A few years ago the Club recently celebrated its 40 year anniversary . This proud accomplishment has a downside as it means our founder and long time members have also been around for a further 40 plus years from the time they set foot on the hallowed turf . Thus as these folks get older it is inevitable that a few depart to that great rugby club in the sky. We were all shocked earlier this year with the sudden death of Cooperman and now we have more sad news to bring you .
Dr Alan Bater died sometime over the weekend. Alan came to the island over 40 years ago and set up his home here as well as establishing a veterinary clinic here . Remembered by all who ever came into contact with him , everyone has a story about Dr Bater . An avid rugby player, fan, referee and club man , Alan will be sorely missed .
Memories abound :
wipping his amex gold card from his speedos to pay a hefty bar tab whilst on tour
re-enginerring the clubs gateposts after a cocktail party
his ruddy face around the rugby field whilst marching nassau ( a’ la dan marino ) up the field
his legendary boxing days doos
his ” i only want to rent it not buy it ” quote
his raucous rugby songs
his love of animals AND women
Please feel free to add your comments
Alan Bater R.I.P – we’ll miss you mate
You will be sadly missed..xxx
Thanks from Alan's mother and family in Wales,England and Ireland for remembering him.We all appreciate your support.
realname:
name: JOSH RICH
comment: I got an email from Kent this morning (21/st August) heard about Alan's passing. Very sad. He was a special person to me – Many of you would have known him as a friend and as a Rugby Club personality. I knew him in those respects too but also as a fellow profesSional. He was an astute clinician , an excellant surgeon and was dedicated to his craft. He was a dear friend to me , an inspiring professional mentor and a great boss. His exploits on and off field need no extolling by me. However, I feel I am in a better position than many to affirm his professional contribution to the community.The animals (and owners) of GBI/Abaco benefitted enormously from his skill and compassion. His willingness to do pro-bono work and to accept work where he knew that he had no realistic chance of being paid went way above what one could have expected. The reason he did this was simple,and was the same as the reason he was such a legend at the FRFC, HE HAD A BLOODY GREAT BIG HEART.
We will miss you very much Uncle Alan xoxo
We will miss you very much Uncle Alan..xoxo
I was deeply saddened to learn of Alan's death. Unfortunately, being in New Zealand when I heard the news it was not possible to make the Remembrance Service.
Alan was an extremely generous man who touched many peoples lives.
He had never met my sister, but when he heard she wanted a beach wedding (despite being disabled),he went to great lenghts to make it happen and organised a fantastic wedding lunch at his house – for which he would not accept any money- and he also arranged for 2 dolphins to come up to his dock especially for Sarah, making it a very, very special day for her.
Alan had his faults, who of us don't but his heart was in the right place and all of us who knew him will miss his enormous presence.
Rest in peace Alan.
Brett and Gerry Morris
A real character, and a great loss for many…