Hi Paul,

 

I have just been onto the Harlow Rugby Club website.

My name is Kate O'Callaghan and I am Jane Bracewell's eldest daughter.

 

Ron Bracewell- My Grandad

I was reading all the lovely things everyone has put on the notice board on your website and everyone seems to have one thing in common. They loved my granddad. He was the kindest, sweetest man and I am so proud that he was my granddad and so loved and so well known by so many people.

 

For those of you who don't know Ron was known as Daddad by his grandchildren. There is me, Kate 21, Sam 20, Sally, Jack and Ella, all 18, Hannah 9, and Chris 7. And as you can imagine we are all in deep shock, and I was certain he would be with us for many more years to come.

 

We had recently come back from a family holiday in Corfu, which he enjoyed very much. At 79 he had an extensive social calendar consisting of whale watching, following the Lions Tour and relaxing with a good book and his family on a lovely Greek Island. I remember about six years ago watching him doing a running-bomb into the swimming pool at a French Villa and knowing he was the coolest granddad ever! And we still do.

 

Thank you Paul and Dave for aiding people to put their lovely memories on the notice board for such a wonderful person and fantastic Granddad.

 

Daddad- we love you and miss you very much.

All my love

Katie x

I am Ron’s nephew from North Wales. Uncle Ron died while on his annual holiday get-together with his two brothers Brian and Michael. His death has come as a great shock to us all. I have been greatly heartened by the many generous tributes on the Club’s website. I am however not at all surprised. My wife Ann and I were privileged to attended Tim’s funeral and the celebration of her life afterwards at the Club. It was abundantly clear to us how much he loved the Club, and, in turn, how well-loved he was at the Club. A couple of years after Tim’s death, Ann and I stayed with Ron, who treated us to a wonderful curry, and tour of his lovely garden. More recently, I thought of him every time I tuned in to RTE to listen to the Lions tour. Unfortunately, it will not be possible for any of the North Wales Bracewells to attend the funeral on Thursday, but our thoughts will be with you all.
Submitted by:Martyn Bracewell Friday 16 September

Just a few of my memories of Ron over the last 40 years.
Rons Eyes:
I took over from Ron as secretary of the Rugby Club. I will never forget my dismay as Ron entered the clubhouse to hand over. He was staggering under the weight of a pile of files and documents, I could barely see his eyes.
If there was a committee or society that could possibly benefit Harlow RFC then Ron was there representing the club. It did not matter which or what organization it was, be it the RFU, the Development Corporation, the Council, Essex, Eastern Counties, no matter, Ron was there doing his best for our club.

The impenetrable Green Wall:
In the Late 60s and early 70s, Ron was a regular referee, he wore a green shirt. Any Back Row forward trying to break quickly from a ruck or scrum would invariably find Ron directly in his path. A unique ability.

Peeing in Park Lane.
Returning from an away fixture at Staines, where Ron had tried to "erase" the memory of our Team electing to kick for the corner from under the posts in the last seconds of the game and to compound the agony, our coach driver has missed his turning at the Hogarth Roundabout, Ron felt the need for a relief break. Central London being what it is late on a Saturday night, no public toilets were available. Our president was happy line up the entire occupants, adjacent to the coach, opposite the Grosvenor Hotel to ensure our comfort.
Ron, I am missing you already.
Message Submitted by: Tony Fallart Saturday 17 September

 

My deepest sympathy to the family. The rugby club dinners will never be the same with out my kiss from Ron. He will be sadly missed.
Submitted by:julie rogers Sunday 18 September

Refs.
Phone ring. Are you available this week Derek, we are one or two referees short? I'll never forget that message, it was a regular reminder of the time of the year. Ron was always available for our club, in whatever capacity, over many years. He was also a good ambassador in other circles in the town, where a lot of the hidden work goes on to ensure that the club is not forgotten. I will miss his friendly face and ready smile - a true sincere person Thanks Ron.
Submitted by:Derek Fenny Sunday 18 September

