Page 6 - Yate Town FC v Swindon Supermarine 150423

Bluebells Tribute RICHARD JORDAN

Everyone associated with our Club were greatly
saddened to learn of the death of Club stalwart,
Richard Jordan, who died peacefully at home on
Monday 10 April, aged 88, following a typical
th
brave battle against lung cancer. Richard was
one of the nicest people in football and we offer
our very sincere condolences to his wife Pat, and
his whole family at this very difficult time.
Richard had been heavily involved with the Club
since it reformed, as Yate YMCA, in 1946, helping
to mark out the pitch (with sawdust) aged 12 in
that first post-war season. Richard was elected
to the management Committee in 1951, serving
on the Committee for a full 50 years. He acted as
linesman when necessary and was ‘Trainer’
(spongeman) until 1984 when the Club moved to
Lodge Road. Together with Pat they washed and
laundered the Club’s kit from the early 1960’s; at
one time this was for all four Club teams,
although he later became responsible for ‘only’
the first team kit and match balls.
In 1984 Richard help plant many of the 300 trees
which gives Lodge Road its unique character. He
also became responsible for running our ‘Hospitality Lounge’, providing refreshments for
visiting Clubs and match officials, and retained this involvement until last year. He had the
priceless ability to make everyone he met, from International and Premiership managers to
the humblest football supporter, feel very welcome at the Club.
During his virtual lifetime with our Club, Richard was instrumental and a key worker in our
rise from humble beginnings in the lowest division of the Bristol and District League to our
current status. He saw us play and helped mark the pitches at six grounds; not surprisingly
he was the inaugural recipient of our most prestigious award, the “W.A. Febry Rosebowl”,
awarded for long and meritorious service to the Club, and is one of only two people to have
won this award twice. He was also awarded The FA and GFA Long Service awards in 2005,
another testament to his standing within the game.
As a further indication of the respect in which Richard had always been held, there is a
special Club award named in honour of the Jordan family – his brother Terry was Club
Secretary for many years, and other brother Bob was also a long-standing Committee
member and supporter. Richard’s unswerving loyalty, dedication, and commitment, always
with the invaluable support of Pat, should serve as an example to everyone in the game. He
will be greatly missed by all at YTFC and throughout the local sporting community.
There will be a Minute silence before today’s game as a mark of respect for Richard Jordan.