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Lionel Rose Obituary
Rose, who beat Japan's Fighting Harada in Tokyo in 1968 to win the world bantamweight title, had been ill for several months. He suffered a stroke in 2007 that left him partially paralyzed.
He finished his career with 42 wins, 12 by knockout, in 53 fights.
He was named Australian of the year after his world title win, the first Aborigine to receive the honor. He also was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the same year.
When he returned to Melbourne from Tokyo after beating Harada, an estimated quarter of a million people lined the city's streets to cheer him. World Boxing Council official Frank Quill said Rose was one of the first sportsmen in the world to speak out against the apartheid regime in South Africa, refusing a lucrative offer to fight in South Africa in 1970.
The offer came not long after Rose had lost his world title to Mexico's Ruben Olivares and at a time when he was almost certainly in need of money.
"He considered the fight and if he had have taken it he would have had to go there (South Africa) as an 'honorary white'," Quill said. "So he said 'I'm not going.'
"To my knowledge he was the first sportsman to refuse to go to South Africa because of apartheid."
Quill said Rose became an inspiration to indigenous Australians.
"He became world champion at a time when, in two or three states of Australia, Aboriginal people weren't entitled to vote," he said.
"He was born in very, very humble circumstances. I understand he was born to a family who lived in a dirt-floor shack and he emerged to be a fantastic world champion and a thoroughly decent person."
At the height of his career, Rose was courted by celebrities, including Elvis Presley who met the boxer when he defended his title in California in 1968.
"I was in awe of him, but he said he was in awe of me," Rose said of the meeting in a later interview.
Rose was born on June 21, 1948, the eldest of nine children, and grew up in Jackson's Track, an Aboriginal settlement near the town of Warragul in Victoria state. His father was an amateur boxer who introduced him to the sport when he was 14.
Rose won his first major fight at Melbourne's Festival Hall in 1963, the day after his father's death, and by the end of the year had claimed Australia's national amateur flyweight title.
He turned professional in 1964, mainly to support his family, and fought under the guidance legendary Australian trainer Jack Rennie. Rose became Australian bantamweight champion in October 1966 and went on to make history by beating Harada in Japan two years later.
He defended his title on several occasions before losing to Olivares in late 1969. He retired in 1971.
Former triple world champion Jeff Fenech told Sydney's Daily Telegraph website that Rose "was not only a great fighter but a wonderful human being."
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
Memories and Condolences
for Lionel Rose
116 Entries
Don Mizzi
September 3, 2016
Australia's true world champion boxer and a true man among men in life. A beloved friend to my Uncle Alf Mizzi. Remaining in the hearts of many eternally. Thanks for the memories champ.
Leah Rodgers
August 7, 2011
Brian, leah, tony, joe, pete, mick, brownie, alfie, we all miss ya slim xo luv to michael and jenny xo
Mary Spiteri
August 6, 2011
I loved you from the moment you started to box.I was only twelve & followed you ever since. I liked how you stood for your people & you never forgot them. You put them on the map, you show Australians that we could all be united together. God Bless You Lionel, R.I.P
Mary Spiteri a devoted fan, my wish would have been to meet you.
You have made alot of people proud.
Wayne Holmes
June 25, 2011
R.I.P Lionel Rose
Leah Rodgers
June 2, 2011
You really were the rose against the odd's lionel. Forever missed and what a legacy to leave. Loved for eva brian (dodge) leah and all the boys from the bunker. Good times had slim xo
Zoe Rankine
May 29, 2011
a man who will surely be missed
Lynda Ockenden-white
May 24, 2011
You brought much joy to my life. I am sorry you were called to heaven too early
liz Gatt/Fenech
May 23, 2011
R.I.P.Lionel a memory never forgotten.
May 18, 2011
We regret the passing of Lionel, an inaugural inductee and Legend of the Australian National Boxing Hall of Fame.
Deepest sympathy to Jenny, Michael and the Rose Family.
President, Committee and members of the ANBHOF.
May 17, 2011
Lionel you inspired many with your skill, talent and determination, you will be sadly missed and always remembered a true champ.
Our deepest sympathy to Jenny and the rose family....Stan & Ann Bogovic
Ralph Rosser
May 17, 2011
May you R.I.P. forever you were the greatest and will be sadly missed.
raymond aik
May 17, 2011
you brought a lot of australians together and inspired the indigenous people of victoria.a real champion and great singer
Jenny Mays
May 16, 2011
everyone should read "Jacksons Track" a fabulous read about the struggles of indigenous Australians including the Rose family
Raelene Kohler
May 16, 2011
A true champion and Australian icon never to be forgotten .
