John Kemp: Tributes flood for beloved member of Ipswich sporting community

A much-loved member of the Ipswich sporting community is being remembered for his kind and giving nature, as news of his death filters through his hometown.

The Ipswich sporting community is in mourning following the tragic loss of one of its own, John Kemp.

The 43-year-old was last seen by his family at an address in Fitzroy Street, Churchill on October 1, and was tragically found deceased on Wednesday afternoon.

News of his passing sent a shock through the Ipswich community and the wider region, with several sporting groups coming forward to share memories of their beloved fellow player and community member.

Last Man Stands Ipswich league manager Andy Levett said Thursday was a “very tough day”, as news of Mr Kemp’s passing made its way around the club he played with for more than a decade.

“Some of our players … they were out searching for him all week,” Mr Levett said.

“They played their matches on Sunday, but Saturday and Monday these guys took time off work, cruising with the SES and the police just trying to find their mate.”

Mr Levett said Mr Kemp was well known to everyone on the grounds and was a great cricket player.

“(He was) a good, nice man,” he said.

“A gentleman. Treated everyone the same.”

Mr Levett remembered his first time meeting Mr Kemp five years ago fondly.

“One of my very first games was against John five years ago,” he said.

“We had a really fun moment out there.

“A big thunderstorm had hit and the team I was playing for at the time, they wanted to forfeit because the field was too wet.

“John was the wicketkeeper at the time. I just remember the pair of us laughing for half an hour in the rain.”

Mr Kemp is being remembered for being a humble man and beloved member of the Murri Taipans Softball Club. Picture: Supplied

North Ipswich Tigers Senior Rugby League club president Jason Brennan said Mr Kemp had been involved with his club longer than he had, coaching and playing in its senior team.

“He volunteered around the club,” Mr Brennan said.

“He was a pretty big part of coaching and bringing through the younger players.”

Mr Brennan remembers Mr Kemp for being knowledgeable and always giving with his time.

Mr Kemp was also heavily involved with the Murri Taipans Softball Club, of which his cousin David Hill was a coach.

“John was not only a member of our team, he was my cousin,” Mr Hill said.

“He got to play in his community with his cousins, nephews and brother. He will be sadly missed by all. We love you John, from your Murri Taipans Softball Club family.”

Fellow member of the softball club Kylie Hill said Mr Kemp was a “deadly humble man” from her community.

“Everyone loved him and he will be sadly missed by many,” she said.

Kylie Hill of Murri Taipans Softball Club painted a piece in tribute to Mr Kemp, explaining it represented the community coming together to mourn and be there for one another. Picture: Facebook

Ms Hill painted a piece early Thursday morning, in honour of Mr Kemp, which “reflects the community coming together from different pathways, but (sticking) together as one – mourning together, healing together and supporting one another.”

Mr Levett of Last Man Stands said a fundraising event will be held in the coming weeks to support Mr Kemp’s family in this devastating time.

If you or someone you know needs assistance:

Lifeline on 13 11 14 or at www.lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or at www.beyondblue.org.au