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Tony Barnett RIP
michael james17 Apr - 11:39
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Sad news of a well respected clubs stalwart of over 60 years
It is with sadness that Rugby Welsh RFC have been informed of the passing away of club stalwart Tony Barnett. Tony was a member of our club for over 60 years and in his quiet, respectful way played a huge part in the success of the club.
Tony was a powerful centre, joining the club in around 1960, initially playing with his good friend Don Moses and was a regular, well respected member of the team throughout the 1960’s. After retiring from playing Tony became a referee and many of us will remember him being our ‘home club referee’ when we were not allocated an official in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Tony was respected by us all when he undertook our fixtures and he was always more than fair to our opposition with his decisions!
Tony lived very close to our Alwyn Road pitch and if he was not on referee duty he would walk across the Alwyn Road field, whatever the weather conditions, as our game would be about to commence and be the touch judge . He would often perform the duties on the opposition side of the pitch if they had no one available. He continued to do this for many years after finishing being a referee and always took the role seriously. It was an unsung task which we were always thankful he performed, particularly when our club struggled with playing numbers during parts of the 1990’s.
Tony continued to be a regular home supporter throughout the rest of his life, chatting with his lifelong friends in the club and always being pleased when the club were successful. Tony was a deserved winner of the Don Moses Award for lifelong commitment to the club (a picture being shown above). Tony was a true gentleman, always friendly to everyone and his views on the game and any other matters were greatly respected.
Tony will always be fondly remembered by everyone at Rugby Welsh for the roles he played and for the gentleman he was. The club wishes to send its condolences to Tony’s daughters Sian and Vicky, his extended family and all his friends at this sad time.
Tony was a powerful centre, joining the club in around 1960, initially playing with his good friend Don Moses and was a regular, well respected member of the team throughout the 1960’s. After retiring from playing Tony became a referee and many of us will remember him being our ‘home club referee’ when we were not allocated an official in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Tony was respected by us all when he undertook our fixtures and he was always more than fair to our opposition with his decisions!
Tony lived very close to our Alwyn Road pitch and if he was not on referee duty he would walk across the Alwyn Road field, whatever the weather conditions, as our game would be about to commence and be the touch judge . He would often perform the duties on the opposition side of the pitch if they had no one available. He continued to do this for many years after finishing being a referee and always took the role seriously. It was an unsung task which we were always thankful he performed, particularly when our club struggled with playing numbers during parts of the 1990’s.
Tony continued to be a regular home supporter throughout the rest of his life, chatting with his lifelong friends in the club and always being pleased when the club were successful. Tony was a deserved winner of the Don Moses Award for lifelong commitment to the club (a picture being shown above). Tony was a true gentleman, always friendly to everyone and his views on the game and any other matters were greatly respected.
Tony will always be fondly remembered by everyone at Rugby Welsh for the roles he played and for the gentleman he was. The club wishes to send its condolences to Tony’s daughters Sian and Vicky, his extended family and all his friends at this sad time.
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