Club salutes Chris as a life member
CHRIS Dicker has been given a posthumous life membership to one of the sports clubs he dedicated himself to during an emotional funeral service for the Gold Coaster.
Hundreds who gathered at Allambe Memorial Park yesterday morning paid tribute to the 28-year-old who died after having a seizure while kayaking last week in Tallebudgera Creek.
Dozens of teenagers coached by Mr Dicker wore their club colours to the service in tribute.
Mr Dicker, whose epilepsy prevented him playing sports as a youth, was a passionate volunteer and coach for the Coombabah Clippers and North Gold Coast Seahawks basketball clubs.
He also helped out on the sidelines for the Burleigh Bears Rugby League Club.
His unbwavering dedication to helping young sportspeople achieve their goals was applauded during a touching eulogy by Coombabah Clippers president Chris Baker.
“Chris lived, breathed and bled the Clippers,” Mr Baker said.
“He represented the club with an unrivalled passion and intensity. It’s my honour on behalf of the Clipper’s board to announce Chris has been awarded life membership.
“We salute you Chris.” His mum Debbie Williamson, dad James Dicker, and Collingwood Park State School principal John Simpson were among those who shared memories.
At 13, Mr Dicker experienced his first seizure and was diagnosed with epilespy but it didn’t stop him from running amok.
His father said he loved motorbike riding and “never gave up” doing what he loved.
“When he wasn’t playing sport, he transformed himself into a Crusty Demons motocross rider,” he said.
“When were packing up after a trip to Warwick, about four hours away from home, Chris ran up and asked if he could go for one last ride. I said ‘Sure but don’t be long.’
“Forty-five minutes later we saw a figure hunched over the bike, riding one handed. He must have had a stack. He said ‘Sorry I’m late. I had an issue with a tree.”
“We took him home and (his mum) Debbie took him straight to the doctors. He had broken (his arm) in three places.”
Ms Williamson told those gathered: “I wasn’t ready. I’m still not ready. I had so many dreams and plans for his future.
“I am profoundly proud of what you have taught me and what you have taught other kids.
“Christopher, I love you with all of my heart.”
The family thanked Queensland Police, Queensland Ambulance Service and the Tallebudgera Surf Life Saving Club for the endless search effort once Mr Dicker was reported missing.
I AM PROFOUNDLY PROUD OF WHAT YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME AND WHAT YOU HAVE TAUGHT OTHER KIDS. CHRIS DICKER’S MOTHER DEBBIE WILLIAMSON