Spalding RFC have paid a fitting tribute to chairman Geof Nichols, who died on Friday after an 18-month battle with leukaemia.
Geof, who was associated with Town for 35 years, spent more than two decades as chairman.
A minute’s silence in honour of Geof, who was 72, was held before Spalding’s 20-17 defeat against Melbourne at the Memorial Field on Saturday.
Here’s Spalding RFC’s club statement in full: “It is with deep sadness that Spalding Rugby Football Club must report the passing away of their Chairman of over 20 years, Geof Nichols.
“Geof had been fighting a courageous battle against illness for the past 18 months. During that time Geof’s drive and enthusiasm to lead the club never diminished.
“We will be forever indebted to Geof for his remarkably long and consistent period of dedication to Spalding RFC. All through our very successful years when the club were playing National League
Rugby and winning the NLD Cup on a regular basis, and through more difficult times with relegation, Geof has been a dependable and guiding influence.
“He always realised that the Rugby Club needed a combination of good governance and good fun.
“Geof will be greatly missed by club members and the wider rugby family.
“Geof’s association with Spalding RFC dates back some 35 years. He arrived in the early 1980s as a veteran front row forward, playing his rugby for the third team.
“He very quickly sought to offer his organisational skills to the club and was elected to the committee in 1983. After serving some 12 years on the committee, he was elected as chairman in 1995.
“In addition to the duties associated with club chairman, he also led the sports club as chairman of directors with a very clear determination to ensure that both Spalding RFC and Spalding Town Cricket Club had the best possible facilities at their disposal.
“His dedication and service to rugby football was recognised by The Lincolnshire RFU, who wished to elect him as their President. But, in typical fashion, Geof turned down this prestigious position in favour of continuing to serve Spalding RFC, particularly in their quest to find a new home for senior and junior rugby.
“Geof was a driving force in this quest and, ultimately, this will be one of his greatest legacies when the club finally moves to a new home in the coming years. It is with deep regret that we will not see him there to enjoy the fruits of his endeavours, but his unswerving dedication and service to Spalding Rugby Football Club will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and condolences are with Sue,
Georgina and Caroline and Geof’s family at this difficult time.”
