Frank and I were born within two weeks of each other in July 1939 and attended West Hartlepool Grammar School for Boys where we became life long friends,  and where we were first introduced to the game of rugby. After gaining nine GCSE 0 Levels at the age of sixteen,  Frank left school to pursue a career in the legal profession as an articled clerk with a local firm of solicitors. He subsequently went on to pass his Law Society Finals and,  at the age of just 21,  he became one of the youngest solicitors in the country - setting him up for the years ahead and his involvement with West Hartlepool Rugby Club. After leaving school he first played for GSOB for a couple of years before joining West where he was soon to play for the First Team among some talented older players of that era. We both played for the same teams on and off,  but perhaps Frank’s most pleasing achievement was in 1962 as Captain of the Second XV winning the County Cup after a long lean spell (a game for which he ‘dropped’ me to the First team !).

However, Frank’s achievements on the field were to be far surpassed by those off it when, in 1963,  he was appointed Hon Club Secretary to become the youngest and longest serving Secretary in the history of the club. This in itself was very significant , because the decade of the 1960’s was undoubtedly a major turning point in our history of which Frank, along with others,  looked to the future and were an influential driving force in our move to secure a new Ground at Brierton where we saw the erection of a magnificent Stand,  followed by a superb Clubhouse all of which contributed to our performance on the field and a much improved fixture list.

 As the Club progressed,  Frank became more involved and prominent on the National stagebeing elected Chairman of the English Senior Clubs Association and a member of the RFU Committee. This, I feel sure,  helped us gain entry to the new Merit Tables in the 1980’s  - the forerunner to the establishment of the League system in the 90’s,  in all of which West were able to participate.

 In due course Frank was understandably made President of the Club, an honour he thoroughly deserved,  and at a time when we were in the English First Division before the game turned professional. However, he was to hold this position for only a relatively short time when very unexpectedly (because of circumstances beyond his control) he resigned his position,  which was a tremendous loss to the club he had served so faithfully and for so long as such an honourable man and esteemed member.

 In his working life Frank was a highly respected solicitor mainly in private practice,  but for part of which time he travelled the world dealing with commercial contracts for the iron and steel industry. Nevertheless, he also made time to dedicate himself to many worthy causes. He was a founding member of Hartlepool Hospice and of Yarm School and,  among other interests after moving to Richmond,  he became Hon. Secretary of Richmondshire Rugby and Cricket Clubs following up the sports he so enjoyed and played in at Hartlepool.

However,  above everything else he was a devoted family man,  loved by all and giving much of his time to his children’s and grandchildren’s education and sports. Our thoughts are now with his wife Maureen, children Vanessa and Nick and grandchildren Lydia and Matthew.

     Ron Greig -  Past President and life long friend