It is my sad duty to let you know of the tragic, untimely death of one of our own, Neil Shaw, who was one of the Rugby Coaches on the Under 13s coaching team. An internet post hardly seems appropriate, but is the modern way of things.

Neil was a genuine enthusiast and loving family man who was naturally interested in seeing his own kids develop, but loved nothing more than seeing others progress and gave his time, energy and massive passion to the rugby club and especially the sprint training for the Under 13s.

I got to know him in Tour mode up in Cumbria (typically he organised the U13s Saturday night out - which was a belter) and he lead from front - always up for a laugh, great energy and empathy for all around him. Recently he was a huge help on Ruck and Roll - typically unasked volunteer, simply rolling up his sleeves to do a sterling shift behind the bar for the club he loved. Brilliant.

Garry Williams, a fellow coach and great mate to Neil and his family has provided this fitting Eulogy:

Neil Shaw, an all-round great guy, a great friend with a massive Scottish heart. He hails from Dumfries from a large loving family, 1 older brother and 10 sisters!

A Rower at heart, he was as strong as an Ox but at the same time soft, caring, kind and thoughtful. Born on April 1st – so that’s why he saw the funny side of everything?!

Always busy, but always had time to help out, to lend a hand in fact nothing ever seemed to be too much trouble, if he could help, he would.

Neil grasped life and made sure he enjoyed every moment, he camped, he kayaked, he swam, he ran, he even bought a Kiteboard, he was the Barbecue King. His vegetable soup, pumpkin pie and chicken with whiskey sauce were sublime and that’s before we get to the Irish Coffees and Whiskey chasers!

New Year’s parties were always a speciality as traditional dress would be worn, Kilt, sporran, dagger in the sock, plenty of dancing, singing, eating and another of Neil’s specialities plenty of Long Island Iced Tea.

A Rugby Coach at WRUFC (under 13’s), but also a Swimming and Athletics Coach too, if his children Adam and Hannah were involved then so was Neil.

In fact his eldest Hannah would regularly help out and sometimes take the Sprint/Fitness training sessions on a Wednesday at the club.

Involved with WRUFC and the wider WSC for the last 8 years, he was always involved in all events and he loved a Sambuca or two and some.

He loved coaching the boys and specialised in the fitness and helping the boys improve, whenever a player was injured he was always first to the scene to offer his first aid help and assistance.

He adored his wife Kirsten and loved his children and was super proud of them both, Hannah and Adam are an absolute credit to him.

I could go on …. he will be sorely missed by us all.

Garry

The Saltire is at half mast tonight at the club. A minutes silence to be observed at all Senior and Mini and Junior Games on Saturday and Sunday.

Our deepest sympathies to his beloved Kirsten, Hannah and Adam.

Andy K

M & J Chairman