Gordon McQueen surveying the state of play at the Camberwell Sports Ground (now known as McQueen Park) where he was head curator for six years (Image and words supplied by Ron Redding).
It is with great sadness that we inform the Camberwell Magpies family of the recent passing of Gordon McQueen.
Gordon, who played only a couple of games with the Camberwell Cricket Club during the 1960-61 and 1982-83 seasons, was the brother of Camberwell CC legend Don McQueen, and uncle of Angus McQueen (who through McQueen Financial Group is the current major sponsor of Camberwell Magpies CC at McQueen Park). He is best remembered as the popular curator at CSG between 1999-2005 where he prepared some excellent wickets for the Camberwell Magpies CC boys. 'Gordo' was born at Orbost in 1940 and worked for ANZ Banking Group (like his father before him) for many years. He did three months of National Service in the Army (Artillery) followed by two years with the Citizens Military Force (CMF). A big strong man, Gordon (a Richmond VFL/AFL supporter) loved football, and became a nomad, rucking in 480 games of local and interstate footy for nine clubs, followed by a further 221 games of Masterules when a veteran (until age 71) making a most impressive combined tally of 701 games. His footy clubs included ANZ Bank (VAFA) 70 games, Kedron (QAFL) 70 games where Peter Barry (the former Carlton player) was a teammate, South Brisbane (QAFL), then after a seven year stint in Indonesia, Highfield Road Methodists (ESCFA) 75 games where he was also Club Secretary, Phillip Island 85 games, Kilcunda-Bass 50 games and Loch (all Bass Valley-Wonthaggi District FL), Springvale Districts and Hampton (both Southern FL). 'Gordo' also played for Victoria in Masterules where he was awarded All Australian honours. In addition, he played a few games of Rugby Union while based in New Zealand, and enjoyed three years of cricket on turf with Kedron Footballers CC whilst based at nearby Aspley in Queensland. Gordon and brother Don were very close and worked together on a number of family projects including the establishment, building and maintenance of the Hume and Hovell Cricket Ground at Strath Creek, which was successfully run by the McQueen family for many years, until its fairly recent sale to the Rogers family. He was a very popular personality whilst a member of the City of Boroondara staff (during his time as CSG Curator) until retirement in 2005.
'Gordo' was much loved and respected by all who knew him and we extend our sincere sympathy to wife Johanna, children Stephen, Nicole, Maria (and indeed all members of the greater McQueen family). Vale - Gordon McQueen.