Obituary

It is with sadness that I share that my Dad, Richard Bliss, died recently following a short illness.

Emma Bliss

Valedictory

It is with sadness that I share that my Dad, Richard Bliss, died recently following a short illness. He remained incredibly proud of his connection and history with Ealing Rugby club from a player in the early 1970s, to club captain, coach and then supporter beyond that. In recent years he remained in contact with former team mates and enjoyed attending get togethers at the club. As a youngster I have fond memories of running around during fixtures and running in and around the clubhouse post-match. This summer, Dad particularly enjoyed regaling tales of "glory tries" (one particular one at Henley) and all sorts of tour antics that he was involved in. We enjoyed looking through photographs, and spent much time laughing at 70s hair and moustaches! I don't know if there is a way of noting his passing and whether you might be able to assist in sharing the information with former team-mates? Thank you, Emma

Emma Bliss

This is sad news. My playing career overlapped with Dick (he will always be Dick to me) for some 20ish years. I remember him well. I will add a record on our In Memoraiam page and will also send your message on to our “Ealing Legends” group. If appropriate please forward any more details plus any plans for your remembrance activities.

This has cast a shadow over a very sunny morning.

Paul Clarke

I’ve found lots of photos and things and in time will scan them in - perhaps they can be added to the archive?  I have a couple of anecdotal stories too which might draw a smile from others too!

In 1990 we moved as a family to Cheshire and Dad became heavily involved in Sale Rugby Club. At the time when the sport professionalised he was first team manager and heavily involved in those latter amateur and early semi/pro years with the team. His love of rugby remained with him until the end. 

I would love to perhaps come to an Ealing game at some point in the season, and if appropriate, put out a message if any ‘old boys’ fancied also going to the same fixture then raise a glass in the clubhouse after the match? 

I haven’t really thought the plan through too much as yet but I think something along those lines might work?  I might need your help to spread the word! 

Emma Bliss

Horsenden Hill and Dick Bliss - what a combination. A cracking player, coach and all round good bloke from a great Ealing era, a stand out character and player at a time when Ealing was awash with them, great days and glad I enjoyed some of them with him.

George Haley

Dick Bliss was probably one of the best, if not the best player to turn out  for Ealing in the amateur era. He was club captain and a fearless extremely fit back row player. Despite his disabilities in recent years he remained good humoured and a loyal and committed supporter of Ealing Rugby Club.

Paul Morgan

Looked after us Colts in 1977. Top guy. 

Mark Lynch

Very sad. Dick Bliss was my first captain at Ealing. A great wing forward and tremendous tackler. My best and sincere wishes to all of his family. Dick was an Ealing hall of fame player! Have always remembered him.

Steve Foot

I was very saddened & shocked  to receive the news of Dick's death. I played in the 1stxv with him for several years in early 1970s where he was a prominent no.8, very fast & mobile with skills to match.  I also enjoyed meeting up with him at Club Reunion lunches when several of the "oldies" got together & reminisced of the great times we had back then--- I also met up with him at Sale RFC a few times when he was team manager there, & well respected. (He liked to be called Richard then, but to me he was Dick!! ) I remember the camaraderie the team had  & some of the exploits & will remember Dick with fond memories. 

Please convey our condolences to the family 

Mike Williams

Thanks Paul very sad. Dick Bliss was my first captain at Ealing. A great wing forward and tremendous tackler. My best and sincere wishes to all of his family. Dick was an Ealing hall of fame player! Have always remembered him.

Steve Foot

I was very saddened & shocked to receive the news of Dick's death. I played in the 1stxv with him for several years in early 1970's where he was a prominent no.8 ,very fast & mobile with skills to match. I also enjoyed meeting up with him at Club Reunion lunches when several of the "oldies " got together & reminisced of the great times we had back then. I also met up with him at Sale RFC a few times when he was team manager there, & well respected. (He liked to be called Richard then, but to me he was Dick!! ) I remember the camaraderie the team had & some of the exploits & will remember Dick with fond memories.

Please convey our condolences to the family.

Mike Williams

Very sorry to hear the sad news of Dick’s passing. You say he started playing in the early 70’s which unfortunately coincided with my retiring in 1969/70 and as a result I did not know although I was aware of who he was. I shall certainly say a prayer for him this evening and my sincere sympathies to you and your family at this very sad time .
Personal Regards
Michael

Mike Henderson

That is very sad news indeed.Dick was a great player and bloke. He was a bit injury prone as I recall. He had a spell at Harlequins for a season or so but never quite made it. Then of course he came back to Ealing. I remember him as a coach with some success.
He will be missed by all of the old guard.

Paul Monteith

Thanks for this. It's very sad news indeed. My lasting memory of Dick is of an incredible athlete and a truly lovely person. As others have mentioned, he was probably the best Ealing player of his era. When I first started playing for the first team, he was incredibly kind to me-always full of encouragement and sound advice.

His competitiveness and "never give up" spirit inspired everyone around him, and whenever he was on the field, you just felt we had a good chance of winning. I’d like to extend my heartfelt wishes to Emma and her family during this difficult time. Dick was truly one of a kind, and I had a lot of love for him.

Graham Precey

Very sad news. Dick was one of the first persons I met at Ealing. He was a true Ealing man, a great player and had time for all.

George Duckworth

On returning from holidays I was surprised and sad to find a message about my skipper and my No 8 in the backrow I played in. A great Captain and player. I only played for a few years with Richard as my work at Kingsbury School was a new kind of hard work. Indeed, also my children came quickly and so I only played for Ealing for 3 to 4 years but always remembering my Captain and No 8 those years. My condolence to his family. I will remember him.

Jack Peffers