Vale Shirley Brasher
03 Aug 2009
SHIRLEY BRASHER
VALE
Shirley Brasher was an inspiration not only to her own generation but for all Tasmanians. After taking up athletics later than most when her four children began their involvement, Shirley’s name and commitment gradually became synonymous with the sport.
To many who did not know her personally but who admired from afar, she was “Mrs Brasher”. They watched on in awe as her training along the footpaths of Launceston became more concerted, the older she got. It seemed that everyone knew who Shirley was.
Clubs athletics was always the base, but she gradually added national veterans’ competition and then took on the best in the world in her age group in international masters events.
Shirley was a state, national and world masters champion and record holder on multiple occasions. Her dedication to her sport took her around the globe, and she delighted in telling stories about her many adventures associated with international competition tours.
As an athlete Shirley was a quiet achiever, never seeking publicity for own performances. But it flowed nonetheless for she was quite extraordinary.
It is an understatement to note “resilience” as one of Shirley’s great qualities, but when the odd injury began to affect training for her first love, distance running, she added throwing events to her repertoire, to ensure that she would always have something in which to participate.
Her involvement in athletics was far from being only about her own participation. It was rare for a schools, club, state or national event to be staged in Launceston without Shirley somewhere on the officials and volunteers list. She regularly travelled to other competition venues in Tasmania to officiate in competitions at all levels.
Shirley was one of those special people who make sport tick. She didn’t care what she did as long as she was doing something useful. It was not unusual for Shirley to be returning implements from the landing area of a throwing event to fill in time whilst waiting to take on another familiar role as “medal maid” at victory ceremonies.
She was conscientious, reliable and always on time. She was also a great supporter of her club, Newstead Harriers, of the Tasmanian Masters Association and the Northern Branch of Athletics Tasmania.
Shirley was bestowed with the Merit Award of Athletics Tasmania in 1984 in recognition of her dedicated service to the sport, which continued unabated until her sudden death last weekend.
Shirley’s passing marks closure upon a truly great commitment in so many ways to the sport of athletics. She will be sadly missed by her fellow competitors and officials.
The Tasmanian “Athletics Family” bids farewell to a great friend and contributor, and extends its heartfelt condolences to Peter, Colleen, David, Dianne and their families.