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Apr 2020

Last Updated: 01/04/2020

News

Ripon Rugby Club devastated by death of its treasurer from coronavirus

by Tim

| 01 Apr, 2020

Jonathan Rutter, who was senior in the HSBC bank, died in Harrogate Hospital last week after contracting coronavirus.

jonathan-rutter-deceased-ripon-rugby-club

Ripon Rugby Club has been left devastated and feeling numb, following the sudden death of club treasurer and long-term supporter Jonathan Rutter, who died in Harrogate Hospital last week, after contracting coronavirus.

Mr Rutter, who lived in Great Ouseburn, had been involved with the Mallorie Park-based club since his son Benjamin, started playing there as a junior. He maintained his involvement, first as supporter and then as treasurer, as Benjamin progressed to the club's senior team.

Club secretary, Andrew Rickard, told the Stray Ferret:

"He was feeling unwell on the Friday, admitted to hospital and died on the Monday, it was a massive shock to all of us. He was a lovely man, friend and supporter of the club. When we needed a treasurer, Jonathan immediately put his hand up and he was in that position for more than ten years, bringing expertise to the club that he had gained in his work as a senior banker."

Mr Rickard, added:

"We are devastated and feeling numb and adding to our sadness, is the fact that we couldn't go to see him in hospital and have not been able visit his wife Hillary, daughter Jennifer and son Benjamin. We have, however, been in contact with them by other means on a daily basis."

The club is planning to hold an event in his memory when the coronavirus crisis is over.

Mr Rutter who was 57, was HSBC's relationship director for corporate banking in the north and former colleague Neil Ballantyne, who was shocked and saddened to hear of his death, said:

"I worked with Jonathan in Harrogate and York. He was a gentleman - an old-fashioned banker, who looked after his customers and staff. He enjoyed his rugby and the socialising that went with it. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him at HSBC."