A Devon rugby club has paid tribute to a former player, much-loved family man and “real character” who has died aged 85. Melvin Todd was a key figure during a crucial period of Brixham Rugby Club’s 150-year history.
He played for the amateur side in 1960s, nurturing younger talents and helping to keep the club afloat. The club chairman has led the tributes, saying: “It is individuals like Melvin that Brixham Rugby Club is built on.”
Chris Forster added: “It is with sadness that we at Brixham Rugby Club record and acknowledge the sad passing of another past player from our rich heritage of Brixham characters. Melvin (Mel) Todd sadly passed away this week.
“Mel played a number of games for the first team at Astley Park in the second row, alongside the likes of Ray Gardner in the early 1960s. Norman Marler has shared that, unusually for a forward, he was a renowned kicker, using the toe punt method of the time.
(Image: Brixham Rubgy Club)
“Such was the power of his kicks that once, when converting a goal at the bottom end, the ball sailed out of sight never to be seen again. A local paper, probably the Herald Express, picked up on this and reported, tongue in cheek, that a fisherman had picked the ball up some time later in the sea off Berry Head.”
Friend Norman Marler, who was part of a famous Brixham side that went undefeated for a season in the 1960s, said when he joined as a junior it was older players like Melvin who took him under their wing.
“He was always generous towards us, brought us on and protected us,” he said. “The seniors were struggling for players in those days but it was people like Mel who turned the fortunes of the club around.
“Players who he brought through went on to play for Devon which was unusual back then. It was basically down to Mel that we were kept together and started to win.
“He was also a great character off the field with a great, dry wit.”
Mel worked for Maurice Coopman at Brixham Steel Constructional on the harbour for a number of years in the 1960s. He excelled in wrought iron work and later, with his own business, worked mostly on the trawlers.
Chris said: “When Mel finished playing, he was a real character within the social side of the club, helping to organise and being a key part in many a ‘sing song’ in the clubhouse. It is individuals like Melvin that Brixham Rugby Club is built on, and in this our 150th season we give thanks for him and all from our past, present, and future.
“From all at Brixham RFC, we send our condolences, love, thoughts, and prayers to his daughters, Lisa and Mandy, and all members of his family and friends. ‘Rest in peace, Mel, as you go over the bar for the last time.’