RON BAILEY (1938 – 2026)
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Ron Bailey, a Vice President of Blackheath F.C., who passed away at his home in Seal, Kent on Monday 20th July, aged 88.
Ron was a great ambassador for Blackheath F.C. over many years. In recognition of that, in January 2023, before a game against Old Albanian, Club President Dr Alan Thompson presented him with the Blackheath F.C. Volunteer ‘Lifetime Achievement Award.’
Ron was a Life Member and Friend of the Club and assisted in one capacity or another for the best part of fifty years. He became Blackheath 1st XV Coach in July 1974, taking over from Mike Williams, when Barry Nealon was captain. He remained Coach until John Legge took over for the 1976-77 season.
For three seasons from 1982 to 1985, Ron was Secretary to the 2nd XV, the Blackheathens, and it was then that he began to keep a record of player appearances for the 2nd XV. He continued to do the same for the 1st XV, becoming its Secretary from 1985 to 1993. He carried on the task of documenting player appearances until the suspension of games due to the Covid pandemic in 2020. His deteriorating eyesight then made it impossible for him to continue to record the data and he handed on the role to Graham Cox.
Ron’s many other positions in the Club over the years included, 1st XV Equipment Manager when, occasionally, he had help putting out the team kit from his grandchildren, ERP Representative, National Clubs Association Representative, Match Day Manager and, latterly, electronic scoreboard operator. When health matters finally prevented him from playing an active role in Club affairs, he was a regular on the touchline supporting the 1st XV.
A great Club man and a true gentleman, he will be sorely missed by the many friends he made at the Club and in the wider rugby world.
All at Blackheath F.C. offer their condolences to Ron’s wife Pat, family and friends.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
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