TOUCHING tributes have been paid after the death of ex-Saints forward John Mantle aged 76 after a long illness.
RUGBY League folk in Britain and Australia are mourning the passing of one of the toughest front-row forwards who ever played the game at club and international level, after a battle with oesophageal cancer.
Geoff Pimblett’s recent illness and subsequent demise was, of course, a great shock to us all. It was no surprise that there have been innumerable tributes from far and wide and messages of support for wife, Merle and family at this sad time. On a fine, clear day last Tuesday, his funeral, at St. Helens Crematorium saw standing room only as family, friends, past sporting team-mates and former teaching colleagues paid their respects. It was a true measure of the stature of the man himself and the occasion, although very sad, had a warm, supportive atmosphere, with a true community feel. Emphasis was very much on a service of thanksgiving for a marvellous life, officiated by Saints’ Club Chaplain Paul Johnson. A poem ‘Miss Me, But Let Me Go’ was read by Gordon Pennington, who had close links with Geoff at Saints and Ray French MBE produced a superb and fitting eulogy as only he could.
SAINTS historian Alex Service has written a heartfelt tribute to former skipper Geoff Pimblett who passed away on Monday after a short illness at the age of 73.
The town of St Helens has lost its most famous adopted sporting son.
It is sad to report the passing of Brian Glover, who, as far as Saints were concerned, was one who got away until late in his career!
Another link from the 1956 Challenge Cup winning squad has been severed with the passing of Brian Howard at the age of 83.
ONE of the very last links with the Saints’ team of the Second World War has been severed.
SUPPORTERS of a particular generation will be saddened to hear of the passing of our former stand-off Peter Metcalfe, on 13 February, who was in his mid 80s, writes Alex Service.
AMATEURS Pilkington Recs take on semi-professionals London Skolars at Ruskin Drive this Saturday in the third round of rugby league's Challenge Cup.
