THORNBURY Rugby paid tribute to former chairman Mike John with a minute’s silence at their clash with Cullompton on Saturday.

Mike passed away on January 25 aged 81, and Thornbury RFC secretary Dave Fox said: “In rugby clubs, players are many, spectators are countless but officers are few, thus it is always a sad occasion when we lose one of those who gave so much of their personal time for the continuance and development of a sporting entity which exists primarily for others.

“It was therefore with sadness, regret but ultimately gratitude that Thornbury RFC mourned the loss of Mike.”

Mike was born in Cardiff and, as is befitting a passionate Welshman, rugby coursed through his veins.

Educated at St Illtyd’s College, he flew in Gloster Meteors when in the RAF. He later qualified as a draughtsman and worked for BAC in Filton, and eventually as a personnel manager until retiring in 1989.

He played rugby for St Mary’s, then became a referee and officiated for over 26 years during which time he earned a reputation for fairness and consistency.

He joined Thornbury RFC in 1967 and eventually became chairman in 1977, overseeing the completion of the clubhouse building project during his five year tenure.

In his retirement, he played golf at Cotswold Edge Golf Club and became chairman of the BAWA Modern Sequence Dancing Club.