Jack Tonkin
Jack was the eldest son from a well-known Newlyn family who were always proud of their roots.
He was educated at the Penzance Grammar School and did his teacher training at St. Lukes College, Exeter. It was there that he played his beloved sport of rugby football, which he followed throughout his life.
During WW2 he served as a sergeant in the RAFs Education and Assessment unit, and on his return home he taught at the Newlyn Board School before becoming headmaster at Cape Cornwall junior school.
His younger brothers, Dick (a Life Member) and Derek followed his example and also became popular teachers in the area.
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Having supported the Pirates from their outset, Jack accepted a request to become Assistant Treasurer in 1963, taking over as Treasurer in 1964, a post he held until 1979, when he was elected as President until 1982.
During his whole period of involvement with the club he was at the forefront of fundraising activities which thrived through the 60s and 70s, having a knack of encouraging others to help and get more involved.
He was a general workhorse who was deservedly made a Life Member, and he had formed an efficient partnership with Cyril Ladner, the clubs enthusiastic and indefatigable Secretary. His wife, Maureen, was also fully supportive of his efforts, and was herself a stalwart member of the Ladies Committee and Vice President of the club, the couple moving to Slaithwaite, Yorkshire, in 1983 to be nearer their son Gavin and family
Paying tribute to Jack Tonkin on the news of his passing in 1998, Phil Westren said Jack Tonkin was without doubt one of the clubs most efficient officers, a true genleman who was highly respected and well-liked by all.
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