Andrew Schumacher death: Merrimac State School principal, Broadbeach Cats player passes away
A memorial to celebrate the life of a Gold Coast principal, popular Aussie rules coach and devoted father-of-three has been organised. TRIBUTES
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ONE of the closest friends of Andrew Schumacher says he is still in shock about his death and is waiting for the larrikin to walk through the door again.
“It’s been pretty difficult, especially because we only played footy with him a couple of weeks ago against Surfers Paradise,” former Broadbeach Cats teammate and friend Korey Fulton said of Schumacher, who died suddenly on April 14.
“All our kids are the same age and we played a lot of foot together.
“I started at Broadbeach in 1999 and it was Schuey’s first year there after moving from Surfers Paradise.
“We linked up again in 2016 and won three premiership together with the Old Boys.
“We have a lot of similar friends and had a lot of good moments on the field and off it.”
Fulton revealed it was only three weeks ago Schumacher, who has been working on his fitness, took it to former Collingwood AFL player and fellow Cat Jason Cloke in an interclub Masters game.
“Clokey is 38 and Jason was 44 but there were about four contests where he made Clokey look stupid, pushing him around and taking one handers.
FACES OF THE GOLD COAST - COMPLETE GALLERIES
“For a big man he was still so agile and he didn’t seem like he was struggling.”
Fulton said it was still eerie down at the club during training nights.
“It’s a bit surreal. You see all the faces of his mates and we are still not sure what to say or do,” Fulton said.
“It’s still such a shock and doesn’t seem real yet. It’s like we are going to see that face of his walk through the door like it has so many times. We are doing it pretty tough.”
EARLIER
THE sudden death of Merrimac State School principal, Aussie rules coach and devoted husband and father-of-three Andrew “Shuey” Schumacher has devastated parts of the Gold Coast community.
The 44-year-old “big gentle giant” died suddenly on April 14, leaving behind his wife Kate, their children Zoe, Abby and Toby and his mother Judy.
“It is with a broken heart that we must share that our beloved Andrew, passed away suddenly today. We are broken but so grateful to have had him in our lives for as long as we did,” Mrs Schumacher said.
“At this time we are just spending time together, coming to terms with our great loss but it means the world to us that he was so loved by so many.”
Known by friends for his “larger than life character who positively affected everyone he came into contact with”, Mr Schumacher was a much-loved principal and active member of the Gold Coast’s Australian rules and surf life saving community.
Parents recalled how he would “stand at the gate and welcome the students with a big smile every morning at Merrimac and then wave them off in the afternoon.”
“He will be greatly missed by the whole school community,” one post read.
Another parent said they were absolutely devastated at the death of Mr Schumacher, who joined the school in 2020 with a motto that “kids come first” and with a determination to make a positive different in young people’s lives.
“My young boy started school at Merrimac this year and was stuck beside me scared to go into class. Mr Schumacher came over with a football and started passing it to him my son loved him and made his first day so special,” he said.
Before starting at principal at Merrimac, he was acting principal at Picnic Creek State and before that had spent more than 12 years as a leader in numerous schools around the south east.
Mr Schumacher, or Shuey as he was known to his footy mates, was described by the Broadbeach Cats Australian football Club as “one of the most genuine and lovely blokes you will ever come across. A great Broadbeach clubmen and someone who always lit up a room. “Our club sends our deepest condolences to his family Kate, Zoe, Abby, Toby and Judy at this terrible time.”
The Broadbeach Cats Masters Club paid tribute to Mr Schumacher and over the weekend held a minute’s silence in his honour and worn black arm bands.
“We are saddened to hear today the passing of past senior player, current player of the Old Boys, junior coach of the club and father Andrew Schumacher,” it said.
“Schuey was one the kindest people you would ever want to meet. He always put everyone else before himself and has been the backbone of our club since he walked through the door.
“If you played over 35s or over 45s Schuey was always the man who would make you feel welcome at the club new or old, he was such a great communicator and someone we all loved so much and he can never be replaced.
“Love ya mate RIP.”
F45 Carrara co-owner Brad Vigus said Mr Schumacher was an outstanding guy and the close-knit gym community he trained closely alongside were devastated for his family’s loss.
“He had a huge impact on the people around him. Especially in gym. He inspired so many people to be better without even knowing he was doing it,” Mr Vigus said.
“One of the most genuine and caring guys I’ve ever meet and always had a smile on his face. You will be missed mate, you’re one of a kind.”
Fellow gym goer Melanie Oberman said it wouldn’t be the same not seeing Mr Schumacher around the gym, “the gentle giant smashing it out, a true inspiration to so many.”
“Much love and thoughts to his wife and beautiful children. Rest easy big fella.”
The Griffith Uni Colleges Knights Rugby Union Club paid its respects to Mr Schumacher, who played for the club a few years ago.
“He was a great guy on and off the field that will be missed by a lot of people especially his family. RIP Schuey/Ruck-rover.”
A Department of Education spokeswoman said the school community was “deeply shocked and saddened by the unexpected death” of a man who was a “most compassionate, caring and active member of the community” and he’ll be greatly missed by students, staff and all who knew him.
“Andrew will always be remembered as a brilliant and energetic teacher and principal, as well as a talented local Australian rules player, premiership-winning school coach and surf lifesaver, to name a few.
“Our thoughts and sincere sympathies go out to his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. Support is being provided to students and staff.
“The Gold Coast and wider education family joins with the school community in paying tribute to an inspirational colleague, leader and friend.”
It’s believed teachers from other local schools have volunteered to teach at Merrimac State School so the entire staffing community can attend his funeral later this week.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with family cover funeral and other costs.
Mrs Schumacher has invited everyone to attend a 1pm memorial service on April 22 at Broadbeach Cats ALF Club in Mermaid Waters to celebrate the life of her husband and remember “this amazing man who will be great missed”.
“Please bring along your fondest memories of Andrew to share with family and friends,” she said.
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