I just wanted to take advantage of this forum to pay homage to a very dear family friend and Saints oldest season ticket holder Harry Jones who sadly passed away on Friday 24th Jan at the grand old age of 101.
Harry was brought up on Rugby union in South Wales but after his marriage lived in the Isle of Dogs, after serving in the forces during the war Harry found work down south with Pilkington Bros and it was his 'northern workmates' that introduced him to Saints and after relocating to St Helen's he well and truly caught the bug and started a lifelong support of the club.
Harry would meet me pre match for a chin wag and when we left each other to take our seats without fail he would present me with a chocolate bar 'for half time'
Away from rugby he was one of life's true gentlemen, in over 30 years I have known him I have never heard him say a wrong word about anyone...not even Wiganers...lol! He was kind & generous and the most wonderful friend to many.
I really would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at the club and especially Mark Onion who over recent years have arranged for Harry to take the match ball onto the pitch, have dinner in the directors box and presented with a framed Saints Jersey by Justin Holbrook, at his 100th birthday party James Roby, Alex Walmsley & Kyle Amor all dropped by to see him....Harry was extremely touched and grateful for all this and especially earlier this year when they arranged for him to have a better seat,car park pass etc....he was so looking forward to this season (he only missed 3 home games all last season)but sadly it was not to be.
Sleep peacefully my dear friend, the world will be a poorer place without you but one thing for sure you will always be in that number.