Esteemed football friend bid farewell

Most in the Wanganui football community will understand why this column is appearing a little later in the week.
Following the death last week of Rowland "Roly" Taylor, it was requested that we run the column after the celebration of his life, which was held yesterday.
Many of us involved in Wanganui football - and, I would venture to say, all of us growing up in local football - have had some dealings with a man who can be described as a true gentleman, a friend and probably the hardest worker for Wembley Park that any of us can remember.
I was talking with past Wanganui Soccer Association president Ken Crafar, who reckoned that Roly's contribution to the game - and the facilities which we all enjoy now - had encompassed about 60 years, most of it hands-on, practical and visible at the park for today's generation.
His close friend, Jock Selbie, also had a fair few plaudits for the efforts of the character ... and a few chuckles about his keen sense of humour.
Roly had seen a lot of changes in the way the game was run and had been structured in the Central region and was a life member of the Wanganui association and Central Football.
Add in life membership of Wanganui Marist Football Club and a honorary membership of Wanganui City FC, and it is not hard to see the regard and esteem he was held in.
He infected many with his lovable, sincere and mostly forthright nature, and always had time to listen to all, usually offering some sage advice.
Most of us remember the regularity with which Wanganui hosted age-group tournaments in the 1980s and 90s. The first man out on the fields to make sure the kids had their pitches marked, nets up and enjoyed their game was the man himself.
He usually had a band of merry helpers - most of the kids in the rep teams would be on the red ute helping Rolz with the set up. There was an ulterior motive for the kids - if they worked for a little while, Roly would let them drive the ute. That was how most of us around football learned how to drive.
After the hard work was done, the day over for the kids and most had gone to recover from their sport-filled day, who was the last man at the park cleaning up? Roly.
He was an active member of the local Marist club and maintained that the juniors were the strength of any club. He was at the forefront every Saturday morning, supporting, coaching and encouraging all, but especially the young green-shirted sides, many of whom are still playing today.
I could go on about the good times we all shared. We were lucky enough to spend time with a stalwart, friend, mentor for some, and a wise shoulder to lean on.
And, at times, we got to enjoy a wee dram together. Those are the things - and I think I can speak for the whole of Wanganui football community this once - that we will remember with great fondness and with the utmost respect.
While sitting in the grandstand bearing his name, I will have a quiet think about where his hard work has got us now - and, at the same, have a chuckle about some of the ways he went about it. I will remember the good times, the good people he attracted, his charm, wit and wicked sense of humour.
To Sharn and the rest of the Taylor family and the Wanganui Marist Football Club, thanks for sharing a great man with us, and condolences to all.
Roly was a friend to all of us.
RIP.