TRIBUTES are flooding in for Clarrie Owen, the former Warrington Wolves director who died, aged 95, on the weekend before Christmas.

Former rugby league players, referees, administrators as well as fans, friends and his carer in later life have left words on Facebook about a 'gentleman among gentlemen' who will be sorely missed by the sport and all that knew him.

> READ: Funeral arrangements and Clarrie's life in rugby league

Paul Bishop: What a great man was the reason I signed with the wire offered me a contract at the age of 16 had to wait till I was 17 to announce I signed with Warrington RIP Clarrie

Warrington Guardian:

Former Wire half-back Paul Bishop, who now lives in Australia

Bobbie Goulding: What a lovely man. I hated turning Warrinton down as a 15 year old because this man was so nice. If it wasn’t for WIGAN I would been at Warrinton because of how this man treated me. God bless Clarrie 🙏

Warrington Guardian:

Former Great Britain half-back Bobbie Goulding

Mike Loftus: Really sad to hear this news. I’m proud to say Clarrie and Irene were friends of ours and we spent some great time together. He was an absolute legend of the Wire, a true Warringtonian and a real old school gentleman. I’m afraid there’ll never be another like Clarrie. He will be missed but will forever be in my thoughts. RIP Clarrie



 

Bill Bates: I knew both Clarrie and Irene personally. They were two of the nicest people you could hope to meet. Clarrie was an old style Club Director. An absolute gentleman and as die in the wool Warringtonian as anyone. Sometimes Super Heroes don't wear capes and cloaks. They beaver anonymously and endlessly behind the scenes and it's only when they're no longer there that you miss the work they did. Carrie Owen was a Warrington Super Hero - one of the best; and Warrington Rugby Club were all the better for his services to their cause. RIP Clarrie!

Frank Hawley: RIP Clarrie. One of the true gents of the greatest game!

Warrington Guardian:

Former match official and Cardinal Newman High School teacher Frank Hawley

Graeme Close: Legend of a man who was so passionate about Warrington Rugby. Very sad day but what an incredible life he lived. RIP clarry and thanks for your support in my days with the wire.

Kevin Ellis: Top man loved the Wire RIP Clarrie

Warrington Guardian: Kevin Ellis the Warrington player

Former Wire, Wales and Great Britain half-back Kevin Ellis

David Elliott: RIP Clarrie. What a great man. x

Paul Atcheson: What a lovely man. Tried to sign me as a 17year old. But when I signed for Widnes he sent me a beautiful letter wishing me all the best for the future. RIP

Steve Molloy: R.i.P. Clarrie true gent !

Warrington Guardian:

Ex-Wire prop Steve Molloy

Jim Mills: Lovely man and his late wife was a lovely lady. What a great servant he was to Warrington, he will be greatly missed. Rest well Clarrie, a true gentleman.

Warrington Guardian:

Jim Mills, a man mountain in the front row for Widnes, Wales and Great Britain

Pauline Nelson: A lovely man.

Jim Molyneux: R.I.P. Clarrie one true gentleman, loved his rugby,always looked after us match officials, but when I there with Julie he made sure she was looked after, condolences to all family, will be sadly missed by the rugby league fraternity

Tony Wozzer: Very sad news, a true gent.

Jim Smith: So sad to hear the passing of Clarrie a True Gent,along with his wife Irene Always made me welcome whenever I refereed at Warrington,I can honestly say I never heard him have a bad word about anyone R I P log friend

Stanley Wall: One of the best, as you said Jim never a bad word, a true gent.,best wishes to all his family.

Kay Wadsworth: R.i.P. Clarrie such a lovely man a true WIRE X

Dave Swanton: Lovely man who was one of the first to say hello when I joined the club in 1996

Julie Monie: Clarrie and Irene looked after us at our first ever game in England (Academy Game) They couldn't have been more welcoming. We always looked forward to our Wire games so we could catch up with them😘

Mike McLoughlin: Legend....a gentleman x

Keith Michael Forsyth: RIP clarrie. I used to enjoy his stories of Warrington teams from many years ago on the occasions I spoke to him.

George Thornton: RIP Clarrie , a true gentleman.

John Prior: Top man and a good friend true gent and one of the best R.I.P Valerie God bless you.

Graham Littler: Really lovely guy. Always had time to talk some rugby league with me. Diehard of the game. RIP Clarrie.

John Coates: Met him a couple of times, Wire through and through. Lovely man.

Mel Preston: When I represented Saints on the Alliance management committee at the RFL in Leeds Clarrie and myself used travel together, lovely man full of knowledge and so easy to talk to. R.I.P friend.

Ken Spencer: Simply the best. Fantastic guy all round. Ill miss him as will everyone else

Chris Mawdsley: R.i.p clarrie shall be missed

Nigel Geary: RIP Clarrie a gentleman among gentlemen

Bill Kidley: R.I.P Clarrie, sat with him and his wife a few times in his latter years when he used to come down to the Red Lion in Stockton Heath to watch the Wire on the telly

Merv Hicks: A Warrington man through and through. Hope he has a great send off

Peter Mckeown: Gentleman to the end. Unsung hero. Did so much for the Wire and the Wolves. Sadly missed by all who met him and knew him. Served with him on the Primrose club committee

Derek Thomas: RIP. He was such a lovely man who always saw the best in people.

Jimmy Fallon: One of the nicest men I've met. Always made you welcome. A great loss to the RL family.

John Kinsella: When I was Chairperson of St Helens RLRS, Clarrie was a guest at our end of season diner, also spoke to him when I officiated at Wilderspool. He was a gentleman, highly respected with a great knowledge of the game. Warrington through and through. RIP

Bob Kay: Sad news rip Clarrie met him a few times over the years true gentlemen and wire through and through

Paula James: Both he and his wife were lovely people, they came to my mum's funeral even though she no longer worked at the club. R.I.P

Michael Dawber: Really sad to hear this - - Clarrie & Irene we’re always welcoming and great company at Wilderspool - RIP Clarrie

Paul Rose: Great man be proud of what you achieved what we have become 👍

Cath Thomas: RIP Clarrie, what a lovely bloke, used to have such a laugh with him and Irene - they were a great couple x

Jan Lenihan: Such a lovely couple how sad ☹️ xx

Daryl Clark: R.I.P Clarry .Carly Marie Wailes: Cared for this man for 5 years day and night, The bond we developed was amazing. He really was such a lovley person. Well done to ALL of the staff at victoria house