Tributes for local sports mainstay
FAMILY and friends of Cleve Casey farewelled a loving father, grandfather and keen sportsman, coach and sports administrator this week.
Mr Casey passed away in Townsville on June 27. He was 75.
He was born in Townsville on August 21, 1943.
Leaving school at the age of 12, Cleve gained an apprenticeship as a boiler maker, and later was recognised for his drawing skills to become a draftsman, a role he held with both Brambles and Rheem.
He worked with bus companies, becoming assistant manager for Mccafferty’s in Townsville and manager in Darwin and Rockhampton.
But it was in sport, particularly as a basketball coach, where Cleve Casey excelled.
From an early age he played Australian rules football for the then South Townsville Football Club, now Curra Swans, of which he was a life member.
He also played league with Estates.
In his 20s Cleve played basketball for a Brambles team, moving to Whirlwinds, a club that also awarded him rugby life membership in 1994. He was on the Townsville committee of the basketball association in 1970 and was elected as president in 1980, continuing in that role until 1984, being awarded a life membership of Townsville Basketball in 1982.
Giving his eulogy, friend and Townsville Basketball life member John Davies said Cleve was a coach of Townsville junior teams from 1974 to 1985 and in 1979 coached the under 14 boys in Cairns and the under 16 Queensland boys at the national titles.
His wife Diana said Cleve coached the under 14 North Queensland boys team to 12 state championships, a role that involved a lot of travel between Mackay and Townsville.
More achievements came in sailing with his brother Robert as part of the Townsville Skiff Club, where he later became a starter for the races.
He was a volunteer at the Townsville Coast Guard and Camp Quality.
In his later years and up until a few weeks ago Cleve would mow the surrounds at the Townsville Stadium as a volunteer.
Mr Davies said: “It was on these days that I would chat to him about what was happening in basketball with competitions and other aspects regarding the stadium.”
Mr Davies said Cleve always followed the juniors in the basketball competition where his sons and grandsons played.
“To all his family, I hope that Cleve’s life will be remembered for his role with Townsville Basketball, Townsville Aussie rules, Townsville Sailing Club and the other organisations I have mentioned,” Mr Davies said.
Cleve is survived by his wife Diana, sons David, Warren and Cleve junior and grandchildren Brett, Grace, Daniel and Trent.