YOU WILL ALWAYS REMAIN IN OUR HEARTS AS
"FOREVER GREEN"
PAST DOLPHINS
YOU WILL ALWAYS REMAIN IN OUR HEARTS AS
"FOREVER GREEN"
PAST DOLPHINS
Tom was a great goal kicker with the old square toed boot. In common
with Danny Benjamin, he longed for a change in rules to include a designated
kicker. Although his best days were behind him when he joined SMRC, he
turned out regularly for the Grunions and the Kelp. Each year he would
add knee braces, shoulder harnesses and miscellaneous medical devices and
kept on playing. His famous war cry was “Pour the Pork”, which although
no one knew what it meant, inspired additional ferocity on the field.
In 1956, Tom qualified for the USA Olympic Trials in race walking by
placing 4th in a national AAU event. He was unable to make the trials and
we are left to ponder the spectacle of Tom “heel and toeing” to the tune of
“Pour the pork, pour the pork…”.
We lost contact with the “King” in his latter days although there were
almost as many sightings of Tom as there were of Elvis. Tom you were
the “King” and you are sorely missed.
Ron Nisbet
John tried out with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted lineman.
He literally fought his way onto the team by cold cocking his opposite
number in a scrimmage which so impressed Tom Landry that he gave him
a contract John played for Dallas in the “Ice Bowl” against Green Bay,
the LA Rams and the Washington Redskins. He returned to UCLA
for his graduate degree in Business and took up Rugby again.
He toured with Santa Monica in Scotland and Ireland in 1983 and
accompanied David Stephenson and Dennis Jablonski to Belfast for the
Willie John McBride match with international players from all over
the world. Rumor has it that he walked through the most security-
conscious immigration screening in Belfast Airport with a money belt
containing several ounces of cannabis!
John moved to Hawaii and kept up his rugby association with the
Hawaii Harlequins Rugby Club. He counted Hunter J. Thompson
amongst his intimate friends.
John was truly an American original who lived life to the fullest and is
fondly remembered by his fellow rugby comrades. John, you were a
good friend and an unforgettable companion.
Ron Nisbet
A terrific athlete. He played on the offensive line for the Dallas Cowboys.
He moved to Hawaii and I once called him when I was on the island but
was not allowed to speak to him until I first convinced his wife I was
not looking for a place to sleep.
Gordon Bosserman
Trevor Morgan
1943-2019
Position Played: Flanker
Trevor was an outstanding flanker in the Great Petone sides of the seventies.
He toured South Africa and America with Petone teams then returned
to
Americato play for and coach Santa Monica Rugby Club for a number of
years. All of the Santa Monica players who played with Trevor and were
coached by him will share in our sadness at his loss.
Ron Nisbet
Trevor shined as a player but he glowed as a coach. He elevated and had
more influence on my rugby than anyone and was the major reason for
SMRC’s success during his tenure as coach.
He will always be in my Hall of Fame.
John Carroll
Trevor was an excellent, fearless, player. I loved his total commitment
on the field especially when he was in pursuit of the ball at a ruck or maul.
With Trevor playing flanker and me at scrum half, I wanted to make
sure that he and I were good friends. Back row players are like personal
body guards to a SH. And Trevor, like most SMRC back rows, was exceptional.
Trevor had agreat sense of humor, a love and passion for the game, and a keen
emphasis on fitness in order to improve your game. I remember when he
first became coach, he ran us so much that I lost ten pounds in two weeks.
That season set the tone for my own personal training ever since. He helped
improve my game and that was passed on to the Loyola teams that I coached.
Thanks Trevor, rest in peace.
Dick Laner
Gordon Moir
1944-2008
Position Played: Hooker
Gordon James Moir, was born April 28th 1944 in Pietermaritzburg,
South Africa. He grew up in Cape Town where he learned his rugby.
He moved out to California to complete his Ph.D in Geology with a
scholarship at UCLA. There he joined the rugby team as a hooker and
played with the core old guard of Santa Monica Rugby Club, Nisbet,
Murphy, Bosserman, Sweeney, Stevens, Lepisto, Desmond, Stephenson.
Thrussell O’Connor.et al. He was not a large physical specimen but made
up in technique and skill for his lack of size.
