Queensland Rugby is mourning the loss of QRU Representative No. 689 Bill Flamsteed, who passed away on the 15th March aged 84.
Bill’s lifelong support of Rugby in Queensland, particularly across his beloved Darling Downs, has been exemplary since he first took the field in the 1950’s.
His legacy is celebrated through the Bill Flamsteed Trophy, and his enduring position as Life Member of Downs Rugby.In 1957, a Wallabies tour of the British Isles and the first All Black tour in six years loomed, resulting in an especially important Brisbane versus Toowoomba clash.
Despite being sent off for the first time, Bill, the burly Toowoomba flanker, successfully displayed tenacity and defensive reliability that led to him touring south in a maroon jersey.
While the return match against New South Wales in Sydney was cancelled, Bill was named to start in both of Queensland’s Wallabies trial matches at Chatswood Oval.
He became QR#689 when he ran on against South Australia on the 19th of August 1957, alongside Queensland and Australian legends Len Forbes, Ken Donald, ‘Buster’ McLean and Brian Ford, assisting his state to a dominant 29-0 win.
This was followed two days later with another convincing win over Victoria 23-11.
In 1963, Bill founded earthmoving company Flamsteed Equipment, and remained at the helm until his retirement in 2002, leaving the business in the capable hands of his son Mark.
The 2016 Downs Rugby B Grade Grand Final saw the Toowoomba Rangers face Dalby Wheatmen to contest the Bill Flamsteed Trophy.
Toowoomba came out on top, and have already begun their passionate defence in the 2017 season, surely buoyed by the many successes of one of the Darling Downs greatest Rugby personalities.
Beloved husband of Elizabeth, dearly loved father and father in law of Kate & Geoffrey, Mark & Vicki, Andy (dec’d), Steve & Janet, Liz & Warren, Will & Sarah.
Much loved and adored grandfather of Alex, Sarah, Annie, Louis, Jerome, Lucy, May, Max, Charlotte, Millie, Audrey, India, Ella & Zoe, Bill will be sorely missed.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Bill’s life at The Downs Club, Toowoomba, Sunday 26th March at 11.00 am.
