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Fans of Bedford Blues and the wider sport of rugby union have been paying tribute to former player, team manager, and President, Gareth Davies, who has passed away at the age of 83.
Gareth's Passing
Memories and appreciation have flooded social media after Bedford Blues announced Gareth's passing on Thursday, 25th July. Known as 'the heartbeat of Bedford Blues,' Gareth Davies’ contributions to the club and the wider community of Bedford will be remembered for years to come.
Heartfelt Condolences
The club released an emotional statement: "The club is saddened to share the heartbreaking news of the passing of a true legend of the club, Gareth Davies, at the age of 83 following his recent illness. Undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures at Goldington Road, Gareth epitomised Bedford Blues and everything that makes the club so special."
The outpouring of condolences highlights just how much Gareth was respected and liked, not just at Bedford Blues, but within the town and the wider rugby family.
Blues Through and Through
Gareth Davies' tenure with Bedford Blues began uniquely. After three campaigns at London Welsh, Davies arrived in Bedford to teach at Westfield School. Simultaneously, he joined training sessions at Goldington Road, vying for the coveted number ten jersey. He represented the first team on 81 occasions, eventually hanging up his boots in 1988 at the age of 47. His playing career spanned all teams within the club, from the Blues to the Rovers.
A Man of Many Roles
Gareth's influence didn't end when he stopped playing; he continued to contribute significantly from behind the scenes. He served as Team Manager from 1998 to 2001 and then took on the role of Club President from 2003 for an impressive 18 years. One of his notable achievements was helping to kick start the Junior Blues, which has grown to become the nation's third-largest junior rugby setup.
Gareth Davies' legacy as one of Bedford Blues’ most important figures is secured, and his presence around Goldington Road will be sorely missed for years to come.
Universal Love and Respect
Labels such as ‘legend’ can sometimes be overused, but in the case of Gareth Davies and his contributions to rugby union, particularly Bedford Blues, it fits perfectly. From his time as a fly-half to various backroom roles, Gareth epitomised what the Blues are all about. Always friendly, always kind, and bestowing the knowledge of a thousand men, his wisdom and words of encouragement supported generations of Blues players and fans alike.
Nos da, Gareth
Sam Roberts, the current Goldington Road stadium announcer and regular MC for events in the Goldington Road marquee, fondly remembers Gareth as not just a man of rugby but also a man of words. On social media platform 'X', he reminisced, "Gareth would often recite Shakespeare to me. Towards the end of a match, dinner or event, we would sometimes have a ‘Shakespeare off’; my classical acting training against his enormous memory. He would always win. We would sometimes recite a speech in unison and then fall about laughing at the daftness of it all."
"I’ve had messages and phone calls from people all around the game. He was a small Welsh fly-half and kit man, but his reach did o’erstretch the sport. Until we meet again… Goodnight, my friend."
A Gentleman's Legacy
The sheer quantity of tributes left by fans of the Blues, rival clubs, and even former students of Gareth merely show how loved he was. Many have shared memories of times when Gareth would simply stop for a chat. “A true gent and wonderful company. Loved the banter with him. [He is] a huge loss,” said one comment on Facebook, amidst a plethora of similar sentiments about a much-loved gentleman.
Gareth is survived by his wife, Marie, and daughter Lucy, and the thoughts from us all at the Bedford Independent are with them at this difficult time. Nos da, Gareth.
