RIP Chris Mattherw MBE

Mon 11 Oct 2021 15:59

It is with great sadness that we annouce the passing of former club chairman Chris Matthews. 

Chris was always present at the club and loved by all. 

Mel Vecsey - Hon Sec;

I am sorry to let you know that our friend Chris Matthews passed away peacefully on Monday 4th October. Chris had been a Northern stalwart for as long as I can remember - player, organiser of the 7's competitions, President, Chair of Executive, supporter and much more. He was a key member of the County U20 rugby setup and was part of the management team that went to Twickenham. He was a pillar of the local Gosforth community, All Saints Church, Sea Cadets and much, much more. Chris had undergone an operation last January and unfortunately during recovery he contracted sepsis from which he was not able to recover.

Chris is a huge miss and our thoughts are with his family.

Allan Curry:

Very sad to hear what we knew was going to happen. A little postscript that you may not know, Chris and Vince (O'Sullivan) were good friends and Vince confided in me that Chris was proud of the fact that he oversaw the updating of the squash section in 2011 a plaque to that fact bearing his name is placed proudly on the wall outside court one.
He knew that that he is probably the only Chairman past and future (who knows) will have their names in memorial in the two key parts of the club's history.

Northern Panthers pay tribute to Chris with a minute silence before thir game with Ashington RFC

A funeral for Chris will take place at All Saints, Gosforth, on Friday 29th October, 2 pm followed by family only at the crem.

Peoeple are welcome back to Northern afterwards for refreshments and to share stories about Chris

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