Wagga Tigers are mourning the passing of former president and well-known club identity, Ron ‘Wimpy’ Barber.
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Although he had battled health problems in recent years, Barber passed away suddenly on Saturday, aged 78.
He was president of the club from 1984 to 1990 – including overseeing Tigers’ 1985 premiership – and a larger than life figure in the Tigers’ community.
“He was a lovable rogue, quick with a quip,” Wagga Tigers president Anthony Lyons said.
“He was the face of Wagga Tigers during the 80s. He and (Robert) Gunny Hughes virtually ran the club for years, together with the committee. And he was well known in the league.”
Barber is survived by wife Ros and sons Murray and Clay who both played for Tigers and won premierships with the club.
‘Wimpy’ was still going to football in recent weeks to closely follow the careers of the next generation, his grandchildren.
Lyons said his contribution, and his personality, won’t be forgotten at Robertson Oval.
“Our bar is the Ronald ‘Wimpy’ Barber bar in the ‘Gunny’ Hughes clubrooms,” Lyons said.
“He’ll be sorely missed.”
Barber’s funeral is at 10am on Thursday at St John’s Anglican College in Wagga.