It is with much sadness that Robert Horner, former Trustee, Chairman and President of the KCPFA has passed away.
Sadly, Robert passed away on Friday 5th July.He had been unwell since 2022 having stepped away from duty at the end of that year.
His time with the charity encompassed forty years initially as a District Representative before becoming a Trustee.
Originally, he learnt to play rugby at Pocklington School, York (1st XV Colours) after which he played during his army service, then college rugby while at Cambridge University and ultimately for Sevenoaks RFC until 1967.
From 1967 to 1982 he refereed with Kent Society during which time he served on the RFU’S then ” A” list for five years and also undertook referee coaching.
In 1968 Robert joined the Committee of Kent Society of Rugby Football Union Referees as assistant Hon.Secretary (1968 to 1973),Hon.Secretary (1973 to 1979) and as President from July 1998 to July 2001.He was thereafter the Society’s Patron.
Since hanging up the whistle, he served as an advisor at all levels of the game. Serving on the Committee of Kent County RFU since 1973 holding the offices of Hon. Secretary (1979 to 1988) and President (1988 to 1991).He was Chairman of the Kent Disciplinary Committee (1987 to 2000) and served as Chairman of the County’s Youth Development Office Management Group since formation in 1991 until its dissolution in 1991.Since September 2001 he was Chairman of the County’s Rugby Development Office Monitoring and Co-Ordinating Group. From July 2005 until July 2007 he was Chairman of the Kent Rugby Development Partnership.
He was also President of Kent RFU for season 2003/4.It was during his Presidency, as an aside, the added value as a member of the Wooden Spoon Children’s Charity of Rugby and the Kent Community at that time was demonstrated by his nomination of the charity resulted in a donation from the RFU to Wooden Spoon of over £70,000 following a match at Twickenham.
Since joining the KCPFA he had been active in all aspects of the charity’s work and passionate about its charitable objectives in Kent. As a former Chairman he was instrumental in growing the charity’s membership by introducing the KCPFA to Kent RFU who in turn encouraged Kent’s affiliated rugby clubs to become members of the KCPFA along with their Governing Body.
Robert helped to transform the KCPFA which was dying from a lack of enthusiasm, poor management, poor facilities, outdated communication systems and a lack of imagination Under his guidance new younger trustees were brought in with a real sense of purpose and are committed and conscientious.
His quiet , unassuming and resolute leadership qualities set him apart from most men and his wise intelligence, modesty, charm and eloquence set an example to his peers. He was an excellent, inspirational role model within the sport of rugby and to the charities he was involved with.
His service to the game of rugby, to refereeing and to the KCPFA are unlikely to ever be matched.
Our sincere condolences to Robert’s family.