I have received a message from Barking Rugby Club asking me to pass on there Condolances to Both Ron's family and the Club
Submitted by:Chris McFerran Sunday 18 September

I would like to pass on my condolences to all of Ron's family at this sad time. When I first started playing rugby I was introduced to Ron who was one of the first people who welcomed me to the club. He was always approachable and would always find the time to have a word to you. He will be missed and the club is a poorer place without him.
Submitted by:Lee Hodges Monday 19 September

 

"It's all your fault Ron"

I called into Ram Gourse, with a view to becomming a drinking member, in 1965. Having not played for four years. Got talked into playing for the 2nd or 3rd. team. Decided to hang up my boots!!Ron found-out my address. A knock at the door. It's Ron can you help out Chas. our Fixture Sec. has moved on for a Job up north. How could I refuse. Have you ever thought of taking up Refereeing ? Your Joking was my reply. We need to put two Ref's into the London Society to get two out every Saturday. Here's a Law Book and "The art of Refereeing" Thanks Ron!! I'll remember you always, you will be greatly missed

Submitted by:Charles Pascoe Monday 19 September

 

The very sad news of Ron's untimely death reached our little Cyprus outpost last night and our thoughts are with Ron's family in their loss. The wonderful tributes already posted say much of what can be said about Ron and it has been a great privilege to have known him throughout my 46 years association with the club he loved so much. Impossible to condense memories of so many years but I for one cannot forget the amazing time keeping of Ron and Tim when arriving for their pint and a chat on Tuesday and Thursday evenings - never ever before 10.00 pm. Ron was always efficient and quietly authoritative in all his years of administrative work and was equally so in his weekly refereeing stint when his deep knowledge of the black arts of lower team rugby ensured that both he and us had a really enjoyable 80 minutes every Saturday afternoon. Ron was a great ambassador for the club and a gentleman in every sense of the word. Sadly we can't be in Harlow on the 22nd but we will certainly be there in thought and spirit. I (Pam) will miss the beaming smile and greeting hug when we met Ron, usually in Tescos, where we regularly blocked the aisle while catching up on all the news. Such a kind, caring gentleman - we'll certainly miss him. Pam and Brian Holgarth PS News has been passed on to Cypriot residents Mike Gibbons, a friend of Ron and his brothers since their water polo days at Southport swimming club and Bob French, another of the founder members of Harlow Rugby Club.

Submitted by:Brian and Pam Holgarth Tuesday 20 September

 

I played a few games in the 1958 season (for the 'A' side, as low as one could get in those days) and then regularly from 1959 to 1963. Harlow Rugby Club was the centre of my life in those days and I shall always be grateful for the wonderful times we had. I visited only a few times after moving away but the friendly atmosphere and Ron's warm welcome remained unchanged. I was very aware of the debt we all owed to Ron and his small group who started from scratch on a stony plot without a clubhouse. Its continual development over the half century is a glowing tribute to Ron's constant dedication. Joe Wilcox

Submitted by:J A Wilcox Tuesday 20 September

 

Received From Romford & Gidea Park RFC

On Behalf of the Romford club, may I extend our sincere sympathies to members of the Harlow club on hearing the news of the sad loss of dear Ron Bracewell. Ron was a real gentleman, Not only was he a loyal and valued member of the Harlow club, but he was a true ambassador for the sport, He will be a great loss to Rugby Yours in Sport Dai Davies President Romford and Gidea Park RFC

Submitted by:Chris McFerran Wednesday 21 September

 

Dear friends, On behalf of the members of Rugby Club Havíøov, Czech republic, I would like to offer Mr. Bracewell's family our condolences and also we are sending our sympathies to the members of our partner rugby club Harlow RUFC. Yours truly Karel Gaman President

Submitted by:Karel Gaman, RC Havirov Thursday 22 September