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G. Eastabrook Kindred
1930 - 2006

When I was thinking about composing this article, the phrase a gem of a gentleman came into my head. When I started to type this tribute, I decided to check the dictionary for the definition of “gem”. “A beloved or highly prized person”, the American Heritage Dictionary stated. That does describe Brook. A great many people knew him longer and deeper than I did but I am sure that they also found in him the same qualities that I admired.

We first became acquainted when he served as an umpire at our Long Island Invitational Tournament. It required the services of an umpire because it was a ranking APTA tournament. This was probably in the late 1980’s. He would load his homemade umpire chair on the top of his automobile and drive down from Scarsdale in all kinds of weather. He did it for the love of the game. Sometime, try to sit still six feet off the ground for up to three hours in freezing temperatures and also pay close attention to what is happening in front of you. Then, and only then, will you appreciate the deep love that Brook had for the sport.

Our relationship grew when the APTA Honor Award was revived in 1991 after a hiatus of twelve years. He returned to work with the Committee and brought with him years of background and experience that enabled the awards to be made again. He continued in that role until he took his last breath.

Because he was a member of the Committee, it was difficult to consider him for recognition for the Honor Award. Obviously he deserved the honor for his long contributions to the sport and this year the other members of the Committee secretly nominated him. The APTA Board of Directors confirmed his nomination in December. When members of the Committee became aware of his failing health, his induction was moved ahead and was scheduled for January 20th.

Throughout his service on the Honor Award and Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, he always wanted the person being inducted to be surprised. It was the one major difference that I had with him. I thought that it was impossible to keep such an important event a secret. I always felt that it should be known so that friends, family and players of the sport were able to share in the joy and pride of the moment. He succeeded in that effort with me last March. I was truly caught off guard when I was inducted. It was ironic that now, when he was to be inducted, the committee was advised that he should be told of the honor that was to be bestowed upon him. He did not live to publicly receive his honor but he was made aware of his selection. A posthumous Hall of Fame induction ceremony is being planned.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, January 21 at 3:30 P.M. at St. James the Less Episcopal Church on Church Lane in Scarsdale. A reception followed at the Fox Meadow Tennis Club.

Contributions in memory of Brook Kindred may be made to the Platform Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame Foundation P.O. Box 413, Scarsdale, New York 10583.

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