Jamie and Lesley Cargill
May 16, 2011
GoodBye Champ , the greatest Australian boxer of all timesand more importantly an inspiration to all people and a CHAMPION human being.
Barb Martyn
May 16, 2011
A true Champion, always a gentleman.
Simply.....The Best.
Barb Martyn.
Blind Bight. Victoria.
May 16, 2011
Andrea Hood & Nunzio Di filippo
jonathan cox
May 16, 2011
rose-lionel,a great man who will be missed greatly.my condolences to lionels family and also from my parents,ron and marie cox who knew lionel when he was a young man starting out in boxing.R.I.P buddie.jonathan cox.nsw.
Shane Cameron
May 16, 2011
Thank you for lighting our way and inspiring and encouraging so many Australians. In so many different ways, for so many different people - this nation Loves and Respects you man.
YOU ARE THE SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA.
Timothy Moore
May 16, 2011
To an inspiration, a wise man, a gentleman and a great sportsman, a great Aboriginal Man. The fittest man on the planet at 19, died too young. Close the gap.
Timothy Moore
Brett Ambrose
May 16, 2011
to Lionel's family.he is and always will be our own aboriginal champion.who will always be mist but never forgotten from Richard Ambrose family.may Lionel rest in peace.
julie Tollis
May 15, 2011
Fair Well to an Australian Champion hope you catch up with dad when you get there
Deepest Sympathies to Jenny, Michael and the Rose family The Tollis Family
wilma chatters
May 14, 2011
a great australian.
Cheryl Byrnes
May 14, 2011
RIP My father the late Gentleman Geoff Brown born and lived in Tamworth, NSW recorded a song, written by Clive Beeton LIONEL ROSE THE CHAMPION on RCA Records in 1969, 42 years ago. Two gentle men and pioneers in their respective fields.
lilly black
May 14, 2011
what a champ ,you were and will always be remembered for who you were , bless you and your family, may you now rest in peace. lilly
Doreen Lovett/Smith
May 13, 2011
Condolenced to Jenny, Micheal and Rose family, Lionel was a great friend to me I will surley miss him.
Doreen Lovett/Smith
Reconciliation Victoria
May 13, 2011
Lionel was a champion & trail-blazer in and out of the ring. His legacy gives hope for a brighter future between Aboriginal & other Australians, based on respect and recognition of our shared history. This will require us all to show the courage, humility & integrity that Lionel lived by.
Deepest sympathies to Jenny, Michael and the Rose family.
Kerry Appoo
May 13, 2011
Well, you are up there with some great Australian Champs now, Lionel. May God Bless you, open the Gates of Heaven for you, and thanks for your wonderful displays of the art of boxing.
rowena rose
May 13, 2011
forever is our hearts xoxo
Judy Tori
May 13, 2011
Wonderful memories I will cherish. Just been going through my scrapbook,started in 1967, and listening to all my records. Lionel, I Thank You. Sincere sympathy to all the family.
jordan kane
May 12, 2011
will miss you mate you will not be forgotten r.i.p jordan
dalene
May 12, 2011
all i can say is thankyou for just being you my heart goes out to jenny nd micheal
Ray Waymouth
May 12, 2011
Lionel I listened on the wireless with my late Dad to the most exciting sporting event in my life, you inspired people with your humility and class, forever an Australian legend, you make me proud to be an aussie. Ray W. StJames Vic.
Jane Fisher
May 12, 2011
A true champion, you will be sadly missed Lionel
Max & Jane Fisher
Mill Park, Victoria
May 12, 2011
Floyd Seaborn & Family Joliet Platte,Nebraska
Merrilee Brunsting
May 11, 2011
To Jenny, Michael and Georgia,
We were sad to hear of Lionel's passing, he will be greatly missed by many, we hold all of you in our prays at this time.
Natalie RAAB
May 11, 2011
Both my husband and myself have always greatly admired Mr. Rose and have held him in our hearts with great affection although we have never met him.
In our opinion, the greatest sportsman Australia has ever known.
Our most sincere sorrow for this sad Australian loss.
Natalie Raab
May 11, 2011
ROSE-Lionel Edmund MBE Many times l was privileged to watch you train at Kilcunda,you have taught many to keep working hard to reach their goal.You never developed an ego with your achievment you were just happy sharing them with the rest of the country.
