News

Er Cof - In Memory Jamie Harrison

We knew it would happen. We knew it would happen soon. It still doesn’t make the news of Jamie Harrison’s passing any easier to comprehend or endure. The speed at which the illness took Jamie’s life was devastating. The age at which he was taken is completely and utterly sickening.

Why? It’s a question we all ask at such times. Perhaps it’s better to just accept fate. On this occasion those who knew Jamie and certainly those who love him can be forgiven for repeating: ‘Why?’ For Jamie Harrison was one of the finest of us.

Jamie joined older brother Darren at the Quins in the mid-1990s. He previously played for Maesteg Celtic and his transition from club to club was made all the smoother, due to his unassuming, easy-going nature. He was a wonderfully pleasant person.

His mild-mannered personality made him ideal for the career path he chose. Working with those who have the misfortune to suffer with mental illnesses and additional learning needs, Jamie was an expert professional and above all a caring man to the core. Every fibre of him was geared towards helping others. We have all benefitted from his words of support. Often, they weren’t deliberate or considered words, they were just imparted with a spirit of generosity.

Mind you, Jamie would have had a great caseload at the Quins. The varying characters within the club at the time possessed a wide range of ‘flaws’ to manage.

Having played thirty-seven times for the club, which included a MGDRU Dvision 2 title winning season for the Seconds, Jamie went on to play for Llanishen and Newport Saracens RFCs, as his work took him to east Wales. He became immensely popular at those clubs too. Yet he never forgot Maesteg Quins.

Out of the blue he would turn up with a gang in tow to watch our games. He was pleased as punch when he watched the team play Pontypool as equals. It was just five short weeks ago he was at the club celebrating a birthday. The coming weeks were to be a shock to everyone. Yesterday the Quins didn't forget this fine character, with a minutes silence prior to the match.

As hard as Jamie’s many friends are finding this devasting period, nobody will be feeling the raw and unbending pain of his loss more than his loving family. The club’s sincere condolences are extended to Jamie’s wife, children of whom he was immensely proud and brother Darren at this awful time. Our thoughts are with you.

Soon we will bid a fond, sorrowful farewell to one of life’s best. Goodbye friend and thank you, for being you. The pleasure was all ours.

Mae cariad Iesu’n drech na hwy.