Vince Nipperess tribute: Tears flow for sporting community figure

Family, friends and the wider sporting community have given an emotional farewell to Sunshine Coast rugby league hall of fame member Vince Nipperess after his passing.

The Sunshine Coast sporting community has paid tribute to Sunshine Coast rugby league hall of fame member Vince Nipperess after he passed away at the age of 86.

Mr Nipperess, who died on August 12, 2022, had been involved in Nambour and Sunshine Coast rugby league for more than 30 years as a player, coach, volunteer, selector, judiciary member and president and was inducted into the hall of fame in 2011.

His son Shane said he was happiest when surrounded by family.

“He was born in Nambour, he had four siblings Pat, Ray, Russell and Roy and later had six children - Shane, Peter, Mason, Jolene, Michael and Kelli - with his first and second wives Veronica and Doss,” he said.

Vince Nipperess photographed in his home after being inducted into the Sunshine Coast rugby hall of fame.

Mr Nipperess said his dad was best known across many local sporting clubs as an integral member for the success of North Coast Rugby League, Nambour Crushers Rugby League, Maroochydore Surf Lifesaving Club, an official of the North Coast Branch of the Australian Surf Lifesaving Association and a promoter for amateur boxing events and fishing competitions.

“We always say he lived two lives with the amount of stuff he did because in 1951 he completed his training with the Australian Military Forces and quickly rose the rank of Corporal, he was a teacher for 37 years at Nambour State School and was also a rugby league reporter for the Nambour Chronicle for 15 years,” he said.

Shane said he always knew the weekend with his father would be busy.

“I remember every Saturday morning we would head off to Wimmers soft drinks factory and the food wholesaler in Woombye to get everything needed for the footy canteen, next we would set up the raffle and then sell tickets outside Leigh Whitlock’s supermarket until lunch time before delivering the winnings to the lucky ticket holder,” he said.

“Sunday morning, we would head out to the showgrounds first thing to prepare the canteen and then turn our attention to the field - mowing the borders, marking the lines with lime, putting out the pads on the goalposts.”

Mr Nipperess said he would be sorely missed.

“My sister Jolene has asked me to say on her behalf - there are so many things to say about Dad, but the most important thing that will stay with us forever in our hearts, is the level of love that he had for his kids, his grandkids, and his great grandkids,” he said.

“Every time he talked about any of his family, he would have a huge smile on his face.

“Above all else, yes even rugby league, spending time with family gave him the most joy.”