It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Jeff Choules, a much-loved and valued member of our rugby club. Jeff’s funeral will take place at *1:45pm on Friday 30th October at Amersham Crematorium*, followed by a wake at the rugby club. All who knew Jeff are warmly invited to join us as we celebrate his life.

Jeff was an incredibly active member of the club and a familiar face around the clubhouse. Most Thursday evenings, you could find him at the bar keeping Molly company, and on Saturday afternoons he would be behind the posts, cheering on the First XV. He was always ready for a quick chat and, before long, you’d likely hear about how he’d visited 72 countries or be treated to an anecdote about one of his many M&S colleagues. Jeff had a wonderful knack for making time for people, and his presence around the club will be sorely missed.

Although Jeff never played rugby himself, he decided to bring David along to the minis when he was just five years old, and the rest, as they say, is history. From then on, weekends revolved around rugby, with Jeff tirelessly ferrying David to and from clubs across the region and playing a huge part in helping him forge a successful rugby career. That same love and dedication extended to his grandsons, Ollie and Jake, with Jeff continuing to travel around the country well into his 80s to watch them play. He was a devoted supporter of his family, always there on the touchline, cheering them on.

Jeff and his wife, Christine, were also integral to the renovation of the clubhouse, and both were made honorary life members in recognition of their tireless efforts. Jeff’s enthusiasm for helping out never faded. Whenever you visited his house, there always seemed to be a little project underway – whether it was fixing the clubhouse clock, mounting an international jersey or mending a dog bowl. If something needed doing, Jeff was always happy to lend a hand.

The rugby club was an incredibly important part of Jeff’s life, and it feels fitting that one of our last conversations with him, on the night before he passed away, was about how the First XV were shaping up for their opening game of the season. We know he would have been gutted to miss it.

Jeff leaves behind a wonderful legacy of family, friendship, generosity and service to the club. He gave so much of his time and energy to the people around him, and we will remember him with enormous affection.

We would be delighted if you could join us on Friday 30th October to celebrate Jeff’s life, share memories and raise a glass to an incredible man who meant so much to our club.

Rest in peace, Jeff. You will be greatly missed.

Ollie Choules