It is with great sadness that Willetton Basketball Association announces the passing of long-standing Puma club president, Rosemary Nixon. For over 30 years, Rosemary has been a committed volunteer of the Willetton Basketball Association, and for the past decade, the Puma Willetton Basketball Club, who tirelessly dedicated herself to her club, and to the sport.
Rosemary held an unwavering commitment to grass roots basketball, that made a lasting impact on the many players, coaches and volunteers she crossed paths with.
Since the 2000s, Rosemary has served in many volunteer roles with the Willetton Basketball Association, helping grow our association at both a participation and representative level. Rosemary and her husband Phil first became involved through the Tangos Basketball Club, when their children started playing basketball. She began her WBA volunteering journey around 2006, as Secretary of the Junior Committee. She also contributed as a member of the Representative Teams Committee (WABL), chaired by Simon Parker.
By 2009 Rosemary was Chair of the Junior Competitions Committee, the Representative Teams Committee, and the Referees Committee. Rosemary stepped up in 2011 to help with the Puma Basketball Club and has been instrumental in their success since then. When volunteer numbers were low, Rosemary took on multiple roles within the club including Coach, Registrar, Chairperson, Secretary, and President.
Rosemary also travelled as Team Manager of the Under 14’s WABL teams to the Australia Junior Championships throughout the 2000’s and 2010’s. For a number of years, she also served as an advisor to the U14 AJC Teams regarding fundraising and travel.
Rosemary’s legacy of selfless dedication and passion for the club will forever be remembered and celebrated within the Willetton community. Our deepest condolences go out to her husband Phil, children Troy, Chris and Kymbalee, her grandchildren and extended family during this difficult time.
Our NBL1 teams will be wearing black armbands at this Thursday’s semi-final game in honour of Rosemary.