In Memoriam
There have been a lot of amazing players that have helped Springfield Rugby get to where we are today. Some of them have passed onto the other side and this is where we make dedications and memory to their name. Their contributions to our club will never be forgotten and will always be appreciated.
Tribute to Fallen Ruggers
Jimmy Stewart
​James "Jimmy" Leslie Stewart, a founding member of the Springfield Rugby Football Club in 1983. He was a fierce competitor on the field and a cherished friend to many. Known for his larger-than-life personality, Jimmy's love for rugby, family, and friends left a lasting impact that will never be forgotten.
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Chris 'Jacko' Jackson
Chris Jackson was a beloved coach, father, husband, and friend. Chris, originally from Australia, brought his passion for rugby to Springfield, leading the Springfield Rugby Football Club to great success. Known for his warm personality and commitment to both family and the sport, Chris will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
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Geoffrey Bricker
Dr. Geoffrey Bricker, who died January 2024, was a podiatric surgery specialist in Springfield, MO and played for SRFC 1983 - 1984.
Alan Summers
Alan Summers, originally from Pontypool, S Wales, passed away in his sleep on at the age of 59 on April 23, 2023. Alan played for Newport RFC and Pill Harriers RFC before moving to Springfield in 1990.
Leon Tyler
Leon Tyler, one of the very early members of SRFC, passed away on Thursday December 20th, 2018, in Cox South Hospital, Springfield at the age of 62.
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Darin Eidson
Darin passed away on Saturday October 27th, 2018 in Tulsa, OK, at the age of 48 years. Darin was a steady, consistent and enthusiastic player for SRFC during the mid to late 1990's.
Charlie Kristek
Charles passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2017 having attained the age of 46 years. Charlie played with the Springfield Rugby Club while a student at SMSU in the late 80's/early 90's.
Tony "Snowy" Howells
Snowy Howells, the first Honorary SRFC Club Member passed away due to cancer on Wednesday March 8th, 2017. Snowy was a member of Pill Harriers RFC and, starting in 1985, was instrumental in developing the great relationship between these two clubs.
Johnie Watts
Johnie Watts, 60, of Willow Springs, MO passed away on March 17, 2017 at Autumn Oaks Caring Center in Mountain Grove, MO. Played a few games for SRFC in its early days.
Rick Lorenz
Rick D. Lorenz, 56, of Keokuk, died July 29, 2016, following a boating accident on the Mississippi River. One of the SRFC original players - while in college, Rick played football, rugby and also wrestled.
Susan Caldwell
Susan Caldwell, Mark Owings' long-term partner, a SRFC supporter for many years and an inspiration for the club, passed away December 16th 2015 after a valiant fight with cancer.
Jon Ipock
Jon Ipock passed away October 19, 2015 while scuba diving on a work trip in the Seattle, WA area.​ He played for a short time with SRFC in 2005 before moving to FL for school.
Charlie Raper
Charlie Raper, a long time social member of SRFC and a great guy, passed away July 28th. 2015 after along illness.
Ron Velliquette
Ron Velliquette, father of Doug (DOG) and Craig, passed away on April 29, 2015 in Denver, CO at age 79. As the owner of Canteen Food & Vending of Springfield, Ron (& family) financially supported SRFC’s early years by paying club members to run several Charity Casino Night functions of the Missouri Restaurant Association in which Ron was the President.
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Mark Forbes
Mark 'Buffalo Head' Forbes - April 2013 after lengthy battle with Cancer.
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Mike Kowaleski
Mike Kowalewski passed away in a drowning accident on Sunday, July 18, 2010 at the age of 22. He was a young valuable member of the St. Louis Royals both on and off the field. He had played with the Springfield Rugby Club for 3 years while a student at MSU.
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Doug Velliquette
At age 48 from a heart attack in March, 2009 in Colorado Springs, CO. Doug (Dog) was one of the early members of the club and played from the Fall season, 1983, until 1991. The Velliquette family dedicated a Memorial Stone for Doug and planted a DOGwood tree at the Home field in May 2010.
Ryan G. Kuhles
Ryan was a member of SRFC from 2003 and regularly attended training. After a long hard battle with cancer, Ryan Kuhles passed away in 2008 in St. Charles, MO.
