Passing of a great clubman Gary Fletcher – Rest In Peace

Rest in Peace Gary. – Peter Cornelia 

In loving memory of Gary Fletcher, who brought an air of calmness and consideration to all. Our son Luke was minded by Debbie, Garys wife for a number of years and I often saw him on his way to work or at night when we picked Luke up. His laughter and kindness struck me, as he never had a bad word to say about anyone. Gary will be sadly missed by us and all who knew him. Our condolences go to Debbie, Adam, Stacey and family. Our thoughts and prayers go to them all at this time. – Pippa, Mark and Luke Sturch

Gary :  A treasured memory

It was in the late 1970’s that I first became acquainted with Gary. He was the club’s doorman when Discos attracted lots of young people both members and non members. There wasn’t much of a Warrington night life choice back in those days. Certainly I,and I guess other players said to Gary “You are a big strong lad,what about playing rugby.” It was obvious that he did some training with weights, something relatively rare in those days. Gary said he had never played and hadn’t much idea about what playing involved but agreed with me that he would give it a go.

I was in my very late 30’s, just getting the occasional first team game but playing regularly at 2’s or 3’s. I think it was a game down at  Sow Brook when for the first time he pulled on a Lymm shirt and yes the opposition were probably impressed by the big fit looking bloke playing at this level for Lymm. Certainly not my usual position but we paired up in the second row so that I could show and tell Gary what to do. It was a  crash learning course for him and an enjoyable afternoon of playing and teaching for me. I cannot remember who we played or the result but what mattered was that Gary had become a rugby player and continued playing until a back injury, I think, ended his playing career some years later.

We often recalled that game and had a good laugh about it over the years particularly in recent times when we met as spectators watching Adam play and more recently in his role as coach and Director of Rugby. I know he was justly proud of Adam and the players and teams that he coached.But equally we should be all proud of having Gary as one of us and give thanks for all that he has done for his family and our family club.  As Gary continued playing he became a committed and significant member ,highly regarded and respected by everyone privileged to know him as a friend. He shared his weights and knowledge of how to use them establishing what is now routinely  part of player conditioning. He transferred his love of the game to many people at the club and the school which will be a long and enduring legacy. In years to come there will be many conversations that start with ” I remember when Gary ………………..” and they will be conducted as happy memories. – Jim Knowles

Dear Debbie and family,  I am so sorry for your loss, and send sincere condolences to you and your family. Gary was such a ‘gentle giant‘, patient, kind and understanding, especially when coaching and dealing with groups of children. I came to know him in this capacity when I was teaching at Ravenbank School in the 1990’s. He volunteered to teach and coach rugby as an extra sports activity for boys and girls, and I was one of the teachers who accepted his offer. He brought along all the equipment, and with his non-discriminatory attitude encouraged and introduced to both boys and girls the basics of rugby.

They loved it! Especially the girls!  Firstly Gary carefully observed  all safety rules. He was patient with clear and softly spoken and often amusing instructions, which suited my class of seven year olds, first year juniors. I have met some of the boys since when they were playing for Lymm RFC, and I like to think that Gary may have laid the foundations for their love of the sport. We grieve his passing, but his memory and legacy will  live on. May he rest in peace on the playing fields of heaven and in the hearts of the children he coached.

I am sending these memories of Gary with special thoughts for you Debbie and his family at this very sad time. With love and best wishes. – Mary Cockayne