane Bullets and in 1986 became the Sunshine Coast Sea Eagles captain-coach in the first season of the Basketball Queensland State league.
“Over the last forty years Bruce and the Fitzgerald family have become staples of the Sunshine Coast basketball community and he will be missed.
“Bruce is Sunshine Coast Basketball Cap #1 and his and the Fitzgerald family legacy will forever be etched into Sunshine Coast Basketball history.”
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Former teammates, students, and members of the basketball community also shared their memories online.
Rob Ward said: “Didn’t matter if you knew him for five minutes or 50 years he treated you as a friend. A genuine special human being. Big loss”.
James Carr said: “Loveliest bloke off the court. Absolute white line fever merchant when he stepped onto the court. The world is poorer for your absence Fitzy. Unfortunately, a few absences now from the 1980 roll call when the Bullets still wore the red and white”.
Hay Murdock said: “One of the greatest teachers. I had the pleasure of having him teach me at Burnside High School”.
The community is invited to gather to remember Mr Fitzgerald’s rich life and kind spirit at 11am on Friday, September 18, at Lily’s on the Lagoon at Novotel Twin Waters. RSVP to John on 0428 355 153.
