SADLY, one of our most respected Life Members, Graham Frost, has just passed away after a long struggle with ill health, writes John Cook.

Graham joined the club in 1968 and he soon became first team fly-half.

In the 1970s, now with two young boys Paul and Greg, he became a mini and junior manager and along with Tom Keenan he took Greg’s side through the club for 12 years.

It was a busy time for Graham, who played for the club on Saturdays and played for Reading West Indians on Sundays, besides being a junior coach and a referee.

From 1981 to 1985 he was Mini and Junior co-ordinator, helped by his wonderfully supportive wife Yvonne who confirmed fixtures and ran the bar and kitchen.

They had met when Graham was 18 and Yvonne was three years younger, and they remained a devoted couple.

At the age of 18, Yvonne had turned down a promotion at Marks and Spencer because it involved Saturday working and Graham did not approve.

Together with Greg they came through the tragic loss of Paul, and Graham continued to referee for the Youth Section.

When he reached the age of 75 the club decided it was time for him to hang up his refereeing boots, a decision he accepted with great reluctance.

Graham would often tell the story of his first training evening at the club, when the young 21-year-old captain was the first person to speak to him and make him feel welcome.

It has been a privilege, as that captain, to have counted Graham as a friend for 54 years.