All my thoughts over the last week have been with the whole Barwell family after the very sad news of the passing of Leon last Friday.
I have known Leon for the 16 years that I have been in Northampton, and I am proud to call him a friend. A nicer, more humble man you are unlikely to meet on your travels and at heart a true man of the Saints who was absolutely in touch with the grass roots of support at the club.
What does it mean to be a Saintsman? Well to me it’s fairly simple, it’s a work ethic, it’s humility, it’s honesty and integrity, it’s an understanding of the fact that you are part of something much bigger with a proud history and heritage – in all those qualities Leon excelled.
The manner of how Leon coped with managing his illness whilst at the same time dealing with the trials and tribulations of running a world-class rugby club is a lesson to us all of how to deal with challenges and adversity.
A quiet man to Keith’s more heart-on-his-sleeve approach, he was nonetheless a shrewd businessman. I believe the club has lost a real leader and visionary and I hope whoever steps in as chairman can continue the good work that Leon has achieved in his all too short time at the helm.
Far too many times in life we lose friends and family before their time and Leon will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. We can be comforted somewhat by the memories we have of time spent and there are plenty of those good times to reflect on.
Leon’s and the Barwell family legacy will live on as the club moves forward and everyone associated with the Saints, I know, are eternally grateful for the support they have given the club and town. Without their loyal and unerring support the club would not be where it is today.
Full column in this week’s Chronicle & Echo