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Del Houser
Del died in Topeka, KS in 2007. Del played a few games for Springfield at the end of his playing days.
Wolfgang Huff
Wolfgang was the President of SRFC for 3 years in the late 1990's (1997-1999) and continued to support the club until his death in 2003.
Matt Wilson
Matt died of cancer in 2006. The Matt Wilson Pavilion was named in his honor as one of its founding members and a faithful supporter of the club.
James 'Jimmy' Stewart
James Leslie Stewart
February 16, 1949 – September 27, 2024
James Leslie Stewart (Jimmy) was born on February 16, 1949, and passed away on September 27, 2024, after battling cancer. He was the son of Frank Henry and Eldorene Stewart. He graduated from Bolivar High School in 1967 and from Central Methodist College, Fayette, MO in 1971.
Jimmy was one of the 1983 founders of the Springfield Rugby Football Club. He proudly wore number four and continued to play into his early forties. He was a fierce competitor who was loved and feared by many. He made so many hilarious memories with his devoted rugby buddies that are probably not appropriate for this article.
Jim took pride in his work for Chemcentral and Univar. He was originally a truck driver who transitioned into a top-performing salesman. Through his work, he never met a stranger and made lifelong friends. After he retired from Univar in 2013, Jim loved spending time with family and friends at his cabin on Table Rock Lake and riding his Harley Davidson with friends. However, his most favorite pastime was his role as Papaw. Jim’s legendary personality allowed him to make millions of friends during his lifetime. They included his college buddies, RBP motorcycle club, rugby buddies, work friends, and neighbors. He enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs play football. Jim faithfully cared for his mother and several of his friends when they needed his help.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his dearly loved granddaughter, Emma Elizabeth Stewart, and many other family members.
He is survived by his loving and caring companion, Diana Jones (we all thank God for D), his son, Travis James Stewart (Heather Holden) of Houston, MO, daughters Erin Stewart McAninch (Cale) and son Cohen of Ozark, MO, and Lindsay Shae Collins (Sam) and daughter Sophia of Overland Park, KS, and his sister Jan Stewart Wilson of Gainesville, FL. He also leaves behind cousins, nieces, and nephews, plus dear friends, the Zimmer family, Pat, Peggy, Sam, and Joe of Rogersville, MO.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on October 12, 2024, at 2 pm. Visitation will be from 3 - 5 pm. For those who will be attending, feel free to dress casually (SRFC items, Harley Davidson gear, or Chiefs gear). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association (in memory of Emma Elizabeth Stewart), http://www2.heart.org/goto/Stewart or Make-A-Wish Foundation (in memory of Emma as well).
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Jimmy will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Services will be led by his favorite pastor, Josh Hall. After his Celebration of Life, he will be buried at Greenwood Cemetary in Bolivar, MO near his loving parents.
Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home
1947 E. Seminole St., Springfield, MO 65804
Chris 'Jacko' Jackson
Christopher P. Jackson
May 8, 1982 – June 29, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful husband, father, son, brother, friend and Coach, Chris, after suffering a severe stroke at the young age of 42.
Born and raised in Australia, Chris graduated from Grafton High School in 2000. He spent the following decade traveling the world playing amateur and professional rugby. Throughout his travels, he always returned home to Australia to be with his friends and family and to prepare for his next trip. Chris met his future wife, Suzanne, while visiting the United States to play for the Springfield Rugby Football Club. He moved to the United States in 2011 and the two were married in 2012 overlooking Table Rock Lake.
Chris worked as the Airfield Maintenance Supervisor at the Springfield-Branson Airport in Springfield, Missouri, where he was well respected and formed many wonderful friendships.
Chris was also the Head Coach of the Springfield Rugby Football Club, proudly leading their team to a top 8 finish in the United States in 2023. Rugby was not just a hobby for Chris, it was his passion.
Chris left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He was known for his warm nature, cheeky sense of humor and laid-back personality. He was brilliant on the rugby field and a fiercely committed Coach. Most importantly, Chris was an amazing father to his three children, who miss him dearly.
Chris is survived by his wife, Suzanne (Stracke), and their three young children, Makenna, Coen and Brynnen. He is also survived by his mother, Glennys Woodall and husband David; two brothers, Matt Jackson and wife Beccy, and Tim Jackson and wife Terri; father-in-law, Gary Stracke and many nieces, nephews, family and friends around the world. Chris is preceded in death by his father, Peter Jackson.
