ABRFC Honours Club President, John Reich, for 30 Years of Service

Dear Friends

I want to acknowledge the many accolades I received this past year and most notably at the Awards Dinner for my 30 years of service with the club. I am grateful for all of the kind words. They match nicely with the wonderful memories I have of seasons and events gone by. I have been preceded by wonderful rugby enthusiasts who inspired me. I feel very, very lucky to have been associated with so many great players and fine people in the grand game of rugby. Few of my clubmates would know how deeply their words of encouragement or positive actions on and off the field would have galvanized my love of the club and its membership.

While my years as a player where marked with several proud accomplishments, I have reveled in the role of a “builder” in the current club. These last six years have been my greatest rugby challenge and I thank my former Toronto Barbarian colleagues and the icons of York County and Aurora RFC – most notably Jack Heald for having faith in me and helping me build the Aurora Barbarians.

John Reich. President

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Simon Allen, Toronto, Ontario
Aurora Barbarians

When the initial discussion of a potential merger was underway, Jack Heald invited me to join in meetings and discussion, both within the Aurora Club and with the TO Barbs – one of the activities that I undertook was a “mini due diligence” including a series of telephone conversations with some of my more reputable contacts and friends in the rugby community in Ontario, (including Glenn) – when we moved I threw out my notes from these conversations but I well re-call the universal support for John and for the Toronto Barbarians

I asked each of the people that I contacted for five words to describe John, and while I cannot remember the exact ranking of these words there was an amazing similarity and concurrence – I well remember the overall themes, all positive – the most frequent word was HONEST; #2 was HARDWORKING, #3 VISIONARY – I thought that I was uncovering a potential for Canonisation!!

Having known John as a nodding acquaintance for many years and now as a colleague for the last six years as El Presidente, I would like to add some of my own. In no particular order – John Reich is:

• Humble
• Quiet
• Focused
• Shy
• Determined and single minded
• Delightful with a very dry sense of humour

I am honoured to consider John as a Friend who gives me good counsel on a wide range of issues.

But above all he is focused on the players – he has helped so many people over the years to find their way in the difficult world of rugby and life – and this is what rugby is all about, the PLAYERS

About the only negative I have ever heard is that he is a bit withdrawn, but this is a quality that I admire most – he is totally above the infernal politics that at times threaten to destroy all that is good about Rugby in Ontario – and this is the most important contribution that he can make for the Aurora Barbs

John is about Quality in every aspect of the club – we are without doubt the best dressed, best organized and most successful club in the province and in Canada – and in no small part this is the direct result of all that John has contributed over the years

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TELEGRAM TO THOSE GATHERED AS McCORMICK CUP CHAMPIONS

Christopher Cottier, West Vancouver , British Columbia
A man unknown to most here this evening. The highlight of his playing career might have been to turn out for the Barbs on the morning of his wedding during their 1986 tour of western Canada .

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls...

There are three great Barbarians whom Chris proudly introduced to us during the 1970s. But who was the greatest?

The Peoples’ Champion (much like Muhammad Ali himself) would be Boots Cottier.
Pound for pound he was the bravest and fastest of any player to appear in black 'n white. Off the field, a party wasn't a real party unless Boots was there. In a committee room, Brother Steve often used his magic karma to make things work.

The Purists' Champion would be Jim Moyes.
Here we have a man who gave up playing for England Under 23 to risk life and limb (literally risk LIFE and limb) to play home games on the field directly west of the Fletchers Square clubhouse. It was Mr. Moyes who pulled the mighty MacMillan up to captain our national team.

However, the Real Champion would be JR.
How do we know this to be true? Simply because you are sitting there listening to a telegram for those gathered as McCormick Cup Champs. Thirty-one years ago JR and Chris Cottier were struggling with some silly post-graduate studies at York . JR was a punishing defensive secondary Yeoman football player. He was a happily married family man ready to join the rat race. Another family called and JR was immediately adopted by the Biscayne Boys living at Victoria Park and Eglinton... namely General Ken Lee, Randy Filinski, Dave Lodu, Bell, Cottier and Steve O'Keefe.

When told rugby was just primitive football, JR was interested. When told to shed the helmet and pads, JR was hooked. What we didn't tell JR was that he needed to be good at fund-raising, passing the ball both ways, recruiting, lining fields, refereeing, budgeting, tossing the coin, politics in the volunteer world, lifting in the lineouts, handling prima-donnas (none here tonight!), pushing in the sets, hosting, administration of amateurs, drinking, the dive pass, touring, calling mark as the ball is caught, billeting, scrubbing the floor, getting guys laid, kicking for touch, etc... basically everything but the drop goal!

The rest is history.

Even Boots and Moyes would agree:
JR, YOU ARE THE GREATEST!!

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Telegram to John Reich.

October 21st, 2007
Steven Cottier, British Columbia,
Toronto Barbarians

JR, it seems like only yesterday that is was the spring of 1977 when Chris introduced us to the Toronto Barbarians. As I recall you had just graduated from York and were looking for something to do on Saturday mornings. It wasn't long before the Barbs realized you were the fittest man on the club and soon had you playing for the 3rd, 2nd and 1st teams and all on the same day!

However, your on field commitment to the Black and White wasn't enough. Your contribution to the Executive of the club during the 80s and 90s was outstanding. I think you held every job (more than once and at the same time)! Do you remember the ‘planning' sessions we held at Brandies with Derek and Dainty?

