Pre-pic for beer festival, Burton rugby clubJohn LoweA MAN who went from player to president at Burton Rugby Club has passed away following a valiant battle with cancer.
‘A bit of Burton Rugby Clubs DNA has been lost’ were the words used after John Lowe drew his final breath surrounded by his family on Sunday after a near two-and-a-half year battle with the disease.
A spokesman for the club said: “Our club president, John Lowe, lost his battle with cancer on Sunday at St Giles Hospice.
“He correctly predicted earlier in the week that England would beat Ireland and how right he was.
“He waited until the final whistle in Dublin then closed his eyes for one last time and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.
“He will be missed by many not just at Peel Croft, and our thoughts and prayers are with all his family, especially his much loved sisters and his stepson at this very sad and difficult time.
“John was truly one of life’s good guys, a wonderful man, who gave more time and commitment to Burton Rugby Club than many people will ever know.”
The 66-year-old will be survived by his stepson Philip and sisters Pat and Janet. His wife has passed to cancer five years previous.
After moving south from Sheffield in 1970, he first settled in Derby before eventually making Stretton his home a few years later.
This move introduced him to Peel Croft, where he continued to play the game he loved complete with a Bobby Charlton comb over hairstyle.
After pulling on a Burton shirt for many years, he decided to give back to his club by serving in many voluntary positions off the pitch from club secretary to president.
However, he was never afraid to get his hands dirty and would always take part in a club working party, whether he’d be cleaning changing rooms or painting fences.
Over the years, he enjoyed many club yours which took him to places across the UK and Europe, but in 2009 he took part in the ultimate rugby tour by travelling to South Africa to be part of the British and Irish Lions Tour.
Burton Rugby Club grounds chairman Kevin Wrathall said: “A bit of Burton Rugby Clubs DNA has been lost.”
Mr Lowe worked as a quantity surveyor for Derby City Council.
Details have not yet been announced about when or where Mr Lowe’s funeral will take place.
