Sadly we have to report the loss of Fred Roy this year, who died in Palmerston North aged 85 years.
Fred’s contribution to Softball over the years has been immense.He started playing for Broadway, (Wellington), before the War from 1938 – 1941, then on the outbreak of War, he signed up as a trainee with the Royal N.Z. Air Force, and did his training in Auckland from 1942 – 1945, at Whenuapai Base.Fred served as “home front” personel up until 1946.While in Auckland, he joined the young Ramblers Club, and played for the Auckland Representative team in 1945/46 season.
He was soon back in Wellington, and re-joined his old club, Broadway, where he quickly became a number 1 player at second base for the great Broadway teams of the fifties.During this period he won three John Lennon Badges, (N.Z. Club Championships), with Broadway. He also represented Wellington at Senior A Rep. levels from 1949 – 1955.He was Captain on two occasions, Fred played for the North Island (V South) in 1950, and in 1953 played for Wellington against the touring Victorian State side.
Fred was a regular with the Wellington Evergreens side through the 1960’s, and gave up the playing during the late 80’s.
Fred was a great guy, a terrific player, well respected by all the Champions of his era.He will be sadly missed.
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