The club has received many messages on Social Media in rememberence of Bob, all of which can be found via the Facebook link below. We have however recieved some by email, which I have copied below:
Rev. John Barnett
Dear Alan, I don't reply to most of these pieces of sad news, but I am gutted at the news about Bob, as I am aware will be many, many others.
With best wishes and shared condolences,
John
Phil Rendall
To say this is the saddest day of my life is an understatement. The first person I met having walked down the drive of Handsworth Rugby Club was Charles Quentin Lewis. The second was Robert Victor Jones. Many tears this evening, he was a great man, a true clubman.
I bow my head in honour of one of the greatest men I have ever met.
RIP my friend.
Phil
Geoff Myers
Both Avril and I were extremely saddened to hear the news. We have known Bob and Barbara since Bob and I played together in the 60's. It’s a very sad day for Handsworth RFC, and a passing that probably a lot of people were not expecting. He will be greatly missed by all present and past members and for all his endeavours in making what Handsworth is today. He embodied the Handsworth ethos and will be a hard act to follow.
Geoff Myers
Brian Bott
Good morning Alan.
I don't think we have met and there are, probably, not too many in the Club now who remember me. My name is Brian Bott and I am still listed, I believe, in the VPs (I'm proud to say!), since I previously served on the Committee as Sponsorship Secretary. I have not been able to get to the Club for several years now due to deteriorating health and more than poor mobility, although I still manage to keep in touch via your emails and, of course, the website. I really miss my weekly visits to the ground for both the companionship and, of course, the rugby.
It was during those early years on the committee that I got to know Bob Jones. He was an extremely likeable man, always ready to give advice and help whenever it was asked for, and I have many fond memories. I remember the Committee Meeting at which Bob tendered his resignation as Treasurer of the Club whilst offering to stay on for another 12 months to mentor his successor. That obviously didn't happen, and all these years later he was still as loyal and hard working for HRUFC as he ever was. What a man! The news of his passing was a massive shock to me. Even after all my years of absence from the Club, I still feel as if it is the loss of a friend. My name won't be familiar, but please pass on my condolences to his family and his many friends in HRUFC.
Best regards
Brian Bott.
Paul Daniels – Chairman Staffs Rugby Union Referees Societys
Hello Lee
Would you be kind enough to pass on the society's condolences to Bob's family and to Handsworth club.
Bob was kind enough to spend some time with me during my last visit to the club in September and was, as always, excellent company. I am sure that every referee visiting the club was made to feel as welcome, be it for the first or umpteenth time.
The best way to remember Bob will be to take our cue from him and enjoy each other's company post-match.
With best wishes
Paul
Brian Phillips
