The man who became the figurehead of the Pirate "Ship" passed away over the weekend after battling with kidney disease. Harry Haxton will be sadly missed by those that had known him. He has left a legacy that will benefit many more that did not. Any aspiring young basketballer on the south side of Brisbane will have a pathway to the highest level of competition. It is a pathway that was forged and guided through the efforts and leadership of Harry Haxton.
A generous man, a successful business man with a sharp mind, first became involved with the Pirates in 2002 as the major sponsor. This enabled the fledgling Association to enter what is now known as the Queensland Basketball League as the FileForce Pirates. Harry had many roles within the club from sponsor, to QBL chairman, to President and was instrumental in negotiating the agreement with Brisbane City Council so that the Pirates could finally have a home port at the Hibiscus Sports Centre.
Harry was a leader in every aspect of his life and in typical Harry style, did so in his passing. Harry wrote a book (one of many published) of his life and his battle with the disease. The book launch was at the Tattersalls Club last week and also doubled as his wake. All proceeds from the book sales going the Kidney Foundation.
A memorial service will be held at Hibiscus Sports Centre on Monday 5th September on the Harry Haxton Court from 10.00am to celebrate his life.
