Having started playing at the age of 16, Roger was a true servant of Bath, devoting large parts of his life to assisting in the smooth running of the Club.

He represented both the A team and the first XV on the field, but it was off the field where Roger's commitment is most evident.

In the 1973-74 season he was named in Club records as sitting on the Club Management Committee, the Finance Committee, the Bars and Social Committee and the Barbecue and Fete Committee. He went on to be the Club Chairman from 1979-84 and 1990-1993, Chairman of Trustees from 1997-2004, and Club President from 1999-2001.

He was made a Life Member by Bath Rugby in late 2009, and as well as helping to host visiting directors, he was also cheering on the team week in, week out at the Rec for much of the 2014-15 season, as he had done faithfully for many years.

The deepest condolences of all at Bath Rugby go to Roger's family and friends at this sad time.

Tarquin McDonald, Managing Director of Bath Rugby, said: "Roger loved the Club and has been a true servant to Bath Rugby over many years. On a personal level both he and his wife made me feel tremendously welcome when I started working at the Club, and this warm welcome was always extended to visiting teams and directors at the Rec. He will very much be missed and our thoughts are with his family."

Current Club President Mike Beese said: "Roger was one of our longest serving stalwarts who, since joining as a player in the 1950s, always maintained his considerable enthusiasm, energy and commitment to the Club. I have heard from many ex-players who are indebted to the kind support and advice they received from Roger when first playing for a Bath side under his captaincy. I have been very grateful to Roger for his constant support during my term as President and it will be difficult to imagine rugby at Bath without him."

The service of celebration of Roger's life will be held at St Stephen's Church, Lansdown at 14.00 on 29th June.

Parking will be available at Bath Racecourse where coaches will, from 13.15, take all family, friends and colleagues to the Church and back again for a gathering after the service.

Tribute to Roger Berry

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