Tributes paid to ‘true Lion’ after death of club president
HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to ‘true Lion’ David Owen, the president and owner of Rugby Lions RFC, following his death.
Mr Owen MBE, whose association with the club spanned four decades, passed away over the weekend with family by his side. He was aged 82.
The club said David would be ‘remembered by many’ for his very vocal support from the Webb Ellis Road balcony on matchdays.
A club spokesman said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all David’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”
Club chairman Mal Malik said he was “devastated” to hear the news: “On behalf of everyone at Rugby Lions, past and present, I would like to pass on our sincere condolences to David’s wife Patricia and family for their sad loss, and indeed ours.
“Next year, 2023, is officially the Rugby Football Club’s 150th anniversary. I would like to put on record our thanks to David and his family for their support and commitment to the Rugby Lions over the last two decades.
“As a club we must take great heart and offer our gratitude to our President for helping us get to the cusp of such a milestone. We owe it to him to work together as one club, in order to reach our next milestone.”
Close friend Jeff Nowill said David’s passing had left him lost for words. “David and I were exceptionally close in every way,” he said. “Sure, he could be occasionally ‘economical’ in communication; but that masked a genuinely caring and considerate gent.
“He wasn’t just a ‘friend,’ because that word isn’t adequate. I guess I’ll have more to say in the coming days; but for now, I’ll just leave it there. The world is a much, much worse place for his passing. God bless you, and rest in peace, my dear fellow.”
Karl Hardwick said: “David was a true lion and was incredibly supportive of the club. A very passionate and knowledgeable man on the game. A great loss to his family, friends, the club and the game as a whole.”
David was not just supportive of the club’s adult teams. He regularly attended presentations for the club’s minis and juniors sections awarding the next generation of Lions their medals and club ties.
Keith Lawson described his passing as ‘such very sad news.’ “He was always so passionate about the club and was respected not just by the fans but especially amongst the players,” he said. “His commitment to the club is unquestionable and his support remained equally strong from National 1 to Midlands 5. My thoughts are with his wonderful family at this time. He will be missed by the whole Lions family and, such was his impact, he will never be forgotten.”