The Jackson family will hold a Celebration of Life in Chris’s honor on Sunday, July 28th, from 1:00-3:00pm at Wire Road Brewing Company.
In lieu of flowers, cards and donations can be sent to a mailbox that has been set up for the family:
Jackson Family
4310 S. Timbercreek Avenue #4
Battlefield, MO 65619
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Get to know Jacko the impact Jacko had on our club through this amazing article from Benjamin Thomas.
A Tribute to Gerard B. A. Seymour
OVER 60 YEARS IN RUGBY!
All rugby players in the Midwest owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Gerard Seymour who was instrumental in founding the first clubs in the area and continued to organize the sport at the regional, territorial and national levels.
His accomplishments include:
1937 - was introduced to rugby when attending St. Mary's College in the south of England.
Played at school as a second row and later as tight head prop.
Attended Westminster College on a business administration course.
1945 - joined the British Army and played for several regimental and representative XV's in England, Holland and Germany.
1948 - left the army and joined Esher RFC.
1960 - arrived in New York - Jan 4. Joined New York RFC and assisted in the formation of Manhatten RFC.
1961 - left NY to join the British Consulate in Kansas City.
1962/1963 - helped organize the NY 7-a-side tournament.
1964 - began organizing the first club in the Kansas City area in the spring of 1964.
In September 1964 the Kansas City Rugby Club played its first game against the newly formed University of Kansas RFC.
Served as President of the KCRFC for the first 12 years of its existence and was elected President Emeritus in 1978.
Organized and served as president of the Heart of America Rugby Football Union for the first 10 years of its existence (1967-1976) and elected President Emeritus in 1976.
Was present as the representative of the HOARFU at the inaugural meeting held in Kansas City in March 1975 to form the Western RFU of the United States.
Was elected Charter President and served the Union in this capacity for the first 2 years.
Represented the Western RFU at the inaugural meeting held in Chicago to form the United States RFU in June 1975.
Was elected as one of the four Western Directors to that body. He served for 10 years as a director of the USARFU.
He also acted as chairman of the Metropolitan Committee of the HOARFU; chairman of the Tour Committee of the HOARFU; and as liaison director for the Combined Services and Medical Committee of the USARFU.
He was an honorary life vice president of the Tulsa RFC and an honorary member of the Pittsburgh Harlequins RFC.
He was an honorary vice president of London Welsh and an overseas member of Esher RFC.
US Rugby Foundation 2020 Induction
Gerard B. A. Seymour - Obituary
Gerard (Gerry) B.A. Seymour was born June 18, 1927, and he died April 22, 2002. He was Honorary Vice Consul, Emeritus, for the United Kingdom and a member of the Consular Corps of Greater Kansas City. Gerry was born and raised in London, England. He attended St. Mary's School, Southampton, England, and gained a diploma from Westminster College, London. Gerry then served in His Majesty's Army in postwar Germany. Gerry was a leading light in the Young Conservatives in England. Gerry came to the United States in 1960. He worked in New York, then joined the diplomatic corps with Her Majesty's Foreign Service; he served in Kansas City, then was posted to St. Louis. He later returned to Kansas City to make his home here. Gerry worked for the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, and he was the first Director of the Chamber's International Department. He also worked for Townsend Newspapers and Berry World Travel, and was Past President of the Kansas City International Trade Club. He served on the Board of Directors of the Kansas City Sister Cities Program, and he was a member of the Kansas City International Relations Council. Gerry was a writer, producer and host of the Kansas City International Hour Radio Program on Talk Radio 710 AM. He had also worked for the Power 95 Morning Show as the character "Henry Bergdorf Bloomingdale." In addition, he did voice work for television and radio commercials. For the last five years, he had been the QuizMaster at the Pub Quiz at O'Dowds Pub on the Plaza. Gerry was a player with the Esher Rugby Football Club in England, and from that time forward he had a great love for the sport of rugby. He introduced rugby to Kansas City and the western United States. He was founder and most recently served as Past President, Emeritus, of the Kansas City Rugby Football Club; he was also Past President, Emeritus, of the Kansas City Rugby Football Union. He was founder of the Western Rugby Football Union, which is responsible for administering the game in 13 states. Gerry was also a founding father of the United States of American Rugby Football Union, which represents the USA in international games all over the world. Gerry was a founder and player with the Optimists Cricket Club in London, England. He was also a member of the Marleybone Cricket Club (MCC), London, England. He was cofounder and player with the Kansas City Cricket Club. Gerry had a lifelong fascination with British railroads, particularly steam locomotives, and he was a member of the Great Western Society. