6 April 2020 | Tennis West

A true heroine of life, family and tennis, the remarkable Gwyn White has passed away aged 106.

Well known for her love of family which spans five generations, Gwyn was mother to Ian and Joy, grandmother to six, great grandmother to thirteen and great great grandmother of two.

Family aside, tennis was Gwyns other great love. A member of the formidable Subiaco ladies ‘A’ Grade Shield team, a youthful Gwyn joined Joy Ryan, Joan Ryan, Rona Ryan, Margaret Heron and Margot Arcus in winning four consecutive titles between 1949/50 – 1952/53. Winning a total of seven ‘A Grade’ Pennants, perhaps the most memorable, were winning two of those pennants with daughter Joy.

A great contributor to the sport both on and off the court, Gwyn volunteered as the Secretary of the Women’s Auxiliary for some twenty three years. Doing so alongside President Helen Walters and Treasurer Mary Ward, the group were responsible for an array of fundraising efforts which supported tennis in Western Australia for more than two decades. The long standing committee of dedicated women, was also credited with the growth of both the midweek shield and winter competitions of the early 1980’s.

Continuing to hit the courts until injury forced her retirement at the impressive age of 96, Gwyn enjoyed many a success playing on the veteran’s circuit proving that tennis really is a sport for all ages. Aged 75, Gwyn joined team members Marie Tracy, Pat Jenzen, Joan Davies and Elsie Crowe in claiming the Ladies 60s title of the 1988 Australasian Veteran’s Championship, as well as claiming a title at the World Championships in 2003.

A true inspiration to us all, Gwyn’s love of life, family and tennis will be sadly missed by all. The Board and staff of Tennis West extends its deepest condolences to Gwyn’s family at this most difficult time.