In Memory of Nevin Wood

One of the constants in the life of the Blackthorn Rugby Football Club for the first twenty three years of its existence was a person who came to be identified as the heart and soul of the club, a man who probably spent more time and energy on it and its members than anyone in its history. Nevin Wood was one of the first fifteen men to pull on the emerald jersey and play for Blackthorn.

What he began that March Saturday in 1971 was a relationship which included active roles as player, administrator, and coach. His unofficial roles were as significant as the elected and appointed ones, too. His car, his wallet, his home--in particular his kitchen and dinning room--were always open to Blackthorn.

A man of unrivalled generosity, Nevin Wood took time for every person who had even a passing involvement with BRFC, offering advice, guidance, instruction, bad jokes, political opinions, encouragement, helpful criticism, rides to rugby points near and far, quality road food, clothing and equipment to those who lost or forgot theirs, and liquid and solid refreshment in extravagant proportions. He was a chef before it was hip for a guy to know his way around the kitchen.

When the club lacked a person to perform a certain role, it was a good guess that Nevin would be the guy. More than for anyone else, Blackthorn was his life. He was a one man support system for a network of players and their families who will never forget The Pooh. Although appreciated and celebrated (Nevin was in the first group of individuals to be inducted into the club Hall of Fame), someone who does as much for the club as Nevin did can never be appreciated on a level appropriate to his contributions.

Nevin did not seek the limelight but quietly set a standard of selfless devotion to the club which should point the way to those who follow. Nevin Wood died in early July of 1993. He was a light, a knucklehead, and a reason that no Old Boy is underweight.
He was The Man.