Tribute for Sunshine Coast basketball, rugby league stalwart Sid Page

A life long stalwart of Maroochydore basketball is being remembered as a “legend” who dedicated his life to helping others achieve their goals. Read his son’s touching tribute.

Sid Page was awarded a Life Membership with Basketball Queensland. Picture: Warren Lynam.

Sunshine Coast sporting community “legend” Sid Page is being remembered for his passion for helping others, following his sudden death last month.

Mr Page, who died from cardiac arrest on December 26, 2022, was an important figure of the Sunshine Coast basketball community and was also heavily involved in the Maroochydore Swans rugby league club.

Born in Sydney, Mr Page, 80, was married to wife Beryl for 60 years and raised three children Terri, Sean and Jodi.

They also share six grandchildren – Jorden, Amy, Soraya, Hannah, Macauley and Hadlee – and six great grandchildren – Brooklyn, Azalea, Henry, Storm, Archie and Ziah.

Sunshine Coast basketball legends Sid and Beryl Page pictured in 2002.

Mr Page moved to the Sunshine Coast in 1972, where he worked as a firefighter for 31 years, but was best known for his involvement as the Suncoast Clippers founder.

“He was president for many years, was heavily involved in getting the stadium built in town and was also instrumental in getting Maroochydore Basketball into the inaugural season of the State basketball league in 1986 (now NBL1),” his son Sean said.

“He coached numerous teams and was involved in all aspects of the club for over 40 years and was a life member of Maroochydore Basketball and Basketball Queensland.

“Dad just loved helping people achieve their goals and helping to grow and promote the sport that he loved.”

(Left) Sid Page holding a photo of the first ever Maroochydore Swans team, (Right) Maroochydore Swans president Paul McMillan, Sid Page, Ian Massie, Greg Rogerson and John Redwood. Back: Benny Pike, Glen Rogerson and Paul Thomas.

Mr Page also began his involvement with the Maroochydore Swans rugby league club in 1972, holding numerous roles including president, player and was the captain/coach of the club’s first premiership team in 1975.

His son Sean said Mr Page was the club’s first life member.

In 1994 Mr Page was elected into the Sunshine Coast Sportsmen Hall of Fame and was also made a life member of the United Firefighters Union in 1990.

Sid Page (pictured in 2005) after announcing his retirement from the Maroochydore Fire Service. Picture: Anthony Reginato

Sean said his father would be sorely missed.

“He will be remembered for being the kind of person who worked tirelessly to help people and make sure that people around him had a great experience in their sport,” he said.

“He had a way of making people feel important and no one was a stranger.

“He always had a smile and was always happy to have a chat.”

A funeral service will be held at Gregson and Weight Funerals on 159 Wises Rd, Buderim on Wednesday, January 4 at 3pm with the wake to be held at the Maroochydore RSL.

Originally published as Tribute for Sunshine Coast basketball, rugby league stalwart Sid Page