It is with great sadness that we report the death of a good Old Sulian, Tony Slee, who was regarded by all as a friend, a club stalwart and who will always be fondly remembered at Lansdown.
Tony's contribution both as a player and a committee member to the Old Sulians cannot be under estimated and his various roles and commitment to the rugby Club will not be matched. During his 20 year playing career and 64 total years of association with the club he achieved:
- 345 appearances between 1958 – 1978
- Hon. Team Secretary 1960 – 1968
- 2nd XV Captain 1965 – 1967
- Hon. Secretary 1968 – 1993
- Vice President 1985 – 2022
- Club President 1993 – 1996
- Hon. Fixture Secretary 1993 – 2010
When Tony finished playing, he was a regular touch judge at all home games, where his run ins with the opposition players whose frequent queries to his ability to actually mark where the ball left the field of play caused lots of amusement.
There was also the infamous occasion at Avonvale RFC when the referee Mike Fullegar sent Tony off and in fact would not start the game until Tony had left the touchline and stood in the adjacent children’s park…
It should also be remembered that all players after playing at home were greeted by Tony. Prior to reaching the comfort of the bar they would be reminded that for the privilege of getting cold, wet and muddy there would be a cost - his collection of match fees has never ever been rivalled!
Tony’s organisational skills were to the fore when with his closest friend Martin Harvey and prior to the clubhouse holding the Annual Dinners, they ensured many successful Annual Dinners were celebrated at Bath Rugby Club and other locations throughout the city, which is no mean feat when you consider the numbers involved and the top table to fill.
Tony lived a good life; he invested his life into many people and of course Old Sulians, but frustratingly Tony was unable to visit Lansdown in recent years due to mobility issues following a serious illness. This did not stop him following the club closely via older Sulian friends, a tribute to him and his love of Old Sulians.
Tony was a true Sulian stalwart who will be greatly missed by all at Lansdown and while we offer our sincere condolences at his passing, we will raise a glass and remember him fondly.