IT is with great sadness we share the news that Rangers chairman, Shane ‘Jocky’ Wilson, has passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Shane, who turned 50 last month, died at Oldham hospital on the afternoon of New Year's Eve with his family by his side.

 

 

(Shane is top left, celebrating a 2003 Standard Cup win)

He was our Chairman and a club Trustee aswell as a coach of our U15s team where his son Freddie plays. In a lifetime at Rangers Shane played in every team, won Standard Cups, coached the seconds and was assistant to the firsts before coaching Freddie's team throughout the ages. He put his hand up for any and every job and was a fixture in the clubhouse, supporting juniors and open age teams at their matches and every event the club put on. His wife Karen says, alongside his children, Rangers was the love of his life.

Karen said; “He fought to the very end but passed away peacefully with Freddie and Francesca by his side. He was such a loved and popular man with his larger than life character, we can’t believe he’s gone. No doubt he’ll have found the bar and be raising a glass of San Miguel.”

 

Treasurer Karen Thompson, who’s known Jocky for 30 years, said; “He epitomised what Rangers is all about. It was his love. Anyone who knew him knew his dedication to our club was unique. We’ve lost a huge character and a dear friend and our hearts go out to Karen and the kids.”

Last week many of Jocky's friends took part in a sponsored bike ride from the club to Huddersfield and back in support of his treatment and his family.

Organiser Shane Tupaea said about him; "It started out initially with 20 riders and progressed steadily to 36 riders including Kev Sinfield and Barrie MacDermott which is a great testament to the way everyone feels about Jocky, who's been the life and soul of this club for years."

 

Jocky was liked and respected across the game of rugby league. He was a huge part of Saddleworth Rangers and will be missed enormously by everyone who knew and loved him. His contribution to our club will be remembered for a very long time to come.