Donald Herbert Taylor (affectionately known as Don) was born in Wagga Wagga on September 6, 1924, almost 95 years ago.

His parents Herbert and Ellie farmed at a property named "Rockville" in Tootool. Don was their only child. He was home schooled until the age of 13 when he went to Scotch College in Melbourne to complete his secondary schooling.

Don returned to the farm at The Rock and worked alongside his father until he married Valerie Elizabeth Heyme in 1949 (they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in February this year).

Don, Val and their sons Robert and Roger enjoyed annual holidays at Port Macquarie or Narooma. He was a good swimmer and body surfer and it was on one of these holidays at Narooma that he helped lifesavers rescue a swimmer in difficulties.

When he reached the man, who had been carried out 300 yards by the rip, he handed him a line. His bravery didn't go unnoticed with an article written in a Melbourne newspaper entitled 'Don to the Rescue'.

Don was a very active, keen and committed sportsman. He was involved in the local teams of cricket, tennis, golf and football taking on various administration positions. He was one of The Rock/Yerong Creek Football Club's most prestigious players in a career that spanned over 25 years.

From 1950 - 1961 he was named 'Best & Fairest' for the Club 4 times. He clocked up 407 first-grade games and was made a life member. At the age of 44 Don and was awarded the Verdon Medal for the 'Best and Fairest' in the Farrer League Reserve Grade.

An article published in 1966 in the Herald & Weekly Times Melbourne (along with the photo of a young athletic Don kicking high with The Rock Hill in the background) stated "Don had two ambitions to fill before he calls it a day. First is to play 500 games and establish an unbeatable record in the Farrer League, which is noted for long-playing veterans and second is to keep a place in the team open for his sixteen-year-old son Robert who is still going to school in Albury."

A minute's silence was observed at The Rock Football Ground in memory of Don and the players all wore black arm bands in respect. This was such a wonderful tribute to Don, he would have been so immensely proud and honoured at this gesture. He was known as a gentleman on and off the field, always fair, considerate and so good to be around.

Added the Don's amazing sporting abilities was horse riding. He rode in many gymkhanas on his favourite horse 'Peggy' - the ribbons hanging behind the door were testament to this.

On his retirement to Tura Beach in 1988, Don continued his love of sport joining the Merimbula Marlins Football Club as a goal umpire and time-keeper and was a member of the Tura Beach Country Club enjoying many games of golf.

The long weekend in June was such a fun time going along to the Merimbula Jazz Festival enjoying the company of many visiting family and friends.

Don died peacefully at Bega Hospital on August 9, 2019 and was farewelled at a service held at the Merimbula Uniting Church.

He is survived by his wife Val, sons and daughters-in-law Robert and Lyn and Roger and Julie. Adored 'Poppy Don' of Trent, Megan, Amanda and Scott and much loved great grandfather of 11 children who, much to his delight, are involved in every sport imaginable.