WALT Rogers – ‘Mr Teignmouth RFC’ – has died aged 90.
Walt’s contribution to Teignmouth Rugby Football Club over almost eight decades has been called ‘legendary’.
He started playing for the club in his teens and went on to captain and manage the club for decades.
Walt lived in Teignmouth all his life, within 50 metres of where he was born and brought up.
Ray Moore, Teignmouth RFC’s president, said: ‘Walt has been described as Mr Teignmouth RFC over the years.
‘He did so much as a club player and captain then club president for 10 years.
‘I took over from him six or seven years ago and his were big boots to fill.
‘Walt’s contribution to the life of Teignmouth RFC over a period of almost eight decades is legendary.’
Ray said Walt was an honorary life member of the club and, up until a couple of years ago, he was still a regular supporter at fixtures.
He said: ‘He was very loyal to his club and team, a great friend and supporter, and a natural leader.
‘He captained teams very much as a father figure and introduced a lot of youngsters to the sport over the years.
‘His rugby skills as a wing forward were highly regarded. He not only played for Teignmouth but also for the Devon County team.
‘There will be a lot of people at his funeral who shared the privilege of playing with him.’
Walt was a stonemason and used his building skills to design and build Teignmouth RFC’s clubhouse.
Ray added: ‘Walt was always at the centre of the club’s social activities and organising events.
‘Also, as a volunteer builder, designing and building the club house from a tin shack to the structure it is today at Bitton Park.
‘He never married – his family was the rugby club. There’ll be former Teignmouth players travelling from all over the country for his funeral on Monday.’
Walt leaves four nephews, including Peter and Patrick Dixon who also played at Teignmouth RFC.
The funeral service will be held on Monday at St Michael’s Church, Teignmouth at 2.15pm.
There will be a celebration of Walt’s life afterwards at Teignmouth RFC clubhouse.