Bob Bateman

By Dave Picken - May 7 2013
Bob Bateman
Bob Bateman who served the club as player, captain , coach, committee member, chairman and ultimately club president, has died at the age of 73 after a long illness ..

 

During his college years Bob played for Rossyln Park and Streatham and Croydon. On his return he became an outstanding captain for West playing mainly in the back row, but also featuring on the wing and at hooker both for the club and the county.

Club Chairman Peter Olsen says: "Bob was a formidable player who was a member of the highly succesful  Durham side of the 60s.

"As a West player he was known and respected across the country, and he was equally successful as  an administrator when he was one of the leading lights who took the club to the very highest level.

"In between he was a no-nonsense coach who helped produce many fine players. Throughout his life he had a tremendous impact on the club and continued to offer support whenever and wherever he could.

"We will all miss him very much."

Bob, who had moved to Shropshire after his second marriage, leaves Barbara and sons Stephen and Richard. Our thoughts and sympathies are with them.

 

 

 
Bob Bateman
Posted by: Official West Hartlepool RFC (IP Logged)
Date: 07/05/2013 11:12


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Re: Bob Bateman
Posted by: KOlly (IP Logged)
Date: 07/05/2013 12:00

Very sad news, Bob was a real rugby man and played a huge part in our success climbing the league ladders, my thoughts are with his family, best wishes

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Re: Bob Bateman
Posted by: smurray (IP Logged)
Date: 07/05/2013 13:00


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Re: Bob Bateman
Posted by: West Park Allotment (IP Logged)
Date: 07/05/2013 13:59

Very sad news indeed. Bob was a driving force behind this club for years. A tremendous man and one with many many friends in the town.
Sympathies to all.

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Re: Bob Bateman
Posted by: Pie Valve Karlos (IP Logged)
Date: 07/05/2013 17:28

Bob was a great man he advised me a lot when i was a colt at brierton lane.
Deepest sympathy for his family
Rip

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Re: Bob Bateman
Posted by: Dave Picken (IP Logged)
Date: 08/05/2013 09:34

Bob's funeral will take place on Thursday 16th May, 2.15pm in the United Reform Church, Shrewsbury.

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Re: Bob Bateman
Posted by: Brian McMurdo (IP Logged)
Date: 08/05/2013 17:00

Sad to hear of Bob's passing.
It has been an honour and a privilege to have known Bob for many years, as father to my good friend in Stephen and West stalwart.
My condolences to Barbara, Stephen & Tracey, Richard & Wendy and Bob's grandchildren.

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Re: Bob Bateman
Posted by: Denny Dixon (IP Logged)
Date: 09/05/2013 10:19

A WEST man through and through. New him as a prefect and his days at West. Serious face usually but remember his big broad smile when he did laugh. RIP BOB.

Denny!!!

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Re: Bob Bateman
Posted by: Jonty Groves (IP Logged)
Date: 09/05/2013 14:12

RIP Bob, will be sadly missed by all who knew him
Jonty Groves

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Re: Bob Bateman
Posted by: Foot Up (IP Logged)
Date: 09/05/2013 23:56

Very sad news. My thoughts are with Bob’s family at this difficult time.

Bob not only taught me a lot about rugby, but also taught me a lot about life.

A much respected man.

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Re: Bob Bateman
Posted by: Stevebateman (IP Logged)
Date: 10/05/2013 20:21

I’d like to thank you all on behalf of my family for your kind messages and support during such a difficult time. I know Dad was highly respected by many within rugby circles both at West and throughout the country.

I remember in the mid 1990’s, while living in London watching West beat Wasps on Sky at Brierton Lane. Just as the final whistle blew the camera zoomed in on my Dad to show him grinning like a Cheshire cat.At the time I seem to recall he was West’s Director of Rugby. It’s an image I’ll never forget and perfectly summed up Dad fulfilling his ambition of seeing a West team take on the Rugby elite and winning.

He will be sorely missed.

Steve Bateman

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Re: Bob Bateman
Posted by: Cincinnati Kid (IP Logged)
Date: 10/05/2013 21:49

It was a pleasure to work with Bob when the Brierton Lane expansion took place, and also to play on the same team a few times. I'll miss that smile at the Old Boys dinner!
Condolences to all the family,
Mick and Linda Dutton

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