The Arrowtown Rugby Club paid a final tribute to Ewan Edgerton on Saturday night by downing a shot of whisky in honour of the club stalwart, who died on March 16, aged 57.
Arrowtown got its season off to a perfect start, beating Matakanui-Combined 43-11 at home.
Club president Simon Spark said it was appropriate to acknowledge Mr Edgerton's contribution to the club and the community during the after-match presentations.
"We, as a community, had a bit of a tragedy and we lost one of our loyal club people, community people, business people.
"I don't know what to say," Mr Spark told Mr Edgerton's wife Suzanne.
"As a club, we can't find words to describe it and I'm sure you can appreciate that."
Mr Spark said Mr Edgerton - known as "Huge" - had been one of the original members of the Arrowtown Rugby Club, which was set up after a meeting at the Royal Oak where it was decided to re-establish the side after a 20-year hiatus.
Mr Edgerton came out of retirement to be one of the first to join the team and he continued to play for three or four years "to see through what he started", Mr Spark said.
After his playing days were over, Mr Edgerton went on to coach the Arrowtown side, and managed Arrowtown's White Horse Cup winning team.
He later became club president and now sponsored the club through his company, Edge Construction.
"The sponsorship cheque this year came in the day he passed on. That shows that the club was an important part in his life."
It was also because of Mr Edgerton that the Arrowtown Bulls wore red, "because we clashed with Ranfurly".
"He wanted to see red, which we still have."
Mr Edgerton was also a passionate supporter of the Bulls, both at home and away.
Mrs Edgerton and her children, Brent and Carrie, were invited to the clubrooms and Mr Spark said he appreciated the courage they had shown by accepting the invitation.
"I know it's still tough, but you have got the support of everyone here."
Captain and player of the day Daniel Iosefo also paid tribute to Mr Edgerton during his speech, saying he hoped the team had "done the big fella proud" in its comprehensive win.
The Edgerton family was presented with a new Arrowtown jersey, signed by the 2009 team, to hang in Mr Edgerton's "sports room".
"He'll be looking down on us in pride, I hope."
The family was also presented with an article written by Arrowtown player Reece Winter, published in a rugby magazine last year, which listed Mr Edgerton as the "club legend".
"I think that says it all about Ewan," he said.
