TRIBUTES have been paid to a stalwart of the rugby and cricket scene in Devon who recently passed away.
Gary Aldridge, who was the current president of the Devon Rugby Football Union, passed away on Thursday evening after a brief stay in hospital.
On the Devon RFU website, former president Maureen Jackson, wrote: “It is with deep regret that Devon RFU announce that Gary Aldridge, their President passed away yesterday evening. Our thoughts are very much with his wife Sarah and his family.”
Secretary of the Devon RFU, Treve Mitchell, said Gary had been involved with many sports in Ivybridge for a number of years, but his main interest was rugby.
He said: “Gary played for Ivybridge Rugby Club in the early 1980s. I think he still holds the record for the first time appearances for Ivybridge.
“He became the fixture secretary at Ivybridge and held that position for some time.
“He then sat on the Devon RFU committee from about 2002. At the last AGM in July last year he was elected president of the Devon RFU.
“He was interested in rugby beyond Devon and was involved with the south west division of the RFU, the selection for south west under 18s.
“He was also employed at Ivybridge Community College in the sports department, working with their 1st team, travelling with them. He went to Japan with them a couple of times when they were involved in international games.
“But alongside the rugby, Gary was also involved in the cricketing world and played for quite a few years.
“I believe he became a cricket umpire and officiate at games right up until the last season.
“Gary was the sort of guy who got on with most people.
“He had a strong character and had a real passion for sport.
“He was a committed sportsman and chose to put time back into the sports that he enjoyed playing.
“He was happy to give his time to help with the development of young players and he was known throughout the whole Devon rugby community.
“His passing is quite a loss to us all.
“We have even had tributes paid to him from the RFU in Twickenham who have asked us to pass on their condolences to his family and friends.”