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Francis Seymour and Elizabeth O'Rourke Seymour. He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth M. Hayes (and her husband, Michael), and Alanna F. Seymour; two grandsons, Colin Hayes and Matthew Hayes; and his former wife, Sara Housel. Gerry's friends (with the consent of the family) suggests contributions payable as follows: Country Club Bank (reference Gerard Seymour Memorial Fund), P.O. Box 410889, Kansas City, MO 64141- 0889, ATTN: Sherry Barthol, to defray funeral and memorial expenses; and with the remainder of the funds to be divided between Cancer Action of Kansas City and Odyssey Hospice. Gerry was a member of St. Therese Parish. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 24, from 6-8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 401 Main, Parkville, MO 64152, with the Scripture Rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, April 25, at 10 a.m. at St. Therese North Catholic Church, 7207 N.W. Highway 9, Parkville, MO 64152. Graveside services will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Kansas City, MO.
Douglas Velliquette - Obituary
Douglas John Velliquette, an original team member of the 1983 Springfield Rugby Football Club, passed away this month at the age of 48. Doug was a member of the Springfield Rugby Football Club from 1983 to 1991. Born June 12, 1960, in Toledo, Ohio, Doug was found dead from natural causes near his home in Colorado Springs, Colo. on March 9, 2009. In memory of Doug, a "Celebration of Life" will held at the Springfield's Rugby Club pitch on Saturday, April 4, 2009. Preceding the celebration, a memorial service will be held at the Christ Episcopal Church, 601 E Walnut St., Springfield, MO 65806, (417) 866-5133. Doug, a loving father, is survived by his three children, Nick (20), Lauren (17), and Joe (13), as well as his parents, Ronnie and Shirley; his siblings, Jeff, Craig, Brenda, Rick, and Michelle. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 20, 2009, in Colorado Springs, Colo. According to Doug's wishes, he will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up for Doug's children at all US Bank locations under the name of "Memorial Fund for Douglas Velliquette". Doug was a spiritual man. He came to know God and lived his life as a believer in Christ. His words and actions touched many lives changing many of us who knew him in ways Doug never realized. An artful and extremely creative man, Doug has left behind many of his drawings, paintings, sculptures, photographs, and inventions as artifacts to his life. His passion for physical art transcended into music. Doug had a fervent desire and enthusiasm for music. He loved not only to listen to all types, but he equally loved to discuss the underlying meanings of the lyrics. Only a few months before his passing he was quoted as saying that music is how God communicates with us. "Man there's going to be some awesome music in heaven!" he said. His ardent passion for artwork and music were only exceeded by his love for his children. Although estranged from their daily lives, he lived and worked for the betterment of his three kids. All he did, all he saved, and all he learned was not for selfish reasons, but for his children. Doug was the most selfless man we knew. We thought of you with love, respect, and admiration today but this is nothing new. We thought of you yesterday and the day before that too. We think of you in silence and often speak your name; all we have now are memories, your picture in a frame, and the art work you left behind. It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn't go alone, a part of us went with you but more importantly, a part of you has stayed within in our hearts! Doug "Whitey" Velliquette, we LOVE you and are happy you are with God. Save us all a place near you. And we hear the music, too! You will never be forgotten!
Alan Wynne Summers - Obituary
Willard – Alan Wynne Summers, 59, passed away peacefully in is sleep, Sunday, April 23, 2023. He was born in Panteg Hospital, Pontypool, Wales, United Kingdom on March 15, 1964, to Jack Wyndham Summers and Marie Doreen Nichols Sinnett.
As a youth, Alan was kind, jovial and loving to all around him. He enjoyed Beechwood Sunday School, Beechwood Park Presbyterian Church. His favorite make-believe was cowboys & Indians while sporting his loud cap guns. He loved being a goalie for his school football team. He always said he would have stayed with football but he did not have the height required. He went on to play at Saries Rugby under 16 and Newport Youth Rugby. He continued into his mid-twenties in Wales playing for Newport Rugby Football Club and Pill Harriers Rugby Football Club as much as he could while working.
