ONE of the founders of Witney RFC has died aged 84.

Frank Grant, pictured, was one of the committee members in 1965 responsible for merging the rugby teams of West Oxfordshire Technical College and Smiths Industries. He remained involved in the club for most of the rest of his life.

Mr Grant played fullback and was considered one of the finest kickers at the club.

He captained several teams over his decades as a player and also coached.

After retiring from work more than 20 years ago, Mr Grant held RFC roles such as club secretary and president. He saw it grow to a club with four men’s teams and one ladies’ team, as well as more than 400 youth players.

Mr Grant was born in North Newington on July 25, 1928. He grew up in the area before doing an apprenticeship at Morris Motors after leaving school.

After a brief period working at Cowley he moved to Witney in 1951 to Smiths Industries, a manufacturer of aeronautical and automotive instruments.

He was there more than 20 years, during which he married Pauline Joyce, in 1953, and the couple remained together until she died in 2005.

Mr Grant left Smiths Industries in 1972 to work first for Austin Rover, then Avenell and finally Air Dry until he retired in 1996.

Mr Grant died on June 30 and his funeral took place at Oxford Crematorium on July 11. He is survived by children Francis and Jane and grandchild William.