Co-founder of Penrith RSL Cricket Club lived a life dedicated to the sport he loved Loss of cricket trailblazer

A-Grade team for many years and they won a number of competitions,” Mark said.

Whether it was during his short time with the Army or three decades with the Police Force, John “Jack” Rattenbury dedicated his life to service, but it was his 70-year contribution to local cricket where he really made a name for himself.

Rattenbury, one of the men who founded Penrith RSL Cricket Club in 1948, passed away on January 10 at the ripe old age of 98.

His sons Mark and Guy said their late father “encouraged generations of cricketers” and will be remembered for his cricketing prowess both on and off the field.

“There were a lot of phases to his life. From the age of 16 he was serving the community in some capacity, whether it was with the Army, the Police or in cricket – it’s all service,” Mark told the Weekender

“People followed him, took his advice and he was respected by all. As a family, we are all very proud of him and his achievements,” Guy added.

Rattenbury was born in the NSW country town of Yass in May 1924 and was the youngest of eight children. At 16, he moved to Sydney for a job in the railways before signing up to the Army whilst underage. It was on his second tour of duty overseas that Rattenbury met a fellow Penrith local named Jack Parkes and the pair bonded over their love of cricket.

“Whilst over in the jungles of PNG, Dad and Jack talked about starting a cricket side if they ever made it home,” Mark recalled.

“The pair returned home in 1946 and, just two years later, they started the Penrith RSL Senior Cricket Club.”

Rattenbury had a 70-year associ-