In Memoriam: Ruth Cresswell, 1968–2023

A funeral service was held in Launceston, Tasmania on Saturday (28 October) to celebrate the life of Ms Cresswell, a long-serving relationship manager and advocate for the broker channel.

Ms Cresswell had been sales manager at Liberty Network Services for the past five years. Before that, she had worked at MyState Bank for nearly 33 years and she was instrumental in setting up the lender’s Tasmanian and Victorian broker networks.

She has been remembered by many for her affectionate and positive nature, her genuine care and dedication to her broker and partner network and her passion for the Hawthorn Hawks.

An infectious positivity and zest for life

Speaking to The Adviser about his former colleague, Huw Bough, the chief retail banking officer at Bank of Sydney (who worked with Ms Cresswell over several years while group executive of retail and business banking at MyState Bank) stated: “Ruth was a larger-than-life character whose personality, and relationships helped launch MyState Bank in the Tasmanian and subsequently Victorian broker channel.

“Nothing was ever too small for her not to care about or too big not to be achieved. She was a perfectionist who truly loved her family, her colleagues and the industry – a wonderful person who got her biggest joy out of seeing or helping others succeed.”

Christie Thomas, senior manager, community & sponsorships at MyState Bank worked with Ms Cresswell for almost 25 years, remembering her as a dedicated colleague, a cherished friend and a radiant personality.

“For almost 25 years, our bond grew from professional collaboration to an enduring friendship that withstood the test of time,” she told The Adviser.

“As I had the privilege of providing marketing support to Ruth in her role at MyState, I witnessed her transformation into an industry force. Her approach was characterised by genuine care and a deep focus on customer-centric solutions.

“Ruth was never satisfied with the mundane; she consistently went the extra mile, ensuring she provided the highest level of service to her brokers.

“The recent outpouring of love following her passing serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact she had on her brokers, as well as past and present colleagues.

“Her unwavering honesty and straightforward approach garnered the trust and respect of all who worked alongside her.

“Ruth's infectious positivity and zest for life were truly remarkable, making her one of the most enjoyable people to be around.

“The world has lost a bright shining star in Ruth, but her legacy of friendship, dedication and care will forever inspire me and all those fortunate enough to share in her vibrant spirit.”

‘A source of great pride for all of us’

Honouring her memory at the wake last week, Brendan​​​​ O’Donnell, the managing director of Liberty Network Services (LNS) reflected: “Ruth was an amazing individual who relentlessly championed our industry and helped so many brokers and advisers on their journey in the industry. She was loved by her advisers, not only those she looked after but advisers around the country.

“Ruth always went above and beyond to help advisers on their journey and was a genuine partner, friend, mentor and coach. Her genuine care and love for people was amazing.”

On a personal note, Mr O’Donnell said Ms Cresswell had “taught [him] a lot both personally and professionally”, adding that she “always listened before she spoke” and had an infectious energy.

The LNS managing director reflected that staff and brokers had described her as “vibrant, bright, bubbly, beautiful, warm, kind, upbeat, forever positive, passionate, generous, a beautiful soul and wonderful person”.

He continued: “Ruth was exceptional at her job. Her dedication and expertise were recognised at the LNS 2022 annual awards winning the Network Sales Manager (NSM) of the Year award, which is testament to her skills, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

“Her success was not only a personal triumph but also a source of great pride for all of us at Liberty.”

Mark Shultz, Liberty’s state manager for Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, added that Ms Cresswell’s hard work and popularity had been recognised over the years, noting she had been nominated twice as Aggregator BDM of the Year, including for the forthcoming Better Business Awards 2024.

Ms Cresswell is survived by her daughter Cassie, her siblings Jane and Rick and her parents Richard and Pamela.