Tributes have been paid to Whitehaven Rugby League’s Jimmy Clements who died at the weekend.
He was often referred to as ‘Mr Whitehaven’ having served as the club’s kit man for a number of years.
Mr Clements was well known throughout the Rugby League community and was committed to Haven, rarely missing a training session.
He never missed a game until COVID-19 regulations meant he couldn’t attend.
Tommy Todd, Haven chairman, said: “It is with the deepest shock and sadness that the club has heard of the passing of Jimmy Clements. Shock being an understatement.
“Where does one start to talk about Jimmy? His love of WRLFC was boundless, his whole life outside his family was wrapped up in the club.
“He would try and do anything anyone asked him if he could, and no matter how bad things might be Jimmy would never criticise the club.
“He was a fixture on that front seat on the away bus, he was a legend in the dressing room and every other club you went to all ‘knew’ Jimmy Clem.
“There are so many happy and funny anecdotes about Jimmy, and when he was laughing his laugh was infectious and it didn’t matter what you were talking about it always ended in the conversation being about Whitehaven, as though nothing else in the world really mattered.
“Our condolences go out to Jimmy’s family and friends and especially Betty another stalwart of the club, Betty’s presence behind the bar on matchdays was also legendary.
“Some people are simply a ‘one off’ and Jimmy Clements – you were that ‘one off’ at our club and you will never be forgotten by all those who love this club.
“Years upon years of plain simple devotion. He would always greet me with “..err Rock on Tommy how’s things?” well today Jimmy I can tell you they are not so good.
“My phone has never stopped ringing and messages have been pouring in and the one thing people keep saying is “..oh I loved Jimmy…” RIP Jimmy and we will have a fitting memorial when we get back to normal. Pleased to have known you.”
Whitehaven player Gregg McNally tweeted: “Absolutely gutted to hear the news about the legend, Jimmy Clements. Mr Whitehaven RL.
“He always looked after me when I first came through did Jimmy. Thoughts go out to his wife Betty and his family. RIP Jimmy, you’ll be a massive miss marra.”
