Edward 'Ted' Christian Weber OAM, a stalwart of rugby league in the Wide Bay district, has passed away, aged 86.
Maryborough-based, Weber was a life member of Queensland Rugby League and still served the game he loved, long after he stepped down as a QRL director in 1998.
Weber was a noted historian and author, and undertook a number of literary projects; including 'Hard Yards: Rugby League Recollections Maryborough 1910-2010', and 'Saints Alive: The History of Rovers Rugby League Club, 1891-1991'.
He also had his own column in the Maryborough Chronicle and reported on local league games.
In 1989, Weber was appointed manager of the Queensland Residents' team for a four-match tour of France.
The Greg Reynolds' coached side returned undefeated and that tour remains the only visit to France by a state team.
Weber also managed Residents' sides on trips to Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
In 1992 and 1993, he managed Australian Test sides coached by Bob Fulton - the World Cup final win over Great Britain at Wembley in 1992 his biggest highlight.
In 1994, Weber joined Dick 'Tosser' Turner and Keith Welsh on the management team of the Queensland State of Origin side.
Weber received his Order of Australia Medal in 2007, for his services to rugby league.
Weber retired at the 1998 QRL annual meeting, when he was awarded his life membership.
His involvement with rugby league began as a member of the Rovers' club in 1948, when he was part of the undefeated Third Grade side.
He was Rovers' first aid officer in 1970, and then a strapper, before climbing through the ranks, until he became chairman of the Wide Bay Division; a QRL Board member, and a director of the South Queensland Crushers' Club in the ARL competition.
A fitter and turner by trade, Weber was also a Maryborough City Councillor.
A memorial service for Edward 'Ted' Christian Weber will be held at the Maryborough Crematorium on Wednesday, June 26 at 10.30am.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret and children Ted, Phil, Dianne and Ian.
*Tribute penned by Steve Ricketts - Chair of QRL's History Committee
