Leigh East were saddened to hear of the passing of Ron Girvin, first secretary of the National Conference League.

Below is an obituary penned by current NCL Chairman Trevor Hunt.

It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of the very first secretary of the National Conference league Ron Girvin who died last night following a short illness.

Ron had taken over the administrative duties of the Conference League (as it was then) in 1984 for the inaugural season in 1985/86and used his incredible organisational abilities to help establish the competition as the flagship of the Amateur game whilst it grew in strength from its original ten clubs in one division, to become the 49 clubs in four divisions that it is today. In total he served 12 years.

Ron was born in Widnes in 1938, and for almost 30 years of his life had administrated the North West Counties League before taking on the new challenge of the Conference. He has also been the secretary of the Wigan Amateur Football League as well as using his skills to assist in the administration of the Wigan cricket League. On top of all that he was a qualified Rugby League Coach having operated in that role with Widnes Tigers in the 1970’s.

His skills and contribution to rugby league for over 50 years were recognised in him being inducted into the Rugby League Roll of Honour in 2014. That award was the latest in a series of honours that had seen him previously be awarded the BARLA Silver Boot and the Tom Keaveney Trophy (twice) for his services, as well as being made a Life Member of that Association.

Firm when he needed to be, but always pragmatic, Ron earned the respect of everyone he worked with in the sporting field as well as in his role as a sports editor on the Wigan Evening Post for 20 years and then the Manchester Evening News, where he covered the professional game for over 40 years. He was meticulous in what he did, and having been around so long he had heard all the excuses and was often amused by the new ones that occasional came his way. To those who knew him and worked with him, he was a good friend, with sound, solid advice and a rock upon which the amateur game both national and locally has been built.

A strong family man he is survived by his wife Jean and sons Neil and Ian, who have also been heavily involved in Rugby League administration, Ron has touched the lives of so many people during his involvement that has pushed seven decades.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family.