You spoke the truth for the rights of all indigenous Australians.As you walk in the dreamtime be proud of the legacy you have left us.To your immediate family and wider family may you all find strength in your memories at this time. Dawn Cochrane
Colin Dunn
May 11, 2011
We met back in 1968.
Will always remember that day!
leah rodgers
May 11, 2011
LIONEL "slim" ROSE much loved, u really ,were a rose against the odds, lots of great times with you and the boys growin up and into adult, sympathy to jenny, michael and familt at this hard time, the cheeky u, i loved it, always in da sock lol forever loved brian (dodge) leah n all da boys from the bunker xoxo
gil trigg
May 11, 2011
I remember as a 15 year old listening to the Rose vs Harada with my older brother and his mate in a old house in Ivanhoe we were so nervous and excited when he won WHAT A CHAMP HE WAS God bless you Lionel true champ Gil
Mandy Hodson
May 11, 2011
To my Poppy I love you and will miss you. lots of love from Georgia xoxoxoxo our deepest sympathy to the family thinking of you . Mandy Andrew and Nicola Hodson. R.I.P LIONEL XOX
Robert Eales
May 11, 2011
RIP Lionel....
Kenny Lu
May 11, 2011
That is me and ruby Rose in my Hawks gear on
Kenny Lu
May 11, 2011
This is me and Ruby Rose a god daughter of Lionel Rose
Kenny Lu
May 11, 2011
Ruby Rose and me a God Daughter of Lionel Rose
Kenny Lu
May 11, 2011
I am writing you a message of my condolence of the death of Lionel Rose and I am saddeded of the death of the Aboriginal Boxing icon and the death was unexpected and he have suffered from an illness.
He was a professional boxed and he have won title fights from Australia and the world and he had being appeared on TV Ringside with Ron Casey so he have being a very good bixer and he have done well in a fight.
On the TV show World of Sport he sang Pick me up or I am going down as a Tribute for a boxer and he was a legend of an ABoriginal Boxer so he have done well being a boxer.
He had being at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo but he missed selection he fought 53 times with 42 wins 11 losses and 12 by Knockout I am very sad to hear of the death of Lionel Rose and we will miss him dearly.
He was a professional boxer by their hearts and he have being winning fights and he have done really well.
I feel sorry for Lionel's family of the death of Lionel Rose and that was very sad that he have passed away after an illness.
That death was unexpected to happen and for the Boxing Community I would like to give you my sincere condolence of the death of Lionel Rose in Australia and the world.
I hope Lionel Rose's spirit will live on and he will be reincarinated back to earth again and be re-born as a different person his spirit will be rebirthed and be reincarinated to a different person I am hoping for that is my wish for Heaven to be coming back to earth so who knows what will happen.
My condolence will go to the Rose Family and to the Boxing Commnunity.
I am sending you my pictures of me and Ruby Rose and last year I met Ruby Rose at these events I hope you do like it so when you respond to me tell me what you think of my pictures and these pictures are dedicated to Lionel Rose and his family a god daughter of Lionel Rose my pictures so hope you like my pictures.
Thanks for taking time by sending you an e-mail to you in this difficult period and my last word is Lionel Rose was a legendary Aboriginal boxer.
Best Regards
Kenny Lu.
lorraine kel
May 11, 2011
rest in peace
lorraine kell
May 11, 2011
you were my hero. I will always remember you. I will treasure all my scrap books and photos more than ever. the tears i've shed the last few days for you will dry up but you will always be in my heart.I will always remember the day i met you at the melbourne show. Deepest sympathy to his family.
May 10, 2011
Rest in peace Lionel... you were one of a kind, in the gym and out of it.Deepest Sympathy to his wife and all the families.
Margaret and Mick Walker and family
terry knox
May 10, 2011
to jenny and family thinking of you and your family on this sad day gonna miss my old mate always be my idol thank you slim for the memories terry and roger knox and families
Jason B King
May 10, 2011
uncle thank you for pushing the rights of aboriginal and those in south Africa back in the day.
We all have our battles and you stood up for the future generations and rights of us aboriginal men & women.
You will always be the first aboriginal world champion boxer and to many of us the greatest of all.
