TRIBUTES have been paid to one of South Cumbria’s much-loved rugby league characters.
Jos was an important figure for new players rising through the ranks, having played for both Ulverston Rugby and the Barrow Inter-Town team.
John Gibson, the sports commentator for Radio Cumbria, led the tributes after learning of the tragic news.
“Jos was someone I greatly respected.” He played a role in my rugby league life and helped me make a lot of radio friends.
We laughed a lot together, and I really appreciated his wisdom. We had a great rapport since he was so funny. I have nothing but praise for Jos. Many people will miss him greatly.
Jos was essential in establishing the current sports and leisure facilities at the Ulverston club, where he held multiple posts.
He was on the Barrow and District League committee, briefly serving as chairman and vice-chairman. He also assisted former Australian test star Rod Reddy as an assistant coach at Barrow, working closely with close friend Jim Perry.
“He was always dependable and nothing was too much trouble,” Rod remarked. He was a man for all seasons—from Father Christmas to analytics man.
He served as my liaison in maintaining good relations between the coaching staff, players, and directors. Above all, though, he was a wonderful man who made my wife and I’s stay in Barrow quite special.
“To many, he was simply ‘Mr Ulverston Rugby,'” according to a social media statement sent by the Ulverston Rugby Club.
“Jos embodied the definition of character. Above all, he was a very kind man who was always willing to lend a hand and cheer someone up. He was also amusing, interesting, and made for terrific company.
“Jos, you will be deeply missed, but everyone who had the great fortune to know you will always remember you with fondness.”
“Josh was Mr. Ulverston Rugby for more than sixty years, with so many roles under his belt and recently as President,” stated Ulverston chairman Tosh Whinfield.
“An enormously charismatic figure who simply radiated his passion for the game and club, inspiring everyone around him.” He always had a smile on his face and was one of the most naturally humorous people you could meet. His contribution to the founding of the Ulverston Sports and Recreation club was important in making the club’s historic accomplishment.
“Everyone at Ulverston Rugby Club will miss him, but the whole rugby community.”
Prior to this, he served as the president of the Auxiliary Branch, which over the years gave Barrow rugby tens of thousands of pounds.
He served as the Barrow Raiders’ commercial manager alongside Maurice Evans, providing much-needed revenue over an extended period of time.
Phil Atkinson, a former player for Barrow, stated: “I am completely devastated.” I have known him for more than thirty-five years. When I first started playing little rugby at Ulverston, he was there. He was a huge asset to my work.
In the 1980s, he played a key role in establishing the Ulverston Ladies squad.
Andy Whittle, the 1983–84 Barrow Lancashire Cup winner, continued, “Jos started me in Ulverston’s first team when I was just fifteen years old. He served as my mind’s eye. I owe him a great deal. He was a very pleasant man and a local legend.
On June 11 at 12:15 p.m., a funeral ceremony will be held at Barrow Crematorium.
