Northampton Saints
News: Leon Barwell loses his brave fight against cancer
By COYSDC
June 14 2013
Coming just over a week after he stepped down as chairman, Leon has passed away today. The thoughts of the Editors and members of COYSDC are with Paula, Ella, Keith and Maggie and all the Barwell family at this time of their tragic loss.
Northampton Saints today announced that former club chairman Leon Barwell has lost his long fight against cancer.
Leon had been battling the disease for 18 months, but after a recent deterioration of his condition he passed away at 9:30 this morning (Friday, June 14th), aged just 46.
A life-long Saints supporter, Leon played an important role in the club’s continued growth and development in the professional era.
A member of the board of directors of Northampton Saints since 1999, Leon was a key figure in many of the club’s major projects over the past 14 years, including the development of Franklin’s Gardens and the initial share offering of Northampton Saints plc.
Leon was also a successful businessman outside rugby. A founding director of Vision Security Group (VSG) in 2000, he took over as Saints chairman following the sale of VSG to Compass Group.
In more recent months Leon had been spearheading a programme of engagement between the club and supporters, which had included the re-introduction of the annual Open Day and the start of regular public meetings between the Saints’ senior management and Season Ticket Holders.
He stepped down as chairman in early June.
Acting chairman Tony Hewitt expressed his sadness at the news.
“Today is a very sad day for everyone associated with Northampton Saints,” he said. “Leon was a massive part of the recent successes we have enjoyed, both on and off the pitch, and it is tragic for both the club and the Barwell family that he has been taken away from us just as the next chapter of his life was beginning.
“He was wholeheartedly committed to the club in every way possible, something that was demonstrated clearly in his determination to present the chairman’s awards at our End of Season dinner only a few weeks ago and attend the Aviva Premiership Final.
“Going forward, it is vital that we continue Leon’s legacy and look to realise his ambitions for the team and the club as a whole.
“But in the immediate future I am sure that Saints supporters everywhere will join me in expressing heartfelt condolences to Keith, Maggie, Paula, Ella and the rest of the Barwell family. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”
Chief executive Allan Robson said that Northampton Saints would not be the same.
“Leon was a very popular figure, both within Franklin’s Gardens and throughout Premiership Rugby,” he commented. “In a typical Barwell manner he was forthright with his views, but he never wanted anything more than for the Saints to succeed and club rugby to continue growing as a sport.
“Of course one of the things that both Keith and Leon strived for was a club that was sustainable for the long-term and not reliant on any one investor for its viability. We are in that position because of their principles and it is just a part of the legacy that we will look to continue.
“But this does not change the fact that everyone at the club is devastated by the news and Keith, Maggie, Paula, Ella and the rest of the Barwell family are at the forefront of our thoughts.”
Saints supporters who wish to leave messages of condolence for the Barwell family can do so via the feedback form on the club’s website, or by writing to Northampton Saints, Franklin’s Gardens, Weedon Road, Northampton, NN5 5BG.
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Terrible news...
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RIP Leon.
Tim
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
Truly a battle very bravely fought indeed . There goes a good man.
Thoughts with Keith, Maggie and your family and friends.
My condolences to the family.
Once a scrum half .... always a scrum half
Photo Gallery
Condolences to Keith, Maggie, Paula and the Barwell family.
David L
What if there were no hypothetical questions?
- Live wrong and preposterously
Thoughts go out to his friends, family and colleagues.
Condolences to the whole of the family.
Lets hope The whole of The Saints family get behind him and the family.
R.I.P.
Way too young.
Condolences and thoughts to all of Leon's family, friends and colleagues.
This is a very sad day. RIP.
Thoughts are with the barwell family at this difficult time
On behalf of all Bath fans
Thank you Leon. You will not be forgotten.
RIP
A real gent who was a great saintsman.
Condolences to all the family
bless you leon, and my deepest sympathies to all the family. you did so much for us.
