Old Rabbitoh in good spirits

On the 27 February, Men of League Welfare Officers Fred Jackson, Ken Vessey and Men of League Member Chris Letters paid a visit on a former CBA work colleague of Chris's, Kevin Hain who turns 86 years old on the 13 March, and we were fortunate to meet Kevin's charming wife of 58 years, Joan and his lovely daughter Ally.

Kevin had previously suffered a stroke resulting in him being paralysed on his left side, he has resided at a nursing home in Mosman for six years where Joan visits him every day and he is well supported by his caring family comprising of daughter Ally and husband Brian, three sons and wives, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Upon our arrival in Kevin's room we thought we were in the South Sydney District Leagues Club because his room was adorned with numerous items of the South Sydney Rabbitohs team past and present; there was everything from signed footballs, red and green caps/scarfs, a framed signed Souths Jumper, framed collective drawings of past Souths greats.

Kevin was born in Cooma, NSW and he has followed South Sydney from the age of 8 with the greatest fervour and loyalty since that time, as does his family. Over the years he and Joan became very close friends with the late "Little Master" Clive Churchill and his wife Joyce and many other players.

Kevin worked with the CBA for over 50 years and held many varied senior executive positions throughout NSW and overseas in the Solomon Islands, Port Moresby and Rabaul. Chris Letters first met Kevin when working at the Bank's Branch in Double Bay, Sydney and they had us in laughter with their stories of after work drinks at the famous Golden Sheaf Hotel in Double Bay.

Kevin told us he always loved a beer especially a cold VB beer and in no time at all we were sharing a cold VB and sandwiches with him, which was kindly arranged by Joan.

He was able to recall past and present South Sydney players and converse on any aspect of the game of rugby league; he added he cannot wait for the season to start and predicted this year would be one for a South Sydney premiership.

On behalf of the Men of League Foundation we presented Kevin with a Men of League polo and magazine in appreciation for all his efforts in supporting the game of Rugby League especially South Sydney and we wished him continued good health.

Kevin was most appreciative of our visit and gifts and he wished the Men of League Foundation continued success in the future.