BY PERRY OLIVER – Bishops Stortford

We were saddened to learn that Bob Green passed away last Saturday (9th) morning

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Bob who was 84 had not enjoyed the best of health in recent years but his passing will still come as a shock to many of our ‘more established’ members who will have many fond memories of this larger than life character.

Bob who was a powerful running fullback with an extraordinary ability to kick goals from almost anywhere on the pitch, was club captain between 1962 & 1964, and then once again for the 1967-68 season.

Here is a tribute from one of his dearest friends at the club Mr. Peter James

“The first occasion I spent any time with Bob was my first game for the on club 15th September 1962. The game was away at Tabard. He said he would take me and I got into the back of his Land rover. As we made our way there the language when anybody prevented him driving at top speed was unbelievable – and I had heard some during my two years National Service in the army! I thought to myself have I joined the right club. There was I – an officer in the army, a Cambridge graduate. Should I look around for another club?

We had a few drinks that evening and a few more the next Saturday so by the 15th October we were good friends and so it has been ever since.

He was a very good fullback when we were playing together. He was a very reliable almost always putting himself in the right place and the best place kicker of the ball the club has had. The success he had place kicking from long range was amazing when you think how much heavier the ball was then. He became a prop in later years and did a lot for the club in many ways and was a great mixer with the opposition after the game. He was always trying to help in any improvements to the Club.

In the late 1960’s, he worked in Saudi for a while and then had a very responsible position in the Oman where he was highly respected looking after the Sultan’s construction programme before coming back home. During the time he was away he always met up with Bill Van Driessche , Rick Fearn and me on his return.

Since then we have done so much together including the World Cup in South Africa in 1995 and the trip I organised to the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 1997 with Bill VD, Squin and Micky Ketteridge. It was one of the best holidays of my life. I have never laughed as much with the banter between Bob and Micky. He loved talking about that trip whenever we met.

As you can see we have been good friends for many years and there will never be another Bob Green – either for Bill, Rick and me but also for very many other friends too. He was definitely a One Off”

Bob is survived by his wife Ann and his two children Alison & Carl.

Our sincere condolences to them and all his many friends.

Bob’s Funeral service is to be held on Tuesday 3rd December at 10.30am at St Michael’s Church Windhill, Bishop’s Stortford.

Followed immediately afterwards by a gathering at The Clubhouse to celebrate Bob’s life.