Having joined the club as a player in 1957, Owen captained the first team in the 1965/66 season. He went on to be club chairman for 32 years and leaves a lasting legacy for the Glan-yr-Afon outfit having driven the transformation of the ground and clubhouse into a facility the whole community can be proud of. The former Bedwellty School art teacher was also secretary of District A for many years, an elected representative of his Division, a very well respected member of the WRU criteria panel and was proud to be a liaison officer for many incoming international teams.
Bryn Parker, District A representative on the WRU Council, said, “Owen Parfitt had a massive influence on the administration of our many District A clubs for many years. He was a gentlemen who always chaired meetings in a fair and calming way, both for his club, Blackwood and our District. His advice to each of us was always sound and many of our clubs have benefited as a result. He will be sorely missed – rest in peace and God Bless.”
Lyn Hall, of Blackwood Rugby Club said, “Owen was simply one of the best. To those of us who had the privilege to work and serve with him, the effects of his loss are already being felt. He was a man whose wise counsel was gratefully received and would take the time to suggest and encourage all who fell under his influence. There are many within the club who are grateful for his friendship.”
Peter Owens worked with Owen in a number of capacities on behalf of the Welsh Rugby Union and was also a close friend. He said, “Owen was a strong personality who worked tremendously hard for rugby in Blackwood and the whole of the rugby community in the area. He was immensely proud of his club, his town and his country. Without his selfless endeavour Blackwood Rugby Club would not have the excellent facilities that it enjoys today.
“Owen was a true gentlemen of rugby, generous beyond all normal bounds. He was appointed by the WRU to act as a liaison officer to a number of young teams that came to Wales including the 1999 New Zealand U19 team, captained by Jerry Collins. When Jerry came back to Wales he always made contact with ‘Mr Parfitt’. Owen will be missed most sorely by his family, friends and the whole rugby fraternity in Blackwood, Gwent, around Wales and throughout the UK but also in France, New Zealand and the rugby world.”
Owen was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2012 for Services to Sport in recognition of his 55-year contribution to rugby union in Wales, WRU president Dennis Gethin, saying at the time, “Owen is a typical example of what’s good about Welsh rugby. I’ve always said the strength of Welsh rugby is in its grassroots and there’s not a better example of that than Owen’s commitment over the years, especially with the ground and clubhouse facilities, helping to make Blackwood Rugby Club the true heart of the community.”
Owen Parfitt’s funeral will be held on Wednesday 25 September 10am at St. Sannan’s Church, Bedwellty followed by Cremation at Gwent Crematorium, Croesyceiliog (12 noon).
