It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the recent death of Stanley Philips, long time Ulster Rugby and Ireland supporter, founder member of URSC and past Committee member. Stanley passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning from a heart attack. We offer our very sincere sympathy to his family in their sudden and unexpected bereavement.
Stanley was well known in the Ulster Rugby fraternity, and could always be relied upon to provide statistics on past Ulster and Ireland achievements, as well as keeping the URSC committee on their toes. An AGM without Stanley could not be a true AGM! A larger than life character – the list below only provides a glimpse.
- A voice of reason in an increasingly crazy world
- Helper of many – without asking for anything in return
- Lover of anything which tested his not inconsiderable mind
- Statistician extraordinaire
- Advisor in drafting URSC constitution and early supporters’ club meetings – “point of order Mr Chairman”!!!!!!
- Keen contributor to numerous rugby message boards and time traveller (with the aid of his lawnmower). No, Don’t ask.
- Not only was he respected, but he showed respect – he may not have agreed with or shared others’ beliefs, but he defended their right to adhere to them.
- Didn’t let things get him down – previous heart problems, but still enjoyed a smoke and a drink – wanted to enjoy what time was granted to him.
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We are sure we’ve omitted loads. Many of you will have your own memories.
Stanley was our friend and we will miss him greatly!
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Your space on the promenade will always be there Stanley they may in your place but they’ll never replace you. I’ll miss you lots old friend.
Your space on the promenade will always be there Stanley they may stand in your place but they’ll never replace you. I’ll miss you lots old friend.
Is it appropriate for me to point out that another source has Stanley’s death timed as Friday night rather than Saturday morning? I like to think he’d be amused by the inconsistency.
For anyone interested in marking cables’ passing in a more tangible way, his family have asked for donations in lieu of flowers to be made to CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). many may recognise that for some time he had their logo as his avatar on UAFC website.
Donations can be made through Ravenhill Funeral Service who oversaw his departure from this mortal coil, or perhaps more easily online by going to: https://www.justgiving.com/cables