Emile Rouby’s Celebration of Life
Following the sad news of the passing of Emile Rouby back in February, yesterday (Tuesday 4th April 2023), witnessed a memorable sunny day at the club to celebrate the life of Emile Rouby – one of our founding-fathers and most beloved members.
There must have been 120 people there to demonstrate their love and respect in an afternoon brilliantly organised by Liz Morris. Many thanks to Liz and her crew.
Thanks also to all who contributed – to Elaine Cesar, the celebrant who delivered the eulogy and the tributes from Tony Flower and Biz Burrows (and Maggie), to Ed Blake for the rugby memories, to Stuart Cain for his “Rugby Prayer” and to Adam Pratt (snr) for acting as MC in his habitual masterful fashion.
Everyone was fed and watered by the catering of Sally Cooper’s Bistro at London House (particular thanks to Kirsty) and Ventnor RFC’s Roly, Ed, Mike, Carrie and Steve who ran the bar.
It was so good to see so many of Emile’s teammates from that first Ventnor RFC squad back in 1974.
The photo above is of that original Ventnor RFC front row of 1974 – Neil Holness, Bob Freer and Micky Buttle.
Image: James Morton
Thanks to what Emile and his mates did back in 1974 plus the legacy that he has left to the club, there’s more than an even chance that there’ll be rugby at Watcombe for another fifty years.
Au revoir mon ami
Best Regards
James
JAMES MORTON
Club Secretary, Ventnor RFC
T: 07901 938 317