Once playing in Stanford Sevens, he dislocated his shoulder but continued
playing, caught the ball one-handed and scored the winning try!
At Santa Monica he shared hooking duties with Fred Khasigian, as Freddie
could play back row equally well and was a member of the championship
winning teams at San Diego and Monterey. Gordon returned to
South Africa where he continued to work for EXXON and died on his
beloved Table Mountain during a weekend hike.
“The mountains are calling and I must go.” – John Muir
Ron Nisbet
Vic Lepisto
1945-2021
Position Played: Flanker
Vic Lepisto was an original member of the Santa Monica Rugby club
and a majr contributor to the clubs dynamic beginnings. He played
on
the Monterey National Championship, San Diego Championship, and
the Southern California League Championship teams. He toured with
Santa Monica to Australia in 1978. Vic was a tireless flanker, dynamic
tackler and ball carrier and a beloved team mate
Vic learned his rugby at UCLA after a huge contribution to the UCLA
football team. I had the privilege of playing with Vic at UCLA and coaching
him at Santa Monica. His wife of many years was a faithful club supporter
and a loving companion. You will always be in our hearts Vic.
Ron Nisbet
Vic excelled at whatever he did, be it football, rugby, you name it; but most
of all, Vic excelled at being a teammate and friend. Rugby was a shared
passion and Vic added so much fun to that passion. I remember so many
times
during a game (with Sue cheering us on) when Vic made one relentless
play after another, and from a purely personal standpoint, his greatest play
was going with me to the UCLA emergency center to get my broken leg re-set.
Believe it or not, Vic helped the doc set my leg! Talk about friendship and being
a teammate! I’m so sad to see Vic go, but all of us at UCLA and Santa Monica
that were lucky enough to know Vic have an extraordinary wealth of memories
to enjoy. Here’s to Vic: The Best and Forever Green.
Mike Fenerin
Vic Lepisto embodied everything that I have come to admire in a Rugby
man. He was a tremendously talented Rugby player. As a flanker he was an
opponent to be feared and for good reason. Of all the Dolphin flankers,
I had the privilege of playing with, Vic ranks as one of the best. He was a
ferocious tackler and ball hawk as well as a great runner with the ball.
Vic’s reputation as a Rugger is well known but the one thing that struck
me about Vic was his devotion to his teammates. Vic knew how to make
everyone be a better working part of the “Green Machine”. He knew how to
get the best out of a player by simply encouraging him but more
importantly
by quietly instructing him about a better way to accomplish a move or
improve your defense. At least that is how he approached me. I learned so
much from Vic on our tour to Australia in 1978. I felt he was my own personal
coach on the tour ‘down Under', not so much at my position but about the
general ebb and flow of the game. I remember spending a lot of time with
Vic and Sue on that tour and I’ve always treasured that time. I’m not sure
why he spent that time with me, maybe because he lost a bet, or he felt sorry
for me but I’ve never forgotten it. I’m sure others remember something
similar about Vic other than his game. He was a great player, the best,
but an even greater person and man.
Dick Laner
Dean Sweeney II
1945-2006
Position Played: Prop
Dean graduated from Stanford University where he began his rugby
career, then obtained his Master in Business Administration from USC.
He played for Eagle Rock Rugby Club, along with Bill McEnteer and
Frank Digennaro in 1970 prior to the formation of the Santa Monica Club.
He joined his brother Craig as founding members of the club.
Dean played in the front row with a distinguished group of props
which included Kent Stevens, Dennis Murphy and Bill Eakland.
They formed a hilarious act on the SMRC tour to England and Wales,
which performed at the post game parties, known as “The Four Props”.
Santa Monica’s scrum was so formidable during this period that the
props maintained that the scrums at practice were tougher than those in
the game. This team’s front row players were equally adept at running
and passing as they were dominating in the scrum and lineout.
Dean played on the undefeated first year SMRC team and on the
championship teams in San Diego and Monterey.
I went on tour to Mexico City with Dean and a San Francisco team.
Dean owned a concrete cutting company. Returning to our hotel after a
rugby game and post game party, Dean spotted a group of men using
jackhammers to break up an area of roadway marked out with yellow paint.
