With the sad news of the passing of Ian Brusasco AO, AM, The Gap FC has lost a great friend and local champion of football. His contribution to the sport extended from local club leadership to the highest levels, including Ian’s service as President of Football In Queensland and Australia.
Ian together with his wife Patsy, always maintained a deep interest in local football, especially The Gap FC where their son Mark played as a junior. Our club has been proud to have Ian and Patsy Brusasco as our club Patrons for many years. It was an honour for decades for The Gap FC to host the annual Queen's Birthday U7 carnival for the Brusasco Shield. It was a must-attend event for clubs across Brisbane which a generation of players and parents remember with affection.
Our club entry wall displays their photo and some of their memorabilia. As Ian’s health limited his activities, it was very special to have Patsy and Mark attend events, including the official opening of the renovated club just a few years ago.
Ian’s involvement at all levels of the game over many decades is unparalleled. He will be deeply missed by all in the football community, but especially at his local club, The Gap FC.
Ian grew up in humble and modest circumstances becoming a very successful business executive and community leader in many roles, most publicly as a prominent BCC councillor. Together with his wife, Patsy they worked tirelessly in the community supporting charities. Ian and his close friend the former Brisbane Lord Mayor, Clem Jones, founded Foodbank in Queensland. Many people can literally thank Ian for the food on their table.
Ian’s exceptional leadership skilld and love of sport saw him fill roles managing international sporting events and major institutions such as the QLD workers’ compensation board.
His Ashgrove home where his family grew up, love of family, commitment to community, and joy in sport were always in his thoughts.
Ian was a dear and loyal friend. He will be missed by so many across the football and wider community.