No state funeral for former Queensland premier Wayne Goss Former Queensland premier Wayne Goss and The Courier-Mail's National Affairs Editor Dennis Atkins at a celebration earlier this year. IN ONE final gift to the state that he loved, former Queensland premier Wayne Goss expressly declined a state fune­ral to avoid being a burden on taxpayers. The Labor premier, who took Queensland's reigns after 32 years of National Party rule, died this week aged 63 following treatment for brain cancer. VALE: Cartoonist Sean Leahy remembers Wayne Goss THANK YOU: Colleagues and past foes pay tribute Premier Campbell Newman offered Mr Goss's family a state funeral however Mr Goss's wife Roisin phoned the Premier yesterday morning to advise him they would hold a family memorial instead. In a joint statement, Mrs Goss, son Ryan and daughter Caitlin expressed their gratitude for the tributes paid to Mr Goss since his death. "It has been heartening and humbling for us to hear from many of the countless people whose lives were touched by Wayne during his 63 years," the family said. We and all Wayne's family greatly appreciate Premier Newman's gracious offer of a state funeral for Wayne. However, in keeping with Wayne's wishes, we will hold a memorial service organised by the family, rather than a state funeral. It is understood Mr Goss had requested a state funeral not be held to avoid the cost to taxpayers. The arrangements for the family organised memorial service will be confirmed at a later date. Originally published as Late premier's parting gift to his state