Old Patesians turned out in force to pay their respects to one of the club’s true grandees.

The funeral of Bill Leech took place at Cheltenham Minster, St Mary’s, and there was a strong representation from the club that was his second home for much of his life.

And while he was best known for his love of all things rugby – both as a player, referee and on the administrative side – that was by no means his only sporting interest because he was big into his cricket, golf and skittles.

The common theme throughout was the Patesians Sports and Social Club, which became a central part of his life from 1961 when Cheltenham became the family’s permanent home.

Across seven decades he held many official roles.

For the main association he was chairman, treasurer and secretary.

For the rugby section he was president, chairman and long-serving committee member.

He was also a director when Patesians Sports and Social Club became a Limited Company.

Throughout all aspects of Bill’s involvement in the Pats Club, he received terrific support from his wife Margaret and the rest of his family.

“Bill fully engaged with the traditions and spirit of the Pats Club and encouraged everyone to do the same,” said Dave Kingscott, a former Pats rugby player and long-standing club member.

“He was a great influence on his peers and many younger friends who themselves went on to become club stalwarts.

“Bill also acted as an extra father figure for many of us.

“We knew we’d done something wrong when he started a conversation with, ‘Now look here sunshine’.

“He had no problem letting you know when you’d been an idiot, but he never condemned you for it – and was always calm.

“Bill did so much for the junior and senior rugby sections.

“With many former juniors involved, it was fitting Bill shared in the club’s terrific achievement at Twickenham in 2001 when we won the Intermediate Cup.

“Praise was hard-earned from Bill but – post-match in Twickenham’s Rose Room – his beaming face said it all.”