Former Hereford chairman David Benjamin passes away
28/07/10 by Guy Griffiths
North Midlands President Steve Guy has paid tribute to former Hereford chairman David Benjamin who passed away suddenly on July 18 at Hereford County Hospital.
"I knew him from my early days of referring in the mid 1970s when Hereford were playing at the old Rockfield Road ground in the city," Guy said.
"I know of the invaluable work he has done with the club whilst playing and then after his retirement.
"He was a leading light and someone I would always see at the club when I visited.
"I last saw him at Luctonians President's lunch at end of January when we had a good chat. He told me he went to school with Dave Burke, who is the Lucs President, and that he was also Burkie's best man.
"I would like to extend on behalf of North Midlands RFU our deepest sympathy to his wife and family in their sad loss, also to Hereford RFC.Dave will be sadly missed."
David leaves his wife Nina along with his children Nicholas, Robert and Anna, his mother Joyce and younger brother Jimmy.
David was a local businessman for many years and could be often seen in Hereford's Butter Market behind his fish stall, having succeeded his father, Tom, into the business.
A former student at Hereford Cathedral School and keen on sport, it was only natural that he should join Hereford Rugby Club after finishing his education.
He made his 1st XV debut in the late sixties, at a very early age, and was a very good full back - robust and fearless- no player would run through Dave.
He was a very reliable place kicker. He went on numerous Club tours, particularly the California tour in 1980. He played for many years with distinction, and was inevitably "the life and sole" of the Club for many years.
He will also be remembered as a true Club man. Over the years he was social secretary, Club Steward, 2ndXV captain and Chairman. His support and guidance to the Club has been invaluable.
He had many interests, and for the past few years was a local Independent and our City councillor for the Hereford City Ward of St Nicolas, always ready to help people who needed advice and a tireless worker for his community. That was always the case with David. He was a true friend, not only to his family and Hereford Rugby Club, but to many other Herefordians.
He will be sadly missed by many players, past and present, not only in Hereford but throughout the county and the Midlands RFU, as well as all who knew him in the city.
People come and go, but we will never be able to replace so charismatic a character as David Benjamin
