North Harbour Rugby is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Captain Tom Riddell (10th January, 2018).
Among his many accolades in the Royal New Zealand Navy, Mr Riddell will forever remain a special part of the North Harbour Rugby Union. He was a driving force in the establishment of the North Harbour Rugby Union.
“…To keep the idea of North Harbour alive we needed a “dynamo” and it was not long in coming. In September 1980 Captain Tom Riddell from Navy arrived. Tom ruffled a few feathers but to good effect, as administrators we realised the change for the sake of the clubs and the players had to come”- The Inaugural Magazine of the Union, authored by Pat Delich (NHRU Life member and member of the first elected NHRU Steering Committee).
Mr Riddell was elected the Secretary of the first North Harbour Steering committee, which led to the establishment of the Union in 1985.
North Harbour General Manager, David Gibson said “having spoken to a few life members, and some who were part of the initial move to establish the Union, they are very sad to hear of Tom’s passing. It was made clear that without his leadership and energy at the time, the Union may have never been formed. On behalf of the North Harbour Union, and especially our life members and those who knew Captain Tom Riddell, our condolences go out to the Riddell family at this time. His contribution to the Union and the North Harbour Rugby community will never be forgotten.”
Captain Tom Riddell’s funeral will be held on Tuesday 16 in Wellington. If you would like to send a message to the family, please direct them to [email protected]
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