NewsBite

David Lems to leave Queensland Times after 37 years

There are very few names in Ipswich sport that conjure up the same amount of respect and admiration as David Lems, and sadly, his days at the QT are coming to an end.

In a world so overrun with superlatives and storms in teacups, there was one man gracing the sidelines of Ipswich sporting fields for the past 37 years that was only ever interested in telling it like it is.

It didn’t matter if it was the Sydney Olympics or the Ipswich vigoro club, for the past four decades, the Queensland Times had a guy you could rely on to give 100 per cent every time he did his job.

David Lems’ efforts in chronicling the ups and downs of Ipswich sport over all these years endeared him to our readers, but for those who became the regular players in his stories, “Lemsy” was more like family.

For those of us who worked alongside him for years, he was nothing short of a father figure.

The Queensland Times sports editor David Lems when he celebrated 30 years with the company in 2014. Photo: Rob Williams / The Queensland Times
The Queensland Times sports editor David Lems when he celebrated 30 years with the company in 2014. Photo: Rob Williams / The Queensland Times

If you haven’t heard yet, Lemsy is hanging up the notebook and tape recorder this week, ending a stint with the QT that kicked off all the way back in 1984.

It caps off a stellar career in which he has covered everything from the local juniors right up to the biggest stages in the world, including the Olympics in Sydney and the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Historical photos for David Lems, the 2000 Olympics torch relay.
Historical photos for David Lems, the 2000 Olympics torch relay.

Perhaps more importantly in a lot of people’s minds, Lemsy has been the bloke who has been there weekend after weekend, year after year, devoting the best part of his working life to ensuring Ipswich sport and those who make it great are up there in lights, where they deserve to be.

Historical photos for David Lems, at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
Historical photos for David Lems, at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

While we knew this day would come, it is hard to describe what if feels like to ponder life at the QT after Lemsy.

Historical photos for David Lems, interviewing Ipswich weightlifting champ Deborah Acason.
Historical photos for David Lems, interviewing Ipswich weightlifting champ Deborah Acason.

Despite being a member of the old-school newspaper generation, he has somehow adapted to every change and challenge that has come with the inevitable shift away from print and into digital.

Even more admirably, Lemsy has continued to provide excellent coverage of nearly every sport over the years as our newsroom has steadily decreased in size.

Editorial Award winners Claudia Baxter with David Lems from Queensland Times. Claudia received Photographer of the Year (Daily) award with David receiving Sports writer of the Year Award. Photo: Greg Miller / Sunshine Coast Daily
Editorial Award winners Claudia Baxter with David Lems from Queensland Times. Claudia received Photographer of the Year (Daily) award with David receiving Sports writer of the Year Award. Photo: Greg Miller / Sunshine Coast Daily

It is hard to describe to you the amount of work Lemsy has put in to ensure our sports coverage has continued to be the best in town, but I know that if you play sport and he’s been covering your games, you will have some appreciation of what’s involved.

Lemsy and his mate at Brett Kitching's birthday party. Photo: Contributed
Lemsy and his mate at Brett Kitching's birthday party. Photo: Contributed
The Queensland Times senior reporter Peter Foley, sports editor David Lems, Ipswich Turf Club general manager Brett Kitching and The Queensland Times photographer David Nielsen proudly present the Racing Queensland Thoroughbred trophy which the QT won. Photo: Claudia Baxter / The Queensland Times IPS050911RACE05B
The Queensland Times senior reporter Peter Foley, sports editor David Lems, Ipswich Turf Club general manager Brett Kitching and The Queensland Times photographer David Nielsen proudly present the Racing Queensland Thoroughbred trophy which the QT won. Photo: Claudia Baxter / The Queensland Times IPS050911RACE05B

From an editor’s point of view, you will not find anyone more dedicated to their passion than this man.

You will not find someone more looked up to by younger sports reporters - even those who have gone onto much bigger, metropolitan newspapers or TV will still point to Lemsy as a major influence on them.

David Lems with one of several mackerel caught during an action-packed day fishing offshore from Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Photo Contributed
David Lems with one of several mackerel caught during an action-packed day fishing offshore from Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Photo Contributed

To say the QT will miss him will be an understatement. I doubt we will never see his likes again.

So on behalf of the QT and everyone involved in Ipswich sport, Lemsy, thanks for the past 37 years, and may you go on to be successful in whatever challenge you accept from here on in.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/ipswich/david-lems-to-leave-queensland-times-after-37-years/news-story/ebd17e1f53a867a51c5563d9972d9d84