Dean told the crew (in words they did not understand), “This is what my
company does in LA”. He grabbed one of the jackhammers and completed
the entire area marked out for that night’s work. The astonished crew
looked at the completed task and thanked Dean profusely
for giving then the rest of the night off.
Dean joined me in San Diego to witness Santa Monica’s Nation
Championship victory in 2005. Little did I know that it would the
last chance I got to see and socialize with my great friend. Gone but never
forgotten, you are now part of the “Forever Green” Machine.
Ron Nisbet
A great person. A founding member of the "four props." A strong
supporter of the team even through adversity. his first wife, Sheila,
hated his involvement with rugby so much, she refused to allow him to go
to Kent Steven's (a team mate) wedding. And actually made him leave his
wedding gift on the door step of his house so we could pick it up. We saw
him through the window. Those were the days.
Gordon Bosserman
Frazier McLean
1945-2004
Position Played: Loyal Supporter
We were all gathered in the bar after a UCLA game. Truly a motley
crew. Tricky little English bastards; big, powerful All-American football
players ... flush with success and full of ourselves. I remember watching
an older guy shuffle across the bar towards us. He had a larger-than-normal
shoe on one foot and walked with a slight limp. He looked very out of place.
He approached a bunch of us, who were sitting around a large table.
He introduced himself as Frazier McClean. He was so forthright and
unassuming in his approach that we listened. He explained that he was a
photographer and he enjoyed photographing rugby in particular. He pulled
out a dozen or so 8x10, black and white prints, showing us in action on the
pitch. In the days before cell phones and selfies, this was quite remarkable.
He offered the photos to whoever wanted them. He asked if he could hang
out at games. From the beginning, he fit right in.
Action photography was very difficult back then ... All manual focus,
hand-process film, print in a dark room full of chemicals .... I don't
recall Frazier ever asking for money for his work. He was happy to be
included. Most of the presentation about Dennis Storer's career, as well as
the history of our own club, is documented by Frazier. Personally, when
I started taking action pictures, I wanted to be like him.
I know that most of the player's from Santa Monica's early days treasure
memories that were captured for them by Frazier McClean. As far as
I can see, there can be no finer legacy.
Dave Stephenson
Richard (Jack) Lasater
1948-2020
Position Played: Wing
Jack was born in October of 1948 in Illinois and the family moved to
California on doctor's advice when Jack was two due to frequent lung
infections, eventually settling in Modesto. Jack was an all-star athlete at
Modesto High School lettering in track, baseball and football. He won a
football scholarship to Stanford University and played in the 1971 Rose Bowl
game where Stanford defeated Ohio State 27 to 17. He was also an
unstoppable wing playing for Stanford's 3-year national championship
rugby team. He played wing on the early Santa Monica squad.
Ron Nisbet
Brown Jaynes
1948-2022
Position Played: Fly Half/Center/Wing/Fullback
I don’t have the words that give justice to Brown Jaynes. I cannot
adequately convey the effect Brown has had on my life or in any significant
manner detail the warmth and humanity of someone who was more than a
friend and really a brother. He was the most enjoyable, warm-hearted human
you would ever want to know.
How do I meaningfully relate the experiences, memories, emotions, and
delights of the last forty-five years with Brown? I do not have that ability.
I cannot describe what it meant to be his house and teammate on both the
Santa Monica Rugby Club and Manhattan Beach Bodysurfing Association
Rugby and Rowing Football Club. That period is just a highlight reel of pure
joy. The outstanding seasons and national titles were great, but the true value
of that time was simply my association with him.
Our relationship transitioned effortlessly after rugby into a twenty-five-year
partnership of open ocean sailing and racing on Koloa, Koloa II, Wolfpack,
Last Tango, and Arana where we logged thousands of miles together and
won numerous local, regional, district, and national championships. This
occurred, in no small part, because of Brown and his outstanding ability
as a sail trimmer and “crew chief”. Again, wins are fun, but the real benefit
of our sailing together was the experience of his friendship. Didn’t matter
if we were racing, cruising to Catalina, or skiing together on any one of
our trips to New Mexico, Idaho, Utah, or Colorado. Brown gave his
friendship unconditionally
My heart goes out to his incredible and funny longtime partner Allison.