Rest in peace Uncle Lionel Rose. You will be sadly missed
Beck
May 10, 2011
R.I.P to a true Aussie Legend. Sympathies to Jenny, Michael and families
BRADLEY PROCTOR
May 10, 2011
He is our deadly KURNAI WORRIOR who took his talent from the bush to show the world,,,,,this is how blackfella's do it back home......uncle Slim(Lional)you will be sadly missed by a lot people who admired you as a fighter,father,husband,brother,uncle,& a grandfather
and most of all Our deadly Kurnai elder who will leave a big hole in our hearts,My condolence to Jenny & Mick & the Rose clan for there sad lost of a fine gentlemen & LEGEND Mr Lional(THE CHAMP) Rose, our greatest Boxer to ever....
All our Love, Brad,Kerry & his grandniece Tanisha,Aaliyah,Mia & gradnephew Jamie jrn & baby Antwon
R.I.P Uncle Lional(slim)
May 10, 2011
Our heart goes out to you Aunty Jen & Mickey at this time and in the days ahead. Lots of luv from the
Harrisons Farmers and Wanganeens in Dandenong nth
xoxoxoxoxoxooxxoo
May 10, 2011
luv u uncle lionel u will never be forgotten <3<3<3
Mark Norris
May 10, 2011
RIP Lionel. A true champion, in an out of the ring.
May 10, 2011
all the best lionel from booth and bobby haman
Debra M
May 10, 2011
We have lost a True Gentleman. Lionel I have never forgotten your kindness. I remember the night I first met you, a very kind and gentle man. You cared for others, you were so generous, a genuine hero to us all.
Debra M Doreen.
Steve Comey
May 10, 2011
From an era of noble indigenous trail blazers, you will be missed however your mark is indelibly stamped on this great land. Thank you Lionel
kathy brodie
May 10, 2011
Lionel Rose - A TRUE CHAMP you will always be remembered.
Leah Rodgers
May 10, 2011
Lionel (slim) u really were a rose against the odds. Foreva loved and always missed. U were a dear friend, brian, leah rodgers, and all the boys at the bunker xoxo luv ya lionel!
Elvy Golden-Brown
May 10, 2011
Uncle Slim, I'll miss you. Thank you for always remembering my name. Deepest condolences to Jenny, Michael and all the family. xoxo - Golden-Brown
May 10, 2011
You paved the way for so many young athletes to strive and achieve. A true inspiration and gentleman to the end. Deepest sympathy to Jenny & Michael - Duggan family
kelli mcguinness
May 10, 2011
R.I.P Lionel...a true legend...deepest sympathies and condolences from the McGuinness mob...
May 10, 2011
sleep peacfully lionel
Jann & Bryce Wright
May 10, 2011
RIP Lionel what an icon for not only the Koorie community but also all Australians, so glad we shared that drink,bet and a smoke only a weeks ago and so glad that Bryce was able to present you with the CD's that he did for you. Love and prayers to Jenny and family, John and Janet and all your close friends xoxoxo
Lionel Rose jr
May 10, 2011
Rose-Lione Snr
thank you for all my years growing up when you was
there when i woke up and there went i was to sleep...for
the birthdays you spent with
me. for everything you gave
me .i'll never ever forget you
and those memories now your
with nan the 1 you loved most
hope yous look over us and
still watch us live our lives ...
love from ya nephew Lionel
Edmund Rose Jnr xo <3
k
May 10, 2011
I remember seeing you get married at Mernda. It was such a huge thrill.
Taken far to early.
Janice Chapman
May 10, 2011
As a young married woman, living in Lincoln Road Essendon, as I left for work each day a lovely young lad smiled and so did I, we then progressed to saying hello. It was Lionel Rose and I will forever remember this delightful young man.
Janice Chapman.
lyndal Cox
May 10, 2011
You did good mate....I hope you enjoyed your life and feel proud of all your accomplishments.......Have a good rest Lionel and take it easy RIP
May 10, 2011
I was your secretary and I dealt with your fan mail.
There were hundreds of letters and cards.
A wonderful man at rest.
Anne Parsons.
PearlLopez Delgado
May 10, 2011
Mr.LionelRose
rest in peace~
Pete Thompson
May 10, 2011
R.I.P. Lionel Rose, a true Aussie champion, I was honoured to have met you and had a few beers with you mate back in the early 90's in Hobart. A true legend of the sport. Keep stringing that guitar buddy in heaven
Pete & Lee Thompson & Family
Shannon Riley
May 10, 2011
May you be set free.
Lionel Rose. <3
Shannon Riley
May 10, 2011
A soul that has left us far to soon, but now is a gaurdian angel watching over us all..
He lives on & will continue to be a roll model for the younger generation.
Once a legend, always a LEGEND.
May you Rest in Paradise.
