Vale Ross Livermore

16 April 2013

One of Rugby League’s most respected officials, Ross Livermore, passed away on Tuesday 16 April, aged 68. A life member of the Australian Rugby League Commission and the Queensland Rugby League, Ross has given more than 30 years of service to our game. He was appointed as the Managing Director of the Queensland Rugby League in February 1981 and held this position until he retired in July 2011. He was a passionate supporter of all things Queensland from the State of Origin down to the grassroots level and played a major role in the formation of the Queensland competition, the In Trust Super Cup. His retirement dinner at Suncorp Stadium was held just a few weeks after Queensland had won their sixth successive State of Origin series.

A long serving member of the Lang Park Trust (later Suncorp Stadium), Ross worked hard on taking this venue from a basic sports ground to a world class venue. During his time with the Queensland League, Ross was heavily involved in the Super League war and the States voting rights. In 2008, he was a prime mover behind Queensland’s successful Centenary Celebrations. His meticulous planning was instrumental in the spectacular Queensland Team of the Century dinner. One of his last big projects was the tribute dinner for Queensland representatives. Ross was extremely happy that night in observing the joy this evening brought to the players who represented Queensland before State of Origin. He strongly supported and worked beside the QRL History Committee to ensure the Honour Board showing all the names of Queensland representatives from 1908, was accurate.

Ross also worked with the Queensland Sports Federation and the Crushers Board.

Ironically, Ross’ father, Alan Livermore,  who passed away in 1956, played two Tests for the Wallabies in 1946. Ross was lured away from Rugby Union by Ron McAuliffe, who gave him a job as ballboy for the Queensland League team in the 1950s. Ross’ son, Nicholas, is a Director of the Brisbane Bombers consortium, who are vying for a NRL licence.

The Men of League join all in Rugby League in extending our deepest sympathy to Ross’ family and his multitude of friends. Ross is survived by his wife Meralda and children, Helen and Nicholas.
 
By Barry Ross