Brown adored Allison (I don’t know anyone who doesn’t) and Allison
adored Brown. It has always been and will always be Brown and Al.
Brown will be irreplaceable in my life, and I will never truly get over
his passing.
Rest in peace my brother.
John Carroll
Dennis Ward
1949-2021
Position Played: Fullback
Dennis Ward passed on at the age of 72. Dennis was born and raised in
the Bay Area where he graduated from Serra High School and attended
College of San Mateo. Next, he graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 1971
where he played football as a linebacker and punter, and rugby as a
fullback.
He came to West Los Angeles to enter law school at Loyola in the fall of ’74
and was excited about the opportunity to play for the Santa Monica Rugby Club.
Dennis played with Santa Monica for several years.
He returned to the Bay area to finish his Law Degree at Golden Gate
University School of Law. Once there, he continued his rugby career
with the Old Blues. Finally, upon graduation from law school, he joined
the law offices of Ropers, Majeski, Kohn and Bentley as a trial attorney
and was with them for 42 years.
Rumor has it that when he retired from rugby he took up bagpipes,
flying kites and surfing. No doubt, the bagpipes were inspired by
Ron Nisbet, his former rugby coach at Santa Monica.
Dennis was an extraordinary person. In college, he didn’t belong to a
fraternity because it seemed he was in every fraternity on campus. He could
walk into a room of strangers and you would never know that was a first-time
meeting. Dennis had a fantastic sense of humor, was kind, generous,
thoughtful, unselfish and a hardworking and true team player. He set
an excellent example for all in both life and rugby.
He is survived by his wife Gina, daughters, Carmen and Sara and
grandson, Noah who currently reside in San Jose.
Tom Mahony
Bruce McDonald
1953-2014
Position Played: Second Row
Bruce McDonald and I have been friends near on 30 years. I met Bruce at a
SMRC practice in the mid 1980's. He had just moved out from back east and
was looking for a club to play for. He was soon a regular first team player at
2nd row and we paired in many matches. As you all know, there is a close
connection between all rugby players but in my opinion even a greater
connection in the "tight five". Bruce always had my back. He even let me
yell and scream at him to get in the scrum, full well knowing he had
arrived seconds before me, just to let me vent. These years were the best
times
of my life and I KNOW they were the best times of his.
After we stopped playing and started our families, we remained close friends.
About 10 years ago he casually mentioned to me while sharing a beer that
he had a blood disorder that would probably do him in. About 16 months ago
he called to tell me that the worst had happened and that his time was short.
I really couldn't believe how noble and dignified he has been over these
last several months. We talked a lot and it was always about family,
friends, rugby and "the good old days".
He never once acted sorry for himself or even desperate about the final
outcome. He even kept his sense of humor! He reminded me of many of
the games we all have played where the score was out of hand against us,
yet many (but not all) continued to play the game as if it still could be won.
I was proud to be his teammate and even prouder to be his friend.
Rick Lemmens
Bobby Johnstone
1957-1989
Position Played: Second Row
In it's inaugural year Santa Monica played two games against Cal State
Los Angeles. They were a very big (football big) squad And gave Santa Monica
big problems. One of the largest and fastest was Bobby Johnstone who played
second row. The following year Bobby joined Santa Monica and helped make
up a squad which at least two deep at every position and where sometimes
the toughest scrums were at practice.
Bobby played on the winning SMRC teams at San Diego and Santa Barbara.
The following year he moved to San Francisco where we encountered him
again while he was playing for the BATS. In 1989 the big San Francisco
earthquake struck. Bobby's basement was flooded and while trying to
assess damage Bobby was electrocuted and died.
Bobby had a big physique and a big heart.
He is now playing in the Green Elysian Fields.
Ron Nisbet
Vic Mayer
1957-2014
Position Played: Second Row
We've all heard the poem "The Dash", about that little dash from one's first
day on Earth to the last. Well, Vic had a pretty big dash. He lived a very full
life, and left this World feeling good about his time here.
Vic came to the club from UCLA, where he was a scholarship athlete who
played football and rugby. A born leader, he was eventually elected captain.
