Now Then Lad...
Frank's opening greeting...
A TRIBUTE TO OUR BELOVED PRESIDENT
FRANK MORGAN
It was with great sadness that the Colt’s League received news of the passing of our beloved President “Frank” on Monday 27th Feb 2023.
There will be many stories and tributes made to him, not only in the coming weeks, but for years to come, and quite rightly so…
Why ~ because not only was he a larger than life character but he was also a true Gentleman of the first order who had the ability to make everyone laugh no matter what the occasion.
Frank had two passions in life; his family (wife May, Son Ian, Daughter Julie, and his Grandchildren). And then there was Rugby.
When asked which came first ?
Frank’s reply (in his distinct Wigan Brogue) “E Lad if I could build th’house next t’Club House at Douglas Valley has b in me element”.
For many of us Frank’s unforgettable speeches and spoonerisms were memorable.
He often referred to an anecdote as an antidote when telling us all his when I stories ~ and there were quite some stories to tell.
On one occasion, travelling to Alnwick on the Wigan team bus and calling in for breakfast Frank said to the Chef “Thas telling me, with all these sheep on t'hills, there no bloody bacon left” The café erupted into fits of laughter. Of course being the true Gent and Chairman of the Club Frank paid for all the breakfasts.
Suffice it to say he was content with “pork sausages”.
During the 1998/99 season members of Frank Morgan's Lancashire Colts' committee expressed concerns over the numbers of youth players hemorraging the game at the colts age grade, so Frank and his cohorts conceived a plan to introduce League Rugby to Club based Colts Teams; thereby providing a conduit from Junior Rugby to the Senior game.
At every Colts League AGM he would tell us how proud he was to be our President and that the formation of the Colts League in 2000 was one of his most proudest achievements in Rugby. When he became the only person to hold the posts of both Lancashire President and Life-time President of the Colts League in 2003/04 he was overwhelmed with the Honor.
Frank the Honor was all ours ~ you touched every young player with your wit and knowledge of the game.
You imparted that knowledge not only to the Players, but to our Managers, Coaches and Parents, and on the odd occasion you even directed the Referees in the errors of their judgements (not to mention you offering to mind their white sticks and dogs for them during the game ~ Frank's opening gambit at a referees dinner).
Frank will be sorely missed by the many whose Rugby Lives he touched.
Our thoughts are with Ian, Julie and his Family, plus the members of Wigan Rugby Club who have lost a good un.
Frank will long live in our memories.
RIP our Old Friend & Brother.
AJ
Frank's Funeral Details:
Thursday 16th March 2023 @ 2.30pm
Church of St.Wilfred
13 Rectory Lane
Standish
Wigan. WN6 0XA
