Gordon Gravil, “Mister Thornensians” Sadly Passes Away
It is with great sadness that we have recently said a last goodbye to a legend of Thornensians Rugby Union Football Club. Gordon Gravil passed away this week after a long and debilitating illness, and it is doubtful we will see his like again.
Gordon was born in 1938, a war baby, give or take a year. He grew up in those difficult times and saw rationing during and after the second world war. He grew up in Thorne and in his teens took an interest in rugby. He began playing at Thornensians, making his way through the sides and up to first team level at prop and hooker. His talents took him into the Yorkshire Fire Brigades team and, during his national service, in the team of the British Army Over the Rhine. He spent many years as Thornensians, second team captain, guiding many ex-players at our club now in their 70s.
Gordon was well known in Thorne, serving on the town council among other things. He was instrumental in helping our club secure its current ground on Coulman Road, and erecting our clubhouse and changing rooms on the same site. When he retired from playing rugby, Gordon fulfilled many roles on the Thornensians’ Management Committee, also taking over the groundsman role at the club. Many a time, at all hours of the day, we would find Gordon mowing the grass through the summer, marking out pitches ready for the new season and making sure the sewage pump worked. He was also well known in the rugby community across Yorkshire, representing our club in various county meetings and developments.
Gordon eventually retired from his duties at Thornensians in 2020, looking forward to a few seasons watching, and enjoying our teams playing without the cares and pressures of club management. This enjoyment was cut short all too soon, as his illness gradually getting the better of him, took him from us aged 87.
Wherever you are now Gordon, rest in peace, and make sure someone else is cutting the grass. You have seriously earned it!
On behalf of everyone assositated with Thornensians RUFC, past and present.
Kevin Jones
Club President
