HE was a true Warwick Suburbs player and administrator for more than 40 years and on Saturday the club acknowledged the hard work and determination he put into his club.

Foundation member, player, president and life member Noel Nielsen, who died in January this year, played many roles at the club, always proud to be part of the maroon and white Hornets.

New seating in front of the clubhouse was opened in his honour and his wife Judy carried out his last wish to have his life member's jacket back at the clubhouse he helped build.

“He just loved to wear it – he wore it to any sort of sporting function where he could represent his club,” Mrs Nielsen said. “He was quite proud of his achievements here, but not only his achievements but those after him and before him.”

Friend Paul Roche reminisced about his time with Mr Nielsen from selling raffle tickets to assisting him while he marked lines on the field.

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going – that is how Noel lived his life,” Mr Roche said.

Current president Gary McEwan said Mr Nielsen was president from 1985-90.

“He wanted to be a part of the club at all times,” Mr McEwan said.

Seven fellow life members were a part of the celebrations on Saturday.