OLDER Oldham supporters will have fond memories of Bob Henthorn, a lifelong Roughyeds fan and dedicated rugby league supporter who gave much of his life to the club and, for many years, was a top official in what was then known as the Ex-Players’ Association.
Back then, the organisation didn’t have the high profile that the Players’ Association enjoys today, but there is absolutely no doubt that Bob‘s diligence and passion for it was instrumental in keeping the organisation alive and paving the way for the group led so efficiently and enthusiastically now by the likes of Joe Warburton, John Watkins and Ray Hicks, writes ROGER HALSTEAD.
Bob has died, aged 79, in the Royal Oldham Hospital after being unwell for some time. He had lived alone on Fitton Hill for many years but before going into hospital he was in Ashbourne House Care Home in Lees where he had company, which he always enjoyed, and perhaps more importantly, essential help and care.
Bob lost a leg In a car crash when he was 18 but, as his nephew Dale said:
“He never, ever let his disability stop him doing anything. He loved doing things, talking to people, socialising and taking exercise. He absolutely loved swimming and going to the gym, but there’s no doubt that his first love was Oldham RLFC in particular and rugby league in general. He was a smashing bloke who couldn’t do enough for the club and its players.”
In 2008, Bob and another amputee, his friend Andrew Davey, opened their hearts to reporter Marina Berry, of the Oldham Chronicle — a dear, ex-colleague of mine — and enlisted the help of the newspaper to draw people’s attention to a scheme called Manfit , which offered a free rehab service to over-18s in Greater Manchester, who had lost a limb.
Dale, who will handle Bob’s funeral arrangements with his dad Melvyn, Bob’s cousin, said:
“It would be nice if there was a good turn-out of folk from the rugby club. He’s been unable to go to a match but that was only because he was unwell. Rugby League was always his passion and I think he was a leading light in the Ex-Players’ Assn at Watersheddings for about 15 years. He just loved that club and, back in the day, all the great players who were there.
“He also loved swimming and he would often train in the pool with the Great Britain Paralympics squad. He knew ‘em all very well indeed — people like Ellie Simmonds, who won two gold medals for GB in the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing. He was that sort of a chap. He would, and could, talk to anybody. He made friends very easily. I was privileged to be in his family and I’m honoured to be helping my Dad with the funeral arrangements.
“He and my Dad were very close growing up – more like brothers than cousins.”
Bob’s funeral is at Oldham Crem, Hollinwood on Friday, December 1 at 10am. Barlows are the Funeral Directors and the Crematorium has been booked for an hour.
The sincere condolences of everyone at Oldham RLFC are extended to Bob’s extended family and friends with a massive thank-you for all he did for ex-players.
