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Very sorry to learn of the passing