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Alan continued his education at South Gwent College, Newport and earned Certificates in Building Craft & Services, June 1981 and Plumbing, June 1984. Once finished with his Plumbing Apprenticeship, October 1984 with E. Perman, Ltd of Newport, he became a Self Employed/Sub-Contractor within Plumbing/Construction until 1990. In 1990, he moved to Springfield, MO and worked for Canteen and anything else he could find to stay busy. He started working for Ward Plumbing as a plumber in 1991. In 1994, he began working at Roadway Express, Strafford, MO as Terminal Maintenance and Repair Technician. As a Journeyman Plumber he developed his own company, Plumb-tech Plumbing Services in 1996. He had a keen eye for remolding and decorating in every home and business he touched.
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As a young man in Wales, he would listen to Bruce Springsteen Born in the USA album(released 1984) and dream of visiting The States. His wishes came true when he was on a Rugby tour with Pill Harriers to Springfield Rugby Club, Springfield, MO in 1989. He returned for another tour and subsequently moved to Springfield, MO in 1990. He played and coached for Springfield Rugby Club as well becoming the first rugby coach for then named Southwest Missouri State University. His passion for sports continued with West Ham United Football Club and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Alan became a proud AF&AM Mason, February 27, 1995 and would dress in a tuxedo, suit, or dapper clothing when attending meetings. Gate of the Temple Lodge No. 422 is his home Lodge, Springfield, MO. He served as Worshipful Master at Ash Grove Lodge No. 100, 2008-2009 and Solomon Lodge No. 271, 2009-2010. He was also a member of Abou Ben Adhem Shrine and the Shrine Greeters for many years.
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Alan was a veracious reader including historical non-fiction, Shakespeare and poetry; a favorite was Welsh poet and writer, Dylan Thomas. Alan was passionate about most genre of music. Some of his favorite artists were Tony Joe White, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen,and the Rolling Stones. He enjoyed attending theatre performances and watching Jeopardy and Cash Cab with his love and her mom. He and his love enjoyed watching foreign movies, TV food channels for ideas and shopping in all ethnic stores for spices and goodies to cook incredible home meals. They had appetites for high-end dinning and crafted cocktails as well as attending food & wine events and intimate pairing dinners. They also enjoyed traveling together. Alan's creativity expanded to working on a novel and continuously practicing on his guitar.
Alan was a charming, charismatic, larger than life character. He had an infectious smile and was full of humor and wit. He had great compassion, love, and a generous heart of gold for his family, mates, Mason brothers, children and animals.
Alan was preceded in death by his grandparents, many great uncles and aunts; his father, Jack; uncle George & aunt Nancy Summers; his stepfather, Richard Sinnett; many uncles, aunts and cousins.
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He is survived by his Welsh Family: his loving mum, Marie; uncle John & aunt June Nichols; his sister, Diane & her husband Josh; cousin Jenny & her husband Rob; cousin Nigel & his love Jan; step sister, Kate & her husband Richard; step brother, Martin; his favorite beloved niece, Sara & her love, Frankie; great nieces Eloise and Harley; niece Alyssa; great nephew Tristen and great niece Ayla; his nephew Alex; and countless Rugby mates.
Alan is also survived by his American Family: son, Gavin Lee Summers; Gavin's grandparents; scores of Rugby mates, work comrades, Masonic Brothers, extended family; his mother-in-law-to-be, Sharon Bartholomew Buffington; and his loving-partner, Stacia Marie Buffington.
Memorial Services including a Masonic Service (welcome to all) will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Gate of the Temple, 1700 North Boonville Avenue, Springfield, MO 65803. Light appetizers to follow downstairs along with sharing memories and personal memorabilia.
Celebration of Life/BBQ/Planting of Memorial Stone will be held at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, Aug 19, 2023 at Springfield Rugby Club, 4035 East Sawyer Road, Brookline, MO 65619. (Rugby Pitch is located next to Brookline Cemetery.)
No burial is planned; his body was cremated by Greenlawn Funeral Home North. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be made to Gate of the Temple Food Pantry