Rod Roberts – Memorial Service and Funeral arrangements

It is with deep regret that the club announce the passing of Rod Roberts (aged 76) who lost his 8 month battle against cancer on Saturday 20th February 2021. He was an extremely active serving member on the club committee for almost 10yrs in the late 1980’s and into the 1990’s, with 5 of those years serving as club secretary. Rod was a gentleman and a gentle man in every way, a quiet man but also had that calming influence in all situations.

Rod loved his sport (taking part and watching – also a Nationally Ranked VETS Table Tennis player in his own right); he was a very proud Dad when he watched his son Chris (wearing the Gateshead colours) win the U/20 British X-country trials (on the Riverside Bowl behind the stadium) which saw him book his place on the GB Team to run in the 1988 World X-Country Championships that took place in Auckland, New Zealand. 

See below an email from Rod’s son Chris:

Dear Friends,
On behalf of my Dad, Rod Roberts, I know that there have been a number of his friends enquiring about the respective funeral arrangements. As it currently stands, the service will be taking place at Saltwell Crematorium on Friday 5 March, which unfortunately can only accommodate 20 people. To that end, I have attached below the instructions that will take you to a live stream so that you can all view the service should you wish. Please feel free to share:

The webcast login is as follows:

• Order ID – 80787
• Password – pxuvaktz

Further to the above, it is our intention to arrange a memorial service during the month of August (hopefully we will be out of the current COVID restrictions). Likely to be at Eslington Villa, Low Fell… clearly details to follow in that respect.

Conscious that I have no control over those who wish to show their respects from outside of the Crematorium. Could I kindly ask that facemasks, 2m social distancing and all UK Government direction is adhered to should you decide to do so.                                                                                      

Rest easy Rod, you will be sadly missed by many.