Former referee, official and life member of Queensland Rugby, Donald Winston Jowett has passed away in Brisbane at the age of 80.

A life member of the Queensland Rugby Union since 1986 and Treasurer from 1974-1982, the highly respected Jowett was a wonderful servant to rugby in Queensland.

Jowett was also one of New Zealand's most successful sprinters after winning three medals at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games.

Jowett won a Bronze medal at the 1950 British Empire Games in the men's 220 yards; while four years later at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver he won the Gold medal in the men's 220 yards and the Silver medal in the 440 yards.

In 2005 Jowett was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to sport, particularly athletics, as an administrator, technical officer and coach, and to the community through church and welfare organisations.

Jowett also spent 14 years as Treasurer of Queensland Athletics Centre, where he was also a Life Member.