Obituaries

A very sad loss to the Club and to humanity. Always willing to listen and talk to any member of the Club and universally well liked.  Tremendous courage in the face of serious health issues over many years and always maintained his happy disposition. A really nice guy and it was my pleasure to have known him.  RIP

Steve Carter

A truly nice and very, very, funny man. Over the years he always faced his health problems with bravery and ‘just got on with it’ enjoying life to the full – an example to us all. I have some great memories of Damian, at Satelcom and more recently at Logicalis. I’ll miss him but will always remember his smile.

Mike Sparkes

I have known Damian since School, Scouts and then through Ealing Rugby and he remained the same person throughout. The years when Damian captained the 2nd’s were filled with fun, laughter and pushing it to the limit and sometimes beyond. Top bloke, Top Tourist and will be sorely missed.

Vale Damian

Seamus Kerr

I knew Damian long before he joined the Colts, plus of course Mark, Philip and their cousin John. They were scouts in the 20th Ealing Group. Philip had the innocent look, Mark the cross look and Damian was into everything, from climbing up the marquee at camp to providing a gourmet meal on an open fire. He was an asset and great fun.

This was my connection and how I managed to get a lot of St. Benedict’s boys into the colts, and we never looked back. When we used to run round to the gym at Horsenden Lane for fitness training, I will always remember Damian doing at least 20 pull up to Big Jake’s 4. It was due to Damian that his father in law (Winter), who was with Guinness, managed to get some delivered to the Five counties hotel in Ireland, when the Colts were on tour.

Damian is not the first ex-colt to seek new playing fields. James Cogswell and Nigel Handley to name but two have gone before him, so he will not be alone when he knocks on the gates! God knows what they will get up to.

I will not be at the Abbey for the service, but will you please remember me to his brothers and the rest of the family.

David Inwood

Damian, I’m glad I got to spend some time with you a while back on my trip to the homeland. The mischief was still in your eyes…and words. RIP

Paul Foreman

Damian Bugeja, a club-man through and through, he will be missed by all. It was an honour play rugby with him, to serve on the committee with him, to tour with him and my pleasure to have had beers with him.

He was the driving force behind so many things at this club. However, I’ll never forget him for being the inspiration behind the re-launch of Veteran’s rugby at Ealing eight years ago. The ‘Evergreens’ now provide a genuine opportunity for players to delay hanging up their boots for a bit longer and to continue wearing that green and white playing shirt with pride – Just like he did.

I have no doubt that Damian has found that ‘long lost goldmine in the sky!’

Bill Miller

Damian simply represented everything that is great about the game of Rugby.

Piers Dingemans

Damian a top bloke who always had a hint of mischief in his eye!…..responsible for making me drink disgusting cocktails as a tour virgin with the Evergreens…………….but more importantly  responsible for helping make the club the success it is today. Rest in peace

Matt Smith

I was very sorry to hear of the recent passing of Damian. He was a fantastic man to be around, inspirational and always with an eye for fun. His love of the game always shone through, he always gave his all and others were only to happy to follow. He also never lost sight of the spirt of Rugby on or off the field. A true Rugby man. I remember him from my years playing for St Benedicts and whilst I was a team mate of Phil, Damian was somebody I looked up too. It was partly through his encouragement that I returned to vets Rugby and enjoyed four wonderful years playing long after I should have. The trip to Rome will live with me for many years and I am sure the stories will continue to get taller and taller. I offer my sincere condolences to the family. He will be missed but fondly remembered in many circles. God Bless you Damian.

Martin Irisarri

I played Rugby with Damian at Ealing for many years and remember so many great times on and off the field. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Marcus Cotter-Stone