Tributes paid to rugby’s leading light
Tuesday 23rd March 2010, 9:00AM GMT.
One of the leading lights of rugby in Shropshire has died following a short illness.
Tributes have been paid to former Shropshire Rugby Football Union president and teacher John Beeden.
Mr Beeden, from Ashley View, Market Drayton, has been described as “a man nobody had a bad word to say about” by officials.
He died on Saturday and was a former head of the special needs department at the Grove School in Market Drayton. He was president of Market Drayton RFC at the time of his death.
The 74-year-old leaves a widow, Rosemary, a daughter and a grandson.
As a teacher Mr Beeden was instrumental in setting up an outdoor activity centre, called The Birks, near Coniston in the Lake District.
Paul Bolton, from the North Midlands RFU, said: “Though he played football in his youth John always took a keen interest in rugby and joined Market Drayton through his association with founder member Paul Suthern, a former deputy head at the Grove.”
Rob Thomas, from the club, said: “John will be sorely missed by all those that had the honour of knowing him.”
Former club secretary Derek Partington added: “For a man who never played rugby in his life, he supported the club for 30 years.”
Acting president Glyn Hardy said: “I will remember him for being extremely generous and the very best friend a man could ask for.”
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Goodbye John. Did not know you but I see you are well respected
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