But the giving of your management skills to the club also wasn't enough. I recall you being the bridge between the ‘colts'(the youth of the club) and the rest of the team helping us understand their incomprehensible behaviour. You were truly a big brother figure to many them (and probably still are)!

In 1996 the Barbarians did not look sustainable and it seemed as though the better days were behind us. Clearly that was not to be the case. Due to your love of Rugby and the Barbarians you became the bedrock on which they could rest and rebuild.

From those bleak years the Aurora Barbarians have immerged who are now an immensely competitive club. I am sure everyone in the room tonight can say that it would not have been the case without the foundation that you helped to lay.

JR, I am proud to have been your team mate and honoured to be your friend. All the best mate.

Yours truly,
Stephen 'Boots' Cottier

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Rich Earl
Toronto Barbarians

I've known J.R. since 1979 when I joined the Barbs and he's always been a gentelmen on and off the field.

Many of you may not be aware but when I lost my dad in a car accident and was dealing with the crisis and legal matters in Australia

J.R. took it upon himself to look after the funeral arrangements and wake.

I'm forever indebted to J.R. for his uncompromising loyalty and friendship.

To take a quote from Tony, well done Barbs!

Rich Earl

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A Few Words About JR

As JR celebrates his 30th year with the Barbarians, it could not have been a better year for the Club to win the Cup! Congrats to all involved! Last Saturday was a proud day to be a Barb! As I was around when John joined the Barbs, there are many rugby stories that I could share with you; those that involve the game itself, the various tours, John's exploits on the field, his ongoing generosity, his tireless work ethic, etc. However, let me share with you an off- the- field story that tells you something more about the man's character. I finished playing seriously with the Club in 1986, the same year that my oldest daughter Andrea was born. She arrived on October 17th, 1986, a healthy, happy baby girl. A bunch of the Club guys showed up at the hospital to see my wife Karen and Andrea and proceeded to take me out for the night to celebrate. John was part of the group as well, but decided to pass on the night out to stay behind and keep Karen company, give her a break, and hold the fussy baby for most of the evening. He finally was asked to leave by the attending nurse, well into the night! He was the perfect gentleman, as always, making sure that everyone and anyone associated with the Club, whether you played or not, was looked after! Although it's a night that Andrea doesn't remember, she's 21 now (hands off guys!) it's something that Karen and I will never forget!

John is known for his generosity. He's always got his hand in his pocket, either to help someone, or for something that may benefit the Club. He'll do whatever he needs to ensure that the Club continues to move forward. Add solid character to the list of admirable qualities that JR continues to exhibit over all these years and you've summed up the man that we celebrate today! We can't help but be successful with JR at the helm! May the next 30 years be less stressful for you!

Ian Mac

PS. By the way for those of you that didn't see him play in his day, JR was pretty good, although he may have knocked a few balls on!

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Jim Moyes, Texas, USA
Toronto Barbarians

Wanted to give you a few words regarding JR for Saturday's celebration.

JR is one of those stalwart servants as a player, supporter, leader, and mentor on which great rugby clubs are founded. Having first met JR in 1979 on my arrival in Toronto , it is incredible to me that he has spent all these years since then, devoting himself to the club in so many different ways. As a proud Barbarian, I am so thankful that he had the foresight and persistence to see the merger of Aurora and the Barbs through to a successful conclusion, capped by Saturday's cup victory and winning the league title this year. I am honored to have enjoyed knowing JR as both a teammate and friend. I am also envious that John can still take to the rugby field as a player - having seen your photos of Barbs celebrating Saturday's victory, my only consolation is that I still have a decent head of hair and a comparatively youthful appearance, in contrast the greying, balding figure featured in many of your photos!

I look forward to toasting JR down here in Texas on Saturday!

All the best,
Jim

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Glenn Tarver, Toronto, Ontario
ORU Board member, Director of Men's Junior Program, two time ORU President, great rugby man and ex-Beach player and friend

The 2007 McCormick Cup victory for Aurora Barbs was the result of the combined efforts of many people on and off the field. The parts played by the players and coaches are obvious to everyone. Less obvious is the vital work done behind the scenes by club organizers, volunteers and builders

John Reich is one of those important behind the scenes people, in fact arguably the most important of all

I watched with admiration when John was a key initiator and negotiator in the merger of two clubs that became the Aurora Barbarians. This new club has now become amongst the very strongest and most comprehensive in Canada . I was cheering for the success of the merger because I feel it was important for rugby in Ontario ( and in fact I wish there were other clubs considering similar initiatives )

I witnessed the steady improvements in the performances of Barbs teams on the field at all levels of competition. It has been a well managed progression always with clear goals, never moving so fast that the club infrastucture wasn't ready for the next advance. And I always understood that the the key to sustained growth and consistent success was John Reich

I have seen John's attention to detail and his willingness to work at any and all tasks that had to be done to keep the Barbs ball rolling

I'm not sure if this is well known but John plays very similar and important roles with the Fletcher's Fields Boards of Directors where we have served together for several years ( he for far longer than me ) and where he is the voice of reason, always calm in difficult situations and always thorough with addressing his responsibilities. FF is at a crossroads right now with developers knocking at our door and John's vision and inteligence will be important assets in determining the future of that facility

The recent Barbs successes are a tribute to John's perseverence and I can think of no one else who personifies the spirit and culture of Aurora Barbarian rugby than John Reich

The measure of all of this will be in the years to come. I expect club successes will go on for quite a while and that this is just the beginning of a long and successful run for both the club and for John

Congratulations to Barbs and to their president John Reich

Glenn Tarver
Rugby Ontario Board of Directors
"Up the Beach"

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