Sandown & Shanklin Rugby Club have sadly announced the untimely death of their president, Graham Thomas, who passed away on Tuesday (22nd November).
The club issued the following statement on their Facebook page yesterday (Wednesday).
“It is with heavy hearts that SSRFC have to report the very sad news that our Club President Graham Thomas passed away yesterday morning unexpectedly.
Article continues below this advertisement “Graham was an active member of the Club for well over 40 years, as a player, Captain, Coach, Chairman, President and as well as many other positions on the Committee. He was one of the original coaches that conceived and founded the youth rugby programme on the Isle of Wight and Vectis Rugby Club.
“A respected man with a happy and infectious sense of humour and a massive heart, his loss sits heavily on all Hurricanes.
“As a club we send our deepest condolences to his beloved Angie and family and will do everything we can to support them through this difficult time.”
Other Island rugby clubs have sent their condolences.
Isle of Wight RFC wrote:
“Deepest sympathies to all at Sandown & Shanklin RFC and Graham’s family, from all at Isle of Wight RFC.”
Ventnor RFC say:
“All at Ventnor RFC send our condolences to all at SSRFC and love to Angie and the family,”
Vectis RFC have said:
“The whole of Vectis RFC past and present send their sincere condolences to Graham’s family and to all at SSRFC.”
One of the closest colleagues I had during the years I worked for BT.
One of the “good guys”
RIP Graham.