Family and friends remember much-loved former local sport volunteer Peter Anderson

A man who loved his family more than anything and spent decades volunteering at a local basketball and rugby league club has been remembered after his recent passing.

A man who was known for his ability to make others feel special with his infectious smile, conversations and sense of humour.

That is how family and friends are remembering Wakerley man Peter Anderson as they pay tribute to the man, who spent decades volunteering at local sporting clubs, after he passed away at the age of 81 on Sunday.

Mr Anderson was mostly known for his time at the Southern Districts Spartans basketball club, where he spent more than 25 years involved as a volunteer, manager, coach, volunteer, referee and a parent watching one of his sons, Damien, become one of the Queensland’s greatest state league players.

Robyn and Peter Anderson together.

He also watched on as son Tony played professional rugby league in England, while younger sons Mark and Tim played the sport throughout Queensland and his oldest, Michael, played both rugby league and basketball.

Mr Anderson spent years involved at Easts Rugby League juniors and seniors, where he served in many different roles including as president of the junior club.

Damien, who currently lives in the US, said his dad was a great man who loved his wife of 62 years, Robyn, as well as his five sons and seven grandchildren more than anything.

Peter and two of his sons, including Damien, going to support the Rabbitohs at the 2014 NRL grand final.

“Pete was extremely social. I’ve received so many messages from people saying how welcoming he was and how he made everyone he came in contact with feel special,” he said.

“He was a great mentor to many.

“He loved seeing his beloved South Sydney Rabbitohs win the 2014 Grand Final while one of his best friends, Shane Richardson, was leading the club.

“Always ready with a big smile for anyone who was up for a chat or who was willing to listen to a joke.

“He got to see his son play in a Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium in England in front of 95,000 people.

Family and friends have paid tribute to Peter Anderson (pictured) who passed away at the age of 81.

“He had a great life and made life better for everyone that met him.

Queensland state basketball league legend and a close friend of Damien, Scott Lloyd, said the man they knew as ‘Pistol’ was loved by everyone.

“Pistol as he was known by all the players was a rugby league man at heart. His first son played professionally in England for years and became a club legend but Moose (Damien) turned to hoops and he was all in, he loved it,” he said.

Robyn and Peter Anderson with friends.

“He and Robyn volunteered for everything, then Pistol was manager for years through our heydays, we loved him man.

“A lot of us have been talking about him over the last 24 hours and just recalling how much he was loved by us all.

“He even opened up his house for me when I got back from Singapore and let me live there for about eight months, rent free, fed me and Robyn did all my washing.

Peter and two of his sons, Mark and Damien, going to support the Rabbitohs at the 2014 NRL grand final.

“Such beautiful people man and such a great bloke.”

Another former member of the Southern District Spartans said Mr Anderson was someone who always brightened up your day.

“He was just truly one of the greats,” he said.

“You looked forward to seeing Pete when you went to basketball and loved every minute you got to spend with him.

“He was such a legend, who will be sorely missed.”

Former National Basketball League player and another close friend of Damien, Aaron Honeyman, said Mr Anderson was one of the nicest people you could ever meet.