It was with great sadness we learned of the passing of Honorary Member Bob Wake in May 2024. Bob was an identity and iconic figure at Whanganui Collegiate School cricket for 50 years. Due recognition for his service to cricket came at a special luncheon in 2021 when he was awarded with his Honours Tie. Fellow Old Boy and Central Districts great, Dermot Payton, made the presentation to Bob with many of his former 1st XI teammates in attendance.
During his time at WCS Bob was a talented all-rounder playing in both the 1st XI cricket and 1st XV rugby teams of 1959/60. From 1974 to 2001 he was the umpire for the 1st XI. Being a great man for statistics Bob asserted he only missed one game in that period, notching up 121 two day matches with only 18 LBWs adjudged. Bob was appointed the 1st XI manager in 1994 and was team scorer from 2001 to April 2024. Bob’s handwritten scorebooks were a work of art – a masterpiece of coloured penmanship.
He leaves a huge legacy. Multitudes of current and past players fondly remember Bob and thank him for donating them the scorecard after a notable performance or for his affirming words after a day’s play. It will not be the same without Bob’s presence at future Willows matches or indeed wherever his beloved WCS XI play.
Robert Wake (1940–2024)
Honorary Member
Willower since 2000