<3 <3
Tom Smith
May 10, 2011
I pray that the God of all comfort, bring comfort to the family, friends, and fans of Lionel Rose.
WJ
May 10, 2011
My sincere condolences to the family. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Acts 24:15
Trina
May 10, 2011
May the God of all comfort be with you 2 Cor 1:3,4
Victoria&Andrew VZj
May 10, 2011
Our many sentiments
Placed inside a vine..
In memory to ones most
Life inside Heart of a Boxer!!
In memory to a great Boxer-
rest in peace GodBless ~LionelRose~
Cherrylmaree & Allan Rudd
May 10, 2011
A lovely, gentle man..our condolences to the Rose family.
lionel rose
May 10, 2011
lionel rose what can i say .a true gentle man may god look over your loving family rip mate irene
Rod Garsed
May 10, 2011
Farewell Champ. True champion, in the ring and out. It was a pleasure to know you and call you my friend.
condolences to Jenny, Mick and families.
May 10, 2011
" My condolences to the Rose family. May the True God of comfort and tender mercies be with you all. (2cor 1:3,4.) Williams. Al.
Peta Clegg
May 9, 2011
Sad news today to hear of Lionels passing. Great memories of a wonderful sportsman.
The Clegg family send their sympathy to Jenny and family.
I bet Ron and Lionel are having a jam in heaven tonight!
Peta Clegg
May 9, 2011
A great man and member of the boxing community
RIP Lionel
The Grinsted family
Anon
May 9, 2011
Thank you for your inspiration, may you rest in peace.
You will never be forgotton.
Jason Cook
May 9, 2011
An inspiration to all.A truly great man and a hell of a boxer.
Tony S
May 9, 2011
Travelling with a group of mates on a tram one day, Lionel noticed my elderly mother-in-law, Lidia, struggle to get on. One of nature's true gentlemen, promptly offered a helping hand, and ensured she was safely seated before the tram took off. Having held his legendary hands in hers, my mother-in-law quipped "I thought they would be bigger", to which the gentleman gave a cheeky smile. As he moved to get off the tram himself, Lionel turned seriously to his mates and advised "Fellas you make sure you take care of Mum here ok." My mother-in-law was struck not only by her encounter with one of Australia's favourite sons, but by his beautiful spirit. Thank you, Lionel, you shall be sadly missed.
PJ and Bec Peters
May 9, 2011
All our love to you Jenny and family. May his fighting spirit fight on with all of you.
Rhonda Briese
May 9, 2011
Another great legend lost.Thanks for the memories R.I.P.
Trevor Newman
May 9, 2011
Lionel, you were a real hero for me in my developing youth (along with our beloved magpies). Thank you old fella...
Lindsay Young
May 9, 2011
I had the pleasure of meeting Lionel in 2009. A most gracious and friendly man with a mischievous grin and a twinkle in his eye. A brilliant boxer with a wicked left hook. An inspiration to his people and a credit to Australia. He has gone to a better place. Farewell Champ
May 9, 2011
Uncle Slim - although you were way before my time, you were and still are a brilliant role model to me as a fellow Koorie and Gippslander, as I know you are to many Indigenous and Non -Indigenous. I'll never forget going to the Lionel Rose Cup as a teen with you, Uncle H (Harry Hayes) RIP -another boxing GREAT and the rest of the Mob. Just being amazed of the love and respect you received from all - which you so much earned and deserved.
RIP you CHAMPION and LEGEND, MAY YOUR LEGACY BE CARRIED ON FOREVER. My condolences to all family -Nathan Walsh 28 yrs (Gippslander)
May 9, 2011
Lionel it was a pleasure to have known you at the gym and the Bridge Inn You were a true champion Bill Campbell
David Keen
May 9, 2011
RIP Lionel Rose ..I saw my first fight at the old stkilda football ground my father took me to see u fight and still to this day i remeber it and my dad would get me up late at night to watch TV ringside all others say thay are the man but to me you where the man and the champ and gentleman ... I know all will miss you and never foget ..
Edith Wolff
May 9, 2011
RIP Lionel, you truly one of the greats of Australian Sport.
ji
May 9, 2011
r.i.p lionel i rember the time i met u i was so happy cause i was meeting my role model and u still are my rolemodel R.I.P lionel
R Golay
May 9, 2011
To the the family of Lionel Rose - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Lionel will be missed by many.
May 9, 2011
So long Rosey. Fond memories of the trips up to East Gippsland rivers as teenagers with Frank. Never a dull moment. Bless you. Condolences to Jenny and family. Sladey
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