R.I.P. Jean Clarke
Jean Clarke, after a long and brave battle against cancer, passed away recently.
Jean had touched the hearts of so many across the “rugby generations”. A member of
Never one lacking a response in the clubhouse banter, she had the innate ability of making every member and especially player, feel as if they were the most important person at the Bay on the day. Players throughout the years fondly recall how Jean would enthusiastically congratulate them on their performance, which often helped in dealing with the pain of a sad loss, or the disappointment of a below par performance. Her kind words of encouragement and off-the-wall rugby opinion, managed to remind one that it was just a game after all.
After the untimely loss of her beloved husband in the early eighties, Jean remained a loyal supporter of False Bay RFC, keeping in touch with the club through her wide network of people. She never learnt to drive a car, which restricted her match attendances to home games and then only dependent on a lift, Jean nevertheless was an integral part of the
She knew every player by name, and if she did not, she would have by the next game.
A woman of extraordinary inner strength and resilience, Jean dedicated her life to raising her daughter, Leslie, who sadly passed away eight years ago.
An extremely private person, Jean always ensured that her demeanour was positive and encouraging when she attended the club for any functions or matches. Indeed this is the memory she left with so many members.
Jean received an Honorary Vice Presidency in 2009, of which she was extremely proud. As her health deteriorated, her raspy calls of encouragement to the players and admonishment of the referees became increasingly softer until it fell silent at the beginning of this year.
Her energy levels prevented her from attending many matches from mid-2010 but she was ever grateful of the effort Kevin Musikanth made to ensure that she received a copy of the match video of the Saturday before.
This year as her attendance at the club had all but ceased, Snoopy Knoop independently arranged for a number of players and members to visit Jean one Sunday morning. It was a few hours of sheer delight as the warmth for Jean from the members was tangibly evident, and her honest, dry humour was at its best.
A wake to celebrate the life of this extraordinary woman was held at the club a few days after her passing. With the Annual Awards Dinner looming, a new award was created in the memory of Jean Clarke. The “Jean Clarke Trophy” will be awarded annually for the most passionate member or supporter.
Jean’s memory will be forever fondly treasured and her spirit will be present for many years to come.
We will miss you Jean, but never forget you!
