ILMINSTER NEWS: Family thanks after perfect send-off to an Ilminster sporting legend

THE family of legendary Ilminster sportsman Tony Rice have thanked everyone for their messages of sympathy and support following his recent death.

There was standing room only at the Minster last week when his Thanksgiving Service was held on Thursday (November 3, 2016) where family, friends and sporting colleagues from football and cricket came to celebrate his life.

Mr Rice’s son Craig said: “We were totally overwhelmed by the turnout at the Minster and all of the comments we received before and about the day since.

“I was really dreading the funeral, but in fact it turned out to be a great tribute to dad and it was fantastic to see so many old faces.

“We would like to thank everyone who attended dad’s funeral and for everyone who has sent us lovely messages of sympathy. It means a lot.”

Mr Rice’s coffin was carried into the Minster by pall bearers and was followed by his family led by wife Ann, children Claire and Craig, and daughter-in-law Jane with the church filled with the sound of Eva Cassidy’s beautiful recording of Fields of Gold.

PHOTO - TOP: The Order of Service for Tony Rice's thanksgiving service at the Minster on November 3, 2016, and Mr Rice (top right) in his later years.

PHOTO – RIGHT: Tony Rice during his sporting days.

The service was led by Rev Nigel Done and the chosen hymns were Bread of Heaven, Lord of All Hopefulness and Jerusalem.

Readings were made by Mr Rice’s daughter Claire and his godson Duncan Hansford.

A tribute was read by Paul Knight, chairman of Ilminster Cricket Club, who said that Mr Rice was a real legend of the local sporting scene.

Rod Stewart’s song Sailing was played following a commendation and blessing as Mr Rice’s coffin was carried back out of the Minster and was taken to Moolham Churchyard for a family private interment.

Mourners were invited to attend a wake at Ilminster Bowling Club where many of Mr Rice’s former sporting team-mates and opponents joined together and reminisced with memories of on and off the pitch stories from years past – something Mr Rice would without question have approved of.

Craig said: “Dad would have loved it and he would have been the last to leave for sure!”

Mr Rice died on October 19, 2016, following a long and brave battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Mr Rice, who suffered a stroke in 1996, enjoyed a successful non-league career in football and he had been involved with Ilminster Cricket Club for 60 years.

After his playing days were over he took on a more spectator role and watched son Craig enjoy his own sporting success at football and cricket.

Now the Rice sporting dynasty continues with grandsons Callum and Lachlan who, only this week, has been selected for the Somerset County Cricket Under-10 training squad.

Earlier this year Craig and his two sons played league cricket for the first time in the Taunton Sunday League. Mr Rice, as a devoted father and grandfather, was mighty proud.

PHOTO – ABOVE: Craig Rice with sons Lachlan (left) and Callum.

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