Many members of Bishop Auckland Rugby Club were amongst the mourners at the requiem mass for Ron Williamson, held at St. Mary’s RC Church recently and celebrated by Fr. Dennis Tindall.
The funeral cortege was led into the packed church by a Scottish piper, to the tune The Skye Boat Song.
Moving tributes were read by Ron’s daughter Kirstie and by Peter Gallone, on behalf of the rugby club.
Ron, a proud Scotsman, was affectionately known as “Jock” and had taught at St. John’s Comprehensive School from 1973 until his retirement in 1998 and was a founder member of Bishop Auckland Rugby Club in 1976.
As well as playing as a second row forward until the age of 56, Ron was, often concurrently, club treasurer, fixtures secretary, barman, grounds-man, touch judge and occasionally even refereeing.
Ron will be fondly remembered by many and will be a great loss to the rugby club family.
His children Andrew, Gwynne, Kirstie and Nicole were delighted to see so many friends at the rugby club after the service and cremation, when many stories were shared celebrating the life of a much loved character.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
