It is with great sadness that I have to report that John Goldfinch passed away on the morning of 28th July 2019 whilst in hospital awaiting a heart valve replacement operation. His health had been poor for some time but he was optimistic that this operation would enable him to continue to enjoy life, which he most certainly did! John loved Donna, rugby and real ale (and the odd gin!) and had a very good sense of humour. He was the most loyal of club supporters, travelling to almost all matches to cheer on "the boys". Only a couple of weeks ago I was talking to him at his and Donna`s 25th wedding anniversary at the club. We were both disappointed in the club`s relegation but at the same time excited about the prospects for the coming seasons as our youth development programme would bear fruit. We also eagerly anticipated the club`s centenary in 2024-2025 season. Sadly John will be unable to be part of this but the contribution he made to the club over many years has enabled these plans to be fulfilled.
I knew John for almost 50 years, firstly playing against him when he was at Exeter Saracens and he later came to Withycombe and played for many seasons, being captain in 1985. On retirement from playing he joined the committee and had two spells as Club Treasurer and it was a pleasure to work alongside him to help further the club`s ambitions.
John was a larger than life character who defied his medical problems to get every ounce of enjoyment out of life that he could.
I will miss him greatly as will his many friends both at the club and among those that knew him elsewhere.

R.I.P. John

For those that wish to come along, there will be a Celebration of John's Life at the Club on Friday, 16 August from 3pm. Dresscode: bright, casual.
People are invited to stay on for as long as they like after the Celebration.
The bar will be open and there will be refreshments.
We would like the afternoon to be an informal/casual send off; more fitting for our much loved John.
No flowers please. Donations may be given in John's memory for the British Heart Foundation.