There wouldn't be many people who have spent more time in the Waratah Oval precinct than Ray Frost.
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A life member at Waratah's rugby union, cricket and bowling clubs, Frost was a regular for decades in the parklands of postcode 2298.
Tributes have flowed over the weekend as members of those sporting groups and the wider community remember Frost, who died at an aged care facility in Mayfield on Saturday.
He was aged 94.
Steve "Chrunch" Christie, who has strong links to both the cricket and rugby union clubs at Waratah, paid homage to Frost.
"He was just a really good bloke," Christie said.
"A long time supporter of everything Waratah sport between rugby, cricket and lawn bowls over such a long period of time. He was quiet, humble and didn't have a bad word to say about anyone. One of life's gentlemen."
On the sporting field, Frost was best known for his rugby union exploits.
The forward, who started as a prop before shifting to lock and breakaway, won five Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union premierships for Waratah in the top grade between 1946 and his retirement in 1958. He played 243 games for the club, including 160 in the first XV, and also held the positions of secretary, selector and coach.
During his career Frost represented Newcastle, Country and NSW, including a 49-6 victory over Queenland at North Sydney Oval in 1955. He was considered unlucky not to be picked alongside Waratah teammate Cyril Burke in the Australian squad of 1953.
The current Waratah president, Alex Robson, said Frost "still came down to a game" and attended last year's presentation. "He was always good for a yarn and could tell a good story," Robson said.
In the summer seasons, Frost helped Waratah claim eight Newcastle District Cricket Association club championships during the 1950s and while reaching first grade mainly played seconds as an opening batsman. He also captained, served as secretary and was elevated to club patron in 2002.
Many of his later years were spent playing and volunteering at nearby Waratah Bowling Club, where the main green is named in his honour.
Frost's funeral arrangements have yet to be announced, but will be goverened by current coronavirus restrictions.