Robert "Bob" Douglas Williams


16 October 1944
to
24 November 2003

Bob Williams joined the Aretians rugby club in the early 1980’s. He brought with him a good sporting pedigree having learnt the game and played to a good level as a proud son of the Lydney club. Prior to joining us Bob showed his sporting versatility as quite an accomplished soccer player.
It would not be unkind to say that Bob was not exactly in his sporting youth when he joined us but such was his enthusiasm and commitment to the club that Bob went on to gain his club cap- awarded for playing over 300 games.
Bob loved to tell me that he had not really retired. He loved to remind me that his last game- for the 1st team naturally- was only a season or so ago. He was right only he did not mention that his “game” was as a replacement in the final few minutes of a match.
I would love to say that the Aretians adopted Bob but if the truth be known Bob adopted us. Player, results man, press man, kit man, buckets and ball man, ropes and stakes man, clubman of the year and lastly as an accomplished club physio. Was there a job that Bob didn’t do? Always with his trademark 100%.
Bob was not just work. He could be great fun. From his old days as a “rocker” Bob could play not only the guitar, but also the piano and a mean mouth organ. Bob would always enliven long away trips and weekend tours. All those who went to Ireland will remember his “Jerry Lee Lewis”. It was not just the Guinness that made that weekend.
Bob was also a character. Not long after he became interested in physiotherapy, Bob won two international rugby tickets in a raffle- Wales V England in Cardiff- and took his good mate John Stone with him. Now John had recently broken an ankle and was on crutches. They traveled by train. At the ground moving on crutches was not easy so Bob went into action. A few words of physio talk and the ground authorities provided a wheelchair-complete with a steward to clear the way. The tickets were not the best in the house in fact the seat were in the clouds with a mountain of steps to climb. Once again Bob went into action and of course they had to stay together. The watched the game at ringside - complete with their own video screen to watch the action replays. Going for a pint after the game there was a long queue to get in. A few words with the doorman and whoosh they were in- seated naturally. Bob topped the day off at the train station. The train was packed. Standing room only- medic Bob said his words and yes they traveled home seated - in first class, as you would expect.
Bob also had a serious side. He was an example to us all. It is best shown at an away game last year. At the start of the match we all witnessed an incident of nasty foul play. Bob was incensed and spoke his mind. The coach of the home side didn’t like it. It was far too honest. Strong words were spoken and they both turned away from one another in bitterness and anger. It was Bob who shook hands and made the peace- that was a measure of the man.
Aretians RFC was and still is the richer for Bob’s membership. The touch line especially, is the poorer without him. It was a privilege to have known him and a pleasure to have enjoyed his company.
Bob Williams will be sorely missed.
A tribute from Pete Smith, Club President