Thank you for everything you've done for us Leon, you will be missed.
Shedheads.
When we finally get the North stand built, it would be fitting if the club chose to honour the Barwell family for everything they've done... and continue to do for the Saints.. by naming the stand after them. Respect to Gordon Sturtridge, but the Barwell Stand would seem a fitting tribute to the contribution of an amazing family.
Thanks for all you did for saints.
My condolences and my heart go to Keith Maggie and the whole Barwell family our thoughts are with you.
Bob Beverly and Holly.
Top of the League 2014-2015 Season
He may have started the link between fans and club again but that doesn't mean it ends there. I hope it all continues and the club evolves in the way that Leon would have wanted it to and goes from strength to strength in honour of the support he has give to the club.
Rest in Peace Leon a true and great Saintsman
Condolences to Keith, Maggie and family
Alan Thomson
A Saintsman who will be sorely missed.
No one should have to bury their son or daughter. I'm so dreadfully sorry.
Thank you Leon - for everything you did and the way you did it.
"sup·port·er"
Noun:
1.A person who approves of and encourages someone or something (typically a public figure, a movement or party, or a policy).
2.A person who is actively interested in and wishes success for a particular sports team.
The Barwell family and the Saints "family" have lost a shining light.
We have so much to thank you all for.
May you all find comfort and love in the days and months to come.
My condolences to all his family.
Thank you for everything.
Thinking of all the wonderful Barwell family
Far too young, it sounds like he put in a hell of a fight - wouldn't expect anything else of a Saint.
You have a great club and a great set of fans. A fine legacy for him.
A brave fight fought and to keep fighting so close to the end says so much about the man.
A very very sad day for the Barwells, with whom my sympathies lie. No one should ever have to bear the cross of burying their child.
RIP Leon
Absolutely spot on.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:06:14:18:38:49 by tws.
My heartfelt sympathy and condolances to all of the Barwell family.
We have lost a great Saintsman today.
Thank You Leon for all you did for the Saints
Your time in a Saints jersey is just a snapshot of history. It is not yours to own but merely to borrow and while you wear it you need to respect those who have worn it before you and enhance it while it is yours. (W. Smith)
Love and condolence to Leon's loved ones.
Our thoughts are with the Barwell family. Take strength from the memories of a man who conducted himself with such honour and grace, and who gave so much to the club and made such a difference. You will be sadly missed.
Especially to Leon's family and close friends.
Seems utterly wrong that one comparitively young should be taken by this dreadful disease. RIP but your legacy and contribution to the game we all love will live on.
A very sad day for the Barwell family, Northampton Saints RFC, all the Saints supporters and the game of rugby as a whole.
Thoughts are with his family RIP
Not much more one can say other than echo those above.
Much love to the Barwell family and to the wider Saints Nation
Cg
Thank You Leon, and God Bless.
His family would have been aware of the fight he was giving this terrible condition but when the day comes it still is an awful shock. Far too young but cancer is no respecter of age.
Our condolences go to his family, friends and all Saints who, from this board, hold him in such high regard.
Carry on his dreams and honour his memory.
No man is an island.... and, at times like this, nor is any club.
Our thoughts are with you.
_____________________________________________
The lowest depth to which people can sink before God is defined by the word 'journalist'.
Soren Kierkegaard
My wife used to work at VSG and always mentioned how friendly and pleasant Leon was.
Thank you Leon and rest in peace.
My sincerest condolences to the Barwell family - I'm sure in the years to come we'll be raising many a pint in memory of this finest of Saintsmen. Rest in peace Leon.
@#$%& the club my thoughts are with Keith and Maggie and the family.
Quote:Tigergeezer
What can you say? Condolences and sympathy to his family, and to the wider Northampton family, for a terribly sad loss. But in time the thanks for who he was and what he did may outweigh the sense of loss.
Hear, Hear
Ted (Worcester)
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