A few words of tribute to Mr Steve Pike . . .


A Llanelli rugby stalwart and former coroner's officer has died.
Steve Pike, secretary and of the Llanelli Wanderers, passed away on Tuesday.

Robert Lloyd, former editor of the Llanelli Star and Carmarthen Journal newspapers, said that Mr Pike was dedicated servant to sport in West Wales.
"It's fair to say that he put a lifetime's work into grass-roots rugby, with his beloved Llanelli Wanderers occupying a very central role in a very full life.
"Steve's career was in the police force and many will remember his work with Dyfed-Powys Police and the county coroner's office. For many years, he was the coroner's officer, a demanding a difficult role.
"A Wanderer (Llanelli) as a player, he  also played for the Dyfed-Powys police teams. In fact, I can recall playing in the Llanelli and District League against Steve at a time when he had a reputation for being as uncompromising on the rugby field as he was to later become in the rugby committee room.
"Steve's passion for rugby flowed into the organisation of the game at the end of his playing days.
"He was the long-serving secretary of Llanelli Wanderers, a Llanelli and District representative on the WRU district committee and in recent years a member of the WRU board.
"Steve relished the battles of the boardroom in rugby.
"In 2003, he led a celebrated junior rugby club revolt against the then WRU secretary David Moffett.
"Plans to cut funding to the junior clubs were met with fierce operation in a revolt which surprised Mr Moffett and his board.
"Last year, saw one of his happiest moments when he was able to present the SWALEC National League Division 4 West title to his beloved Llanelli Wanderers.
"In recent years, he was recognised by the committee of the Brin Isaac Memorial sports awards for his services to sport in Llanelli.
"For his talents were also to the fore in the game of bowls. He played for Tyrfran in Llanelli and other combined teams.
"If winter was rugby in Steve's life, then summer was bowls.
"Family played the central part in Steve's life, with wife Delia and daughter Jacqueline supporting him in all his sporting endeavours both on and off the field of play.
"There were many proud moments in Steve's busy sporting life, but one remains with me. Steve sharing a pre-dinner drink with British and Irish Lions rugby legend Willie John McBride just before a Llanelli Wanderers anniversary dinner.
"Steve Pike, my friend, neighbour, news story sparring partner in the days when he was coroner's officer, family man, rugby opponent, rugby administrator, local sporting hero, you'll be greatly missed."


South Wales Evening Post tribute story to Steve Pike on this link -
http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/Tribute-paid-Llanelli-rugby-stalwart-Steve-Pike/story-19013314-detail/story.html

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