MARY VERRENKAMP OAM

It is with great sadness that we advise that Queensland Softball Association (QSA) Past President, Mary Verrenkamp, passed away on 28 June.

Mary first became involved in softball when her daughter Cris began playing. It wasn’t long before Mary began her long and distinguished service to the sport of Softball.

Mary’s service started in 1976 when she was appointed Manager of a Brisbane Representative team and thus began a long association with our sport. Mary went on to manage Brisbane teams from 1976 to 1984 and State teams from 1978 to 1985:- Under 16 Girls 1978 to 1980, Under 19 Women 1980 to 1982 and Senior Women 1983 to 1985.

In 1984 Mary was appointed Manager of the Australian Under 19 Girls Team for the South Pacific Classic in Melbourne and again in 1985 for the China and Canada tours and the 2^nd Youth World Series in Fargo U.S.A.

Mary also ventured into administration serving the Brisbane Night Softball Committee as Treasurer for the 1979/80 season and stayed on as a Management Committee member for another year, 1980/81. She served as a committee member when Brisbane hosted the three-day National Club Championships in 1984.

Prior to the Association’s Incorporation Mary attended monthly Q.S.A. meetings as proxy for the Moranbah District Softball Association. In 1979/80 she was Assistant Secretary and an Executive Committee Member of this Committee.

On adoption of the new Constitution in 1980/81, when Q.S.A. became incorporated, Mary was elected to the new Management Committee and during the 1982/83 term was appointed Vice President - a position she held from 1982/83 to 1985/86 at which time she was elected President. Mary held the position of President from 1986/87 until her retirement in June 1996. In addition to her duties in these positions between 1980 and 1996 she was Uniform Officer (four years) Travel and Accommodation Officer (six years) and member of the Constitution and By Laws and A.G.M. Agenda Committees.

Mary attended all State Championships as the Queensland Softball Association Representative during her tenure as President. Whilst a member of the Q.S.A. Inc. Management Committee Mary acted as its delegate to the Australian Softball Federation Annual Council Meetings in 1984/85 and again from 1986/87 to 1995/96. After her retirement Mary was appointed to the Judiciary Tribunals of both the Redlands District Softball Association and the Queensland Softball Association.

In recognition of her distinguished service and dedication to Softball, Mary has been conferred the following awards:-

• 1986 Queensland Softball Association Softball Service Award
• 1991 Queensland Softball Association Life Membership
• 1992 Australia Day Sporting Administrator Award (Redlands)
• 1993 Australian Softball Federation Softball Service Award

·  2001 Australian Sports Medal 2000

• 2003 Order of Australia Medal – General Division

In accordance with Mary’s wishes, a private family funeral was held.

Softball Queensland extends its condolences to Mary’s family.