Since celebrating our 50th Anniversary, the WWRU has lost a number of tremendous servants to the hame. It would be unwise to mention anyone in case someone who should be mentioned is left out but it would be wrong to comment on the passing of two of the most outstanding administrators in our seventy five years history.
Between the 30th March and 2nd April 1993, the WWRU suffered two of it's greatest losses. In the space of three days we lost our Former Secretary George Thorn and our Treasurer Raymond Thomas, both of whom passed away after brief illnesses.
George, a native of new port, had received a woks transfer to West Wales and had settled in Burry port where he served the local rugby club with distinction for many years. He was appointed Secretary of the WWRU in 1974 following the retirement of Mr DL James. A post which he also filled with distinction until 1989. In recognition of his outstanding services to the Union he was made our first ever Life Vice-President.
Raymond, a former WSSRU international winer and a dyed in the wool Kidwelly man, became Treasurer, on the same day as george became Secetary. He was given Life Membership in 1991.
Two very close friends who became inseparable as two of the most able administrators in the entire Welsh Rugby Union. Then, as fate would have it, they died within threee days of each other and were buried on the same day, one following the other at Swansea Crematorium on Thursday 8th April 1993. They even shared the wonderful "Rugby Hymn" "Guide me o Thou Great Redeemer" on their funeral pamphlets.
In paying this short tribute to George and Raymond let us not forget all the other wonderful rugby people who strove to build the strongest and most competitive union ever, within the WRU. Long may their names adorn the commemorative boards of our clubhouses with pride.