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Arnie Redmond RIP
Les Towler5 Sep - 16:58
We have a special tribute for Throwback Thursday this week as we had the very sad news that Arnie Redmond lost his battle with cancer.
He was visited in July by several former players in Wales after he was diagnosed.
The below tribute written by his good friend Pete Kenyon pretty much sums up his life and love of Bolton Rugby Club.
Arnie Redmond, born in Tradegar, Wales in 1942, lost his father in the RAF during the war. Raised in Cardiff and attended Cardiff High School.
Went to Padgate teacher training college and played his rugby at Warrington while he was there.
Qualified as a teacher and got a job at St Simon and St Jude’s, Bolton where he taught for the whole of his career.
On moving to Bolton he joined Old Haywardians RFC, the foundation of what is now Bolton RUFC which then moved and became Bolton Wyresdale until the move and formation of Bolton Rugby Club in 1976.
He was twice President of the newly formed club in those early days.
Arnie was a typical Welsh fly half, quick, clever and skilful who brought the best out of those playing around him, the likes of Dave Mann, John Garnsey, Barry Heaton, absolute legends.
On retiring from playing he took up refereeing which he did for many years, he’s on lots of team photos, and not surprisingly he excelled, reaching a high standard.
25 years ago, together with his wife Pam he moved back to his beloved Wales (he was always a very proud Welshman) but kept very much in touch with us here in Bolton and visited often, particularly for the ex players reunions.
Always a much respected player and then referee. He was intelligent, articulate and passionate about rugby and our club which he was a major influence in establishing.
He was a much loved friend and will be very sadly missed.
In these photos you can see Arnie happy refereeing, pictured with Dave Mann and Pete Kenyon, when Dewi Morris visited the club, with James Singleton, Chris Singleton and Phillip Trench.
We have lost one of our true gentlemen of rugby, our love and best wishes go out to Arnie's family and friends ❤
The below tribute written by his good friend Pete Kenyon pretty much sums up his life and love of Bolton Rugby Club.
Arnie Redmond, born in Tradegar, Wales in 1942, lost his father in the RAF during the war. Raised in Cardiff and attended Cardiff High School.
Went to Padgate teacher training college and played his rugby at Warrington while he was there.
Qualified as a teacher and got a job at St Simon and St Jude’s, Bolton where he taught for the whole of his career.
On moving to Bolton he joined Old Haywardians RFC, the foundation of what is now Bolton RUFC which then moved and became Bolton Wyresdale until the move and formation of Bolton Rugby Club in 1976.
He was twice President of the newly formed club in those early days.
Arnie was a typical Welsh fly half, quick, clever and skilful who brought the best out of those playing around him, the likes of Dave Mann, John Garnsey, Barry Heaton, absolute legends.
On retiring from playing he took up refereeing which he did for many years, he’s on lots of team photos, and not surprisingly he excelled, reaching a high standard.
25 years ago, together with his wife Pam he moved back to his beloved Wales (he was always a very proud Welshman) but kept very much in touch with us here in Bolton and visited often, particularly for the ex players reunions.
Always a much respected player and then referee. He was intelligent, articulate and passionate about rugby and our club which he was a major influence in establishing.
He was a much loved friend and will be very sadly missed.
In these photos you can see Arnie happy refereeing, pictured with Dave Mann and Pete Kenyon, when Dewi Morris visited the club, with James Singleton, Chris Singleton and Phillip Trench.
We have lost one of our true gentlemen of rugby, our love and best wishes go out to Arnie's family and friends ❤
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