Oakdale RFC was deeply saddened to learn the passing of a great servant to the Club recently. Gary Pullen lost his long battle to illness but left a positive permanent impression on everyone at Oakdale RFC. Gary played a handful of games for the senior side but his strengths were in helping the Club progress through the Monmouthshire leagues into the Heineken League structure. An industrious committee man, Gary worked tirelessly in the jobs not everyone wanted to undertake. His commitment saw him elevated into the Vice Chairperson role in the 1989/1990 season and through his commitment and endeavor the Club experienced one of its most successful phases.

Once Gary knew his time had come to step aside, his relationship with the Club did not stop there. He continued to provide invaluable service using his electrician’s skills and abilities to give up his time for free helping the Club sort out problems only a competent person could sort. Gary was the go-to person when we undertook major renovations and refurbishment of the clubhouse and the Clubhouse is a much more welcoming (and safe) place because of him.

When Gary decided to hang up his tools he was still a frequent visitor to the Club and always was interested to know how the committee was progressing with improvements and alterations to the facilities. A Clubman with the Club in his heart, Gary will be sorely missed. Our condolences go out to his wife, Sue, his two daughters, Leanne & Tara and the rest of the Pullen family.