The Baw Baw Squash Club presented their first life membership in over a decade at their recent presentation night for the winter competition.
A committee of life members determined that club president, Tim Kubale, satisfied not just some, but all of the criteria required and thoroughly deserved the award.
Tim played squash in both Warragul and Bellbird Park before the two clubs merged in 1996 and has been a constant in Baw Baw Squash Club ever since.
Such is his commitment as a player, after injury to his right shoulder he changed to a left-hander in order to keep playing.
Apart from long service as a player Tim has contributed to the development of the club in a multitude of ways.
As a very experienced and dedicated player he can be relied upon to mark and referee matches as well as offering coaching advice to others whether or not they are part of his team.
The clubrooms and courts would not be the same without the contribution that Tim has made.
Court painting, line marking and floor repair have all been organised by him. Clubroom lining and joinery were other jobs that he undertook.
Early in the piece he arranged naming-rights sponsorship for teams which raised much-needed funds for the club.
Tim's commitment has not just been in material provisions but also in the club's social development.
He has been instrumental in gaining extended access to the facility on competition nights which has been essential to ensure that all matches can be completed.
He has often provided refreshments for the members' supper, and most of his many contributions have been provided at his own expense, such is his generosity and love for the club.
In addition, he has been a committee member for decades and president for almost ten year. He is a true legend of the club and just the eighth member to be bestowed with life membership.
In his response, Tim, typically, downplayed his own efforts and thanked those who turn up each week as well as those who keep the club running smoothly.
He also concluded that he had gained more from the club than the club had gained from him.
One of his gains was his wife, Cathy, who also played in the club, so it was hard to disagree.
Being a special occasion there was a "bright shirt" theme in which members were encouraged to wear the colour of their team as outlandish as possible.
Daniel Meyer, who came as the Grinch, was widely regarded as having the best outfit.
The evening also saw the presentation of trophies for the winter competition which has been reported earlier.
In addition, Michael McKay was presented with the trophy for winning the Tuesday night handicap tournament.
The whole night proved a fitting tribute to a dedicated member who has devoted so much time and energy in the service of the club.