Emotional Farewell For Family Man

"He would always put his family and the community before himself." Those few words touched on just some of the many qualities of the late Nick Euclid - a truly remarkable man who inspired those around him.

Family and friends celebrated the life of the popular rugby league identity at a moving service at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Tuesday, October 2.

Nick Euclid OAM, 75, was the Chairman of the QRL Referees’ Board from its inception until his recent death at Brisbane’s Wesley Hospital.

He was also the Australian Rugby League Referees’ Association Chairman until last month.

Fittingly, many of Queensland's best young referees were on hand to pay their respects to their mentor.

Former leading referees Tim Mander and Eddie Ward were among a host of rugby league identities who packed into the church.

In recognition of Euclid's fantastic contribution to the code, Ward placed a football on top of the Queensland and Australian blazers which graced his coffin.

Tim Bliss, the deputy chair of the QRL Referees' board, read a spine-tingling poem penned by young referee Shane Spicer.

Although refereeing and rugby league played a big part in Euclid's life, the man known fondly as 'The Greek' had many other qualities.

Daughter Tina said Nick's love for people was what really "made him tick".

She described her father as an "enigmatic yet humble Ingham boy" who devoted himself to his family and the community.

Many funny tales from Nick's colourful life were also shared with guests, many of whom couldn't resist the odd chuckle.

Nick wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

The laughter grew a little louder during Nick's eulogy when guests gained more of an insight into the younger days of his extraordinary life.

The stories were pure magic ... from Nick's days as a Foley Shield player, to his musical talents and his 20 eventful years in the restaurant business.
 
Nick had the gift of the gab, so it was no great surprise that success flowed in the restaurant business and in his rugby league endeavors.

The rugby league world, and in particular the tight-knit group of Queensland referees, will miss him greatly.

But they are better people for knowing him, and there is no doubt Nick's legacy will carry them through any periods of uncertainty.