Robert Geoffrey Lawrence Fox, who older rugby club members will always remember as Geoff Fox, or Foxy, sadly died on the 1st February 2023, aged 78 years. He had two sisters, Maureen and the late Kathy and families.

Geoff was one of one of a number of forestry workers from Kielder who were Border Park rugby stars, and drifted down to Hexham, then Corbridge later on, to play for Tynedale RFC. Geoff and others from the Keilder area had a huge impact on the club.

Geoff played sometimes as a prop, but more often in the second-row for the Tynedale 1st XV or 2 nd XV’s from the mid 1960’s until 1974. He played second-row (lock) for Tynedale in the 1971 Northumberland Senior cup-final at theCounty ground when Tynedale lost 6-19 to Gosforth, despite dominating the forward exchanges.

Geoff travelled down regularly from Kielder to Hexham for training and matches, and was he ultimate team player, willingly travelling to away matches when other less hardy ndividuals found reasons to avoid long away trips.
But he wasn’t merely hardy. Geoff was the ultimate strong, silent, type. Incredibly powerful; not one for idle chatter, but a cherished member of any team.

After retiring from playing Geoff continued to support the club and was a constant supporter at Tynedale Park until recent years. Those who played with him will have happy memories of Foxy’s quiet but determined, tough attitude to rugby.

His funeral takes place at Newcastle West Road Crematorium on Tuesday 7th March at 11.15 am.

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D.F.Hamilton