The Canberra Raiders and Canberra Region Rugby League are saddened by the passing of Raider #44 Steve Keir, who passed away on Sunday following a battle with illness.
Keir played 12 matches for the Canberra Raiders between 1983 and 1984, while also playing for the Eastern Suburbs Roosters and North Sydney Bears.
Following his playing career, Keir returned to Canberra and became a significant contributor to the Gungahlin Bulls in the Canberra Region Rugby League as a player, coach and administrator, with his involvement at the club spanning more than 36 years.
Affectionately known as "Boomer", Keir was a life member of the Bulls and recently had a foundation established in his honour through the club to assist junior players in pursuing their rugby league dreams.
Raiders CEO Don Furner said Keir would always be remembered as a Raider.
“Steve played for the club during the early years and leaves a legacy as one of those players who worked hard in the formative years to pave the way for the club's future success,” Furner said. “The club would like to acknowledge Steve’s contribution as a Raider and pay our respects to him and his family following his passing.”
Canberra Region Rugby League General Manager Mark Vergano said Keir's contribution to the game in Canberra would never be forgotten and would live on through the Gungahlin Bulls.
"Steve Keir has been synonymous with the Gungahlin Bulls for over three decades as a player, coach, club president and friend to all within the club," Vergano said.
"The Canberra Region Rugby League would like to acknowledge the contribution Steve made to the game in the region and pass on our condolences to the Keir family during this difficult time."
