Queensland basketball administrator, Allan Woodford, dies aged 61

The Queensland basketball community is in mourning after the death of a former Brisbane Bullet and well-known administrator, known for his compassion and ability to make others smile, following a battle with cancer.

Queensland basketball identity Allan Woodford, who passed away on Saturday, where he loved to be – on the sidelines at a basketball game. Picture: Fan Fair

He had a smile that stood out in any crowd, a quick-witted sense of humour which brought laughter to everyone around him and matched it with an intense passion to help others – Allan Woodford definitely made his mark on the world.

The Queensland basketball community is in mourning after the well-known administrator and former Brisbane Bullets NBL player died on Saturday, aged 61, with his children Madie and James as well as partner, Rhonda Griffin, by his side after a six-year battle with cancer.

As he oversaw one of the biggest projects in basketball in this state, the new $23 million facilities at Zillmere and Brendale for his beloved Northside Wizards, Woodford had been privately fighting his own battle.

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His daughter, Madie Woodford, said her dad was one of a kind.

“He was a beautiful, kind and gentle man who seemed to be friends with everyone,” she said. “He was always my No. 1 supporter and I will miss seeing him standing on the side of the court with his arms wide open waving at me for a hug.

“He was my best friend and my rock the last few years and I’m so devastated we can’t do anything that we planned we would.”

Allan Woodford with daughter, Madie.

Rhonda Griffin, Woodford’s partner for the past year, said his passion and want to help others ahead of himself as inspiring.

“He was an intelligent and compassionate man, who put his hand up to help anyone in the basketball community,” she said.

Allan Woodford with partner, Rhonda Griffin.

“His biggest trait was his passion, if he had a cause that he was passionate about then he would do anything he could to realise it.

“Outwardly he was a confident man, unafraid of presenting to the largest crowds, but also an intensely private man who never wanted to be a burden to anyone at anytime.

“He fought the hardest battle of his life and at all times put the needs of his kids and I first. “He remained optimistic right until the end.”

Allan Woodford with his children Madie, James and ex-wife.

The man, who played 22 games for the Bullets from 1981-1983, had been involved in Queensland basketball since the 1970s.

Following his playing career, Woodford spent 27 years as an administrator in such roles as the Wizards president, Basketball Queensland chairman and returned to Northside as CEO and chairman of the South Pine Sports Association from November, 2018.

He was also was a scoretable official where he was involved at the highest level, including the NBL, WNBL and Commonwealth Games.

Basketball Queensland CEO Graham Burns said he was deeply saddened to her of Woodford’s passing.

Queensland basketball identity Allan Woodford with daughter, Madie, at a Brisbane Bullets NBL game.

“Allan was an outstanding director on the BQ board and a willing contributor with an eye for detail,” he said.

“Once elected as the BQ Chair, Allan came into his own.

“He had such an outstanding, detailed basketball knowledge, and passion for the game, combined with a brilliant professional career and the ability to relate to everyone.

“I often sought Allan’s council and will miss our regular discussions on all things basketball.”

Brisbane Capitals general manager, Trevor Lidstone, said Woodford was a great character around the basketball community.

Well-known basketball administrator Allan Woodford walking the sidelines at a Queensland basketball game.

“He was the type of person that would become whoever you needed at the time,” he said. “

“Whether that be a player, listener, leader, marketer, administrator, official or simply a friend. “The Brisbane Basketball community is saddened at his passing and for me QBL nights will never be the same without his beaming smile from across the bench.”

Northside Wizards president Brett Anderson said Woodford would be remembered for his commitment to growing the game at the grassroots level.

”We’d particularly like to his acknowledge his advocacy and involvement towards our new five-court stadium in Zillmere and the three-court extension in Brendale,” he said.

“We know how hard he was fighting his illness and how much he was looking forward to their opening.”