It is with great sadness, and a real sense of loss, that we learned of the sudden death on Tuesday morning of Bruce, the older brother of Wally, past President of the Academical Club, and our 1st XV Touch-judge “legend”.
I knew Bruce well, having played in the School 1st XV with him. He was a true and committed friend of the Club, having also been its Treasurer for a number of years. His support of things “Academical” was no more clearly displayed than by his presence at the recent Rugby Club Golf Day at Rowallan Castle. Bruce was a real gentleman who was held in high regard by all who knew him. His other brother Graeme also played for Accies, before going to live in New Zealand many years ago. Graeme and his late wife Marion were generous hosts to all Academicals passing through Wellington, and showed great kindness to many young Accies over the years who arrived in NZ looking to further their careers. Ally Smith, brother of present club Captain, Stewart, is one of the recent Academicals to have experienced the Mitchell friendship.
Our sincere condolences extend to Bruce’s wife Dodie, and the family, and to his brothers Graeme and Wally, as they struggle to accept the sudden-ness of their sad loss.
GORDON WILSON. ( Rugby Chairman.)

This article was posted on 2-Sep-2010, 11:53 by Hugh Barrow.