The whole club was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Robert Boultwood.
Robert joined Park from a local junior club to fill a vacancy for a Second XV / Emerging Players manager and immediately threw himself into the task with great enthusiasm. Former Second XV skipper Matt Dowse said, “That’s awful news. I don’t know if we’d have been able to keep that 2nd XV going without his infinite patience. The jobs you saw him do on a Saturday were the tip of a huge pile of work that he did, generally without complaint and that made things run so well for the rest of us”.
His passing brought a flood of tributes from former players, far too many to mention here, but a consistent theme was his welcoming presence, thorough decency, hard work and that it was people like him who made the Rosslyn Park family. Totally selfless, he was a real gentleman who never sought praise or recognition for what he did and seemed genuinely embarrassed when made a Vice President.
After many years service to the club circumstances made him move to Lincoln and, typically, he went to watch Lincoln RFC play and ended up being a key administrator. But he never ceased his connection with and affection for Rosslyn Park and was a regular at Former Players lunches.
Chairman Adam Tyrer said, “Awful news. Rob was one of those guys that are the heart and soul of Rugby clubs, that person who quite literally keeps the wheels on the bus going round. He made the effort to come up and watch the club at Hull last year and it was a real joy to watch the match with him”.
Rosslyn Park President, Nick Goddard, said, “Robert was a true star and loyal supporter of the club. He always had time for everyone. He kept the junior and emerging players sides going and worked tirelessly to support the players. He was also an amazing fundraiser and organiser of three epic tours to Canada, South Africa and USA, including Las Vegas where the sun truly never set. Following his retirement he moved a little further away but was still a regular attender most recently at the Vice Presidents lunch. His cheerful demeanour and smiling face will be truly missed”.
He will be missed far more than his modesty would ever have allowed him to realise. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
Robert’s close friend Stuart Patterson has asked any friends from the club who would like to reach out to please contact him at stuartpaterson2018@outlook.com.
Roberts funeral will be at Lincoln Crematorium on Monday 21st August at 12:30.
Lincoln Rugby Football Club, of which Robert was a member, have very kindly offered to host the funeral reception afterwards. There will be a buffet selection of sandwiches with vegetarian, vegan and coeliac options. Lincoln Rugby Football Club, Longdales Park, Lodge Ln, Lincoln, LN2 2RS
For anyone who cannot attend there will be an option of watching the funeral service online, so please let me know if this is something you would be interested in and I can provide details.
Lincoln Crematorium, Washingborough Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN4 1EF
Lincoln Rugby Football Club, Longdales Park, Lodge Ln, Lincoln, LN2 2RS
The details for viewing the service online:
Viewing the service is only available shortly before it begins at 12:30 on Monday 21st August, but is available to view for a week afterwards.
Go to the web page: https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view
and enter this as the PIN number:
Webcast Login PIN 289-3497
How it works is explained here: https://clientportal.wesleymedia.co.uk/…/webcast