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Squash buddies nicknamed Don Wilkinson "King Don" because he dominated the court.
But he was "selfless and unassuming" off it, friends from the close-knit club of 50 at Kumeu Rackets northwest of Auckland said last night.
The stunned players, none of whom knew what he did for a living, described how Mr Wilkinson was always volunteering to do work behind the scenes.
It was social club night last night and Mr Wilkinson - the 2007 Men's C1 Grade Champion and a dedicated committee member - would have usually given his mates a run for their money on the court.
"He was a very energetic little rabbit on the court; we could never keep up with him," one man told the Herald.
"Nobody could beat him. We called him 'King Don'."
Mr Wilkinson would spend hours in the kitchen during interclub tournaments making toasted sandwiches for players in between playing games.
He was also a whizz on the guitar, able to play and sing just about any song, players said. He had lent a guitar to a player and had started teaching him how to play.
"He brought it out at tournaments after dark. It was like having Pink Floyd in the room," the man said.
He was surprised to find out Mr Wilkinson was a policeman.
"He told us he worked in security installation. He sort of led a double life.
"We knew he did something secret but we didn't like to pry."
Players said Mr Wilkinson would mow the lawns at the back of the club without being asked.
And he had secured a $5000 grant from the Lion Foundation for the club.
Player Lane Roberts said: "He worked exceptionally hard for the club, was a damn good bloke, and will be sorely missed.
"He was an excellent player, extremely fit, gave a lot of time to new members and a bit of coaching as well. He did a lot for everyone."
Another friend, Phil Watkins, described Mr Wilkinson as a "tireless clubman" who was known for his "unstinting enthusiasm".
The club was still grieving another member who died in November. James Aperahama drowned while diving for crayfish for a club tournament.
The club planted a kowhai tree on the property and hopes to put the names of both members on a plaque underneath.
Yesterday, Manukau City Council's flag at the Civic Centre in Wiri Station Rd was flown at half-mast, as were flags at police stations nationwide.
Prime Minister Helen Clark led tributes, saying it was a sad day for the force and police families and they had her deepest sympathy.
