FORMER national hockey captain Rudolph (Rudy) Mosbergen, who represented Singapore at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, died on Sunday at the age of 85.

A noted sportsman who was inducted into the Singapore Olympic Academy Roll of Honour in 2004, he also dedicated his life to education in a career that spanned almost four decades.

An alumni of St Joseph's Institution from which he graduated in 1948, he returned to his alma mater and taught history for many years.

He would go on to serve at several other secondary schools, including Swiss Cottage Secondary, where he was principal from 1969 to 1975. He also spent stints at the then Teacher's Training College and the National Institute of Education. And in 1982, Mr Mosbergen was appointed the first principal of Raffles Junior College.

He left in 1987 and rejoined SJI as deputy principal before retiring at the end of 1989.

Said Singapore Hockey Federation president Mathavan Devadas: "Our condolences go out to his entire family and especially his wife, Rita Mosbergen and his son, Nigel. This is a great loss for the fraternity of Singapore hockey."

In his later years, Mr Mosbergen could often be found at the three Catholic churches in the area where he grew up - the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in Victoria Street, St Bernadette's in Zion Road and St Ignatius in King's Road - where he also played the organ for 60 years. Besides his work with the Church, he would provide advice as an educational consultant.

He is survived by his wife Rita, his son Nigel and grandchildren Dominique and Yvan.

The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday at 11.45am at St Ignatius with the cremation to follow at Mandai Crematorium.