We bonded immediately, as many in the tight-five will, but that bond was
cemented when he moved in to our (very large 4-bedroom townhouse) apartment
which he re-named Camp College. On the field, a fierce competitor, with
tree-trunk legs. Off the field, a sensitive, caring soul. An artist, his main
medium was wood. He created pieces which he called "Antiques of the Future".
Truly beautiful works of art. He followed this passion for over 30 years.
He was a World-traveler, model (!), husband, not-so-good parrot trainer,
and father of three. If you were his friend, it was for life. He was my
teammate, my friend, my roommate, my brother. We shared many
adventures and thoughts. A great Dolphin, and Bruin, for life. We lost Vic to
"Steve Jobs" cancer, after a short, 3 1/2 month period. Through all of the
radiation, and other treatments, as his body was giving up, he never wavered
in his faith that either way, win or lose, he was going to be fine. He leaves
his family in good shape, intact, with no regrets. All are well. He is missed.
Norm Allendorph
Daniel Otter
1961-2011
Position Played: Second Row
Dan exemplified why we all loved playing rugby for Santa Monica RFC
together. He was the consummate teammate there in support, usually the
first one to put his head in the ruck to push the pile (and did he have the
lumps and scars on that noggin' to prove it). He was positive and uplifting
and you knew he really cared about the club and its members. Dan
loved the post game festivities and was always there to share a beer
and a story. When he and his family moved to Las Vegas, he reveled in
hosting his former teammates at the Rugby 7s and opened his suite to
all of us. He was a good man, a good husband and a good father, and
I am proud to have known and played with him.
Andrew Hunter
We all wanted to believe that Jimmy was our best friend, and he made every
one of us feel special, loved, and interesting, and he would always be interested.
I do have to say that Jim had a special thing for red heads. With only 4% of
the worlds population being gingers, Over 80% of Jim’s groomsmen were Gingers.
Jim took that joy and love for life and rugby with him into his coaching
where he gave back to Santa Monica Rugby as a youth coach for Adam’s
teams with his primary motto being “too much fun” ....the same philosophy
that he took with him to every aspect of his life. His lifelong contribution to
Santa Monica Rugby Club both on and off the field culminated in his induction
to their Hall of Fame. If there was a Hall of Fame for Greatest Humans , Jim
would be the leading inductee.
I was asked to speak about his rugby years which is difficult for me, because
his rugby years lasted 36 years, resulting in me having a front-row seat to
the greatest person I have met.
To see his love for his family, extended family, friends and everyone he met, gave
me the blueprint for how I wanted to live my life. And as I move on in life I will
always think...”What would Jimmy do” when I come to any crossroads.
There is a concept in rugby about “Never leaving anything in the tank”. When
you leave the field you should have given everything and not have any doubts
about whether you gave it your all.mJimmy lived his life like that. He never left
anything in the tank. He gave everything he had in everything he did.
That is the lesson he taught us. No Regrets. Live your life to the fullest, and
be impactful with your love and humanity to everyone you meet.
Shawn Lipman
When my son Charlie was maybe 6, he began a tradition with Jimmy.
Somehow Jimmy would say he was a big guy and smart-ass Charlie would say
he was a fat guy. I think the innocence always made Jimmy laugh and we
joked about that for the next 20+ years. When I told Charlie that Jimmy
had passed, he paused and simply said "he was a big guy."
Robert Hacker
Jimmy was the heart and soul of the SMRC. Both on the pitch and off,
Jimmy's selfless contributions were massive. His attention to administration
was only surpassed by his generous offerings to players and their families in
the form of work and transport options, social networking, and endless
encouragement. Forever green, forever loved.
Chip Seamans
From the first time I met Jim I couldn’t help being drawn to his cheerful,
positive, and loving personality. He was a giant with a heart of gold and
a true inspiration to me, as he wasto many others, and he’ll always
remain in our hearts forever.
Danny Benjamin
Philip Osborne
1986-2020
Position Played:
The first time I met Phil, I didn't realize it was our first time meeting.
He was so warmhearted, friendly, and caring — like we were old friends,
reunited. I assumed maybe he'd been with the club years prior and I didn't
recall. It was probably weeks before I realized he was brand new to the club.
The absolute essence of a rugby player and club man, Phil put it all on the
line for his mates, on and off the pitch. Grateful to have crossed paths
with him, he is missed.
Chris Kelley