Long-serving Counties Manukau Rugby administrator and life member Brian Bangs has passed away at the age of 81 on Saturday his family has confirmed.
Bangs served as the CMRFU president in early 2000s, secretary, manager and CEO during the 1990s, was always the scrutineer at AGMs, was on the judiciary appeals committee for a long time and was a celebrated referee. He was made a life member of Counties Manukau Rugby in 2005 and was also a life member of the Counties Manukau Rugby Supporter’s Club.
He was a regular at Steelers and Heat games in more recent years, despite his declining health.
“Brian lost his battle with Motor Neurone Disease this morning,” said son Kelvin Bangs. “A life member of the Union, Counties Manukau Rugby had a huge place in Dad’s heart.
“He was thrilled just recently to watch the Steelers beat Manawatu at home.”
Counties Manukau Rugby chief executive Aaron Lawton paid tribute to the tremendous service Bangs gave his beloved Union.
“We are truly devastated by Brian’s passing and send our love and thoughts to his family through this trying time,” Lawton said.
“He was a loyal and hard-working man dedicated to bettering Counties Manukau Rugby; through the official roles he had but even in more recent times as a volunteer despite his ill-health.
“We will all miss his presence at Navigation Homes Stadium and can’t thank him enough for years he put into our Union.”
Brian is survived by wife Ellice, children Kelvin and Maree, Keryn and Brendon and grandchildren Haydn, Courtnee, Shannon, Meg and Chelsea.
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