David Burton, Vice President Cobham Rugby - RIP

We are very sad to report the passing last weekend of our friend and long time, active and loyal

club member David (Dave) Burton.

Dave and his wife Maggie’s association with the club started when their son, ‘Stevie B’, started

mini rugby. An Old Surb, Dave, an epitome of a ‘Clubman’, embraced membership and the friendships forged at the club. They attended many mini and youth tours and were ever present even after Steve (former 1st XV Captain and regular player) retired (too early in your writers opinion!).

Dave was instrumental in setting up a successful schools tournament designed to increase participation in Rugby Union at local State Schools. David, a former Youth Section Chair, was made a Vice President (along with Maggie) in 1999.

Latterly, David and Maggie took over and revitalised the Cobham 500 Club, whipping it into shape and so regularly enabling an annual contribution to the club of around £5,000 in funds, used to improve the amenity of our fantastic facilities for all our members.

Outside the Club, Dave and Maggie were equally active as members of Cobham Garden Club and was Vice Chairman Trading Allotments and Show Manager. Dave would arrive at the club in the spring with a tray full of dahlia tubers he had grown or bred for members to plant. Every summer was a riot of colourful memory of him and his generosity and advice. This year’s dahlia’s display will be particularly poignant!

David passed after a tough fight with illness and will be sorely missed by all his friends at the

club. Our thoughts are with Maggie, Carolyn and Steve, and their wider family.

The Funeral - 6 August 2024

The funeral will be held on Tuesday 6 August (2.45pm) at St. Andrews church in Cobham (KT11 3EJ). Everyone who attends is welcome back to the club afterwards and encouraged to wear club colours!

Ian Thomas

Hon. President