Ian ‘Gossy’ Gosschalk mourned by Gympie sports community

Gympie’s sporting community is mourning the loss of Ian ‘Gossy’ Gosschalk, with friends of the beloved cricket and rugby union stalwart saying there was ‘no one like him’.

Gympie’s sporting community is mourning the death of Ian “Gossy” Gosschalk, a beloved athlete, sportman, teacher and husband whose legacy in the region spanned decades.

Tributes are flowing for beloved Gympie sportsman Ian Gosschalk with friends saying there was “no one like him” following the cricket and ruby union stalwart’s death.

Mr Gosschalk, more often known simply as “Gossy”, was a popular member of the Gympie Gold Cricket team and Gympie Rugby Union Club, which he joined in 1990.

He also taught as a PE Teacher at James Nash State High and close friends said his wife Katrina was the “Yin to his Yang”.

Mr Gosschalk’s impact on the region was significant, with friends and former teammates having their own unique and cherished memories of the Gympie sports star who also served as a coach.

Torren Brennan, who met “Gossy” in 1991 when he first started playing for the Hammers rugby union team said you could “just about write a book” on him.

“He was the life of the party and he made everyone laugh and feel included,” Mr Brennan said.

“There was just no one like him.

Ian Gosschalk was a popular member of Gympie’s rugby union and cricket communities.

“There were too many good memories, but I remember playing alongside him 1996 Grand Final as a club.

“We actually won that day, both reserve grade and A grade final. I had the privilege of playing alongside Gossy that day,” he said saying the sportsman scored four tries that day, leaving a huge impression on Mr Brennan.

“He’s the most kindred sportsman I’ve played with, in respect and knowledge and respect of the game,” he said.

“How he conducted himself on the field and how he led the team by example.

“He had this ability to include everyone in the scene and seemed to make it his duty to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves every time the club would get together,” he said.

Don Pitt met Gossy in June of 1992 after he moved from Townsville to Gympie.

“I didn’t know anyone in Gympie and ‘Gossy’ took me under his wing,” Mr Pitt said.

Mr Pitt was considering switching clubs in the first week but stayed because of “Gossy’s” kind and welcoming demeanour.

“We had a game against Nambour; another player had punched one of our players to the ground.

One friend said Ian Gosschalk was a popular invite to wedding parties “because you knew there was always gonna be a laugh’.

“One of them hit ‘Gossy’ but he just took it.

“There were punches and kicks thrown at him but he stood tall with a smile on his face and kept playing the game.”

His popularity stretched beyond the sporting field, too.

“A lot of players in the club got married over the years and the first person you’d get involved in the wedding party was ‘Gossy’, because you knew there was always gonna be a laugh and the friendship and respect was always there for both parties,” Mr Pitt said.

Fellow Hammers member Renee Priem said he “was full of so much joy and passion for his sport, and loyal as they come”.

“He had your back no matter what,” she said of “Gossy”, whom she met in 1999.

“No words will ever fill the void that ‘Gossy’ has left.

“A man who encompassed all the best parts of humanity in one big personality.

He truly could light up a room with his big laugh and wicked sense of humour.”

Rod Jenkins, who met “Gossy” in 1995, and taught alongside him at James Nash State High School said he had a unique talent for engaging with young and emerging talent.

“He understood how to get young people in the game and making sure you had a go, and that was really important,” Mr Jenkins said.

“He would really include everyone and made sure everyone got something out of the game and what was happening.”

In a Facebook statement announcing Mr Gosschalk’s death the Gympie Regional Cricket Association said the former Harlequins, Wests, and Gympie Gold wicketkeeper was “a wonderful teammate who played it fair but hard on the field and also knew how to have a good time off the field with teammates and opposition alike”.