It is with great sadness that we have to announce that the lovely, funny, friendly, ardent CRFC supporter and very proud Welsh club member, Dan Garraway, has suddenly died only a few days short of his 87th birthday. It has come as a complete shock to both his family and all those many friends that knew Dan. Our sympathy and thoughts go out to wife Jean, children Alison, Jeremy, Jonathon and all the family. It is only a few weeks ago that Dan was in the clubhouse enjoying lunch and the rugby comradery.

Dan was a rugby man through and through. He played for Aberavon and Coventry 1st XVs before his family and work commitments brought him to Chippenham and led him to become a supporter of the wonderful game, and what a supporter. He has been a loyal member of CRFC for over fifty years and rarely missed a first team game. Much to the joy of Dan both sons Jeremy and Jonathon followed in his footsteps and played excellent CRFC 1st XV rugby.

Some of us older CRFC members will have played rugby with Dan albeit for fifteen minutes when in his late forties he agreed to take the field at standoff against Kinsale on the first ever Vets tour to Ireland. Boy, in those fifteen minutes he demonstrated what a talented standoff he was.

We can genuinely say it is the end of an era. Dan you will be missed by us all.

The funeral is being held at North Wilts Crematorium SN4 8ET on Tuesday 31st May 12noon. All Friends and Mourners are welcome back at Chippenham RFC Clubhouse to celebrate Dan's life.

Dan Garraway - RIP