Tributes flow for Scott Reedman

The Gympie cricketing fraternity, hockey association and the community is reeling following news of the sudden death of “absolute legend”, talented sportsman and popular car salesman Scott Reedman.

The Gympie community has paid tribute to beloved character and “absolute legend” cricket player, Scott “Reedy” Reedman, after his death at the age of 51 on September 13, 2022.

The Gympie and District Hockey Association and Gympie Cricket Associations have both made heartbreaking posts about the loss of “Reedy” and his massive contribution to the sports over many years.

Mr Reedman was a important member of the hockey community for decades through playing, coaching and umpiring.

He played for Suburbs, Saints, Cooloola Heat and many Gympie representative teams.

Valley player Gary Walker and Suburbs player Scott Reedman locked in a hockey match. Pic: Gympie Cricket Facebook post.

“Once his playing days had finished up, he could always be found up in the clubhouse, enjoying a cold one and supporting the Heat boys and girls teams,” the club said in a tribute posted on Facebook.

“He was a much loved teammate, supporter and friend to all he came into contact with in the hockey community.”

Mr Reedman was a former Gympie State High School student and a well-known salesman at John Madill Toyota in Gympie for 23 years.

John Madill Toyota also paid tribute to Mr Reedman, saying he would be “deeply missed”.

“One of the kindest, most genuine men that many had the pleasure to work with over the past 20+ years at John Madill Toyota,” the post said.

His former work colleague of 15 years at Madill Motor Group, Adam Madill, described him as a dedicated, patient and committed salesman.

“He worked tirelessly and gave a lot of time to his customers,” Mr Madill said on Wednesday.

Mr Madill said if someone had an issue with their car, Mr Reedman would be happy to go out and show them how to solve the problem.

Scott Reedman in action for Wests.

“Nothing was too much to ask,” Mr Madill said.

“He knew so many people and those people would often come in and support him in the business and buy cars off him.”

Mr Reedman would always have memorabilia and team support decorating his work desk, Mr Madill said.

Mr Madill remembered him as a hardworking, “old-school gentleman” with a dry sense of humour who loved his sport, Bruce Springsteen and the NRL West Tigers.

From 2010: Reedman sizzles with a century

“Doesn’t matter if you were an old person or a young person, everyone would love to go see Scotty,” he said.

“I doubt he ever had an enemy in this world.”

From 2006: Hat-trick ball worth the wait

An “afternoon knock-off” beer following the day’s work was Mr Madill’s favourite time to spend with Mr Reedman.

“He was always up for a post-work beer,” he said.

A Grade Mens Cricket – Scott Reedman in action with the bat.

Gympie Cricket Association posted about Mr Reedman’s death on Tuesday, saying he was an “integral part” of the cricket community.

“The Half Tons are devastated to lose our little mate. RIP Reedy,” the club commented under the post.

Mr Reedman was a member of the Western Gympie Cricket Club and represented Gympie in the Gympie Gold XI.

“Off field, Scott was a great contributor to cricket, this news has left heavy hearts right throughout our community,” the post said.

Kind and heartfelt words flooded the comments section paying tribute to the “Westie legend”.

“Great cricketer but even better bloke. Many fond memories of celebrating with Reedy,” Josh Seaniger said.

“Scotty ‘Abacus’ Reedman a talented all-rounder always gave 100% on the field and a very gifted guitar player off the field,” Derek Durie said.

“Loved catching up with Scotty, on field and off. What a genuine great guy. You touched so many of us and blessed us with memories that will live on,” Wayde Goatham.

“Very sad, a great bloke and a great salesman,” Shaun Dwyer said.

“What a true legend and inspiration you were to not only Gympie Cricket, sporting association but to the whole community,” Travis Chandler said.

“Brilliant sportsman and friend and genuine great bloke to all.”

A memorial service will be held at Gympie Funerals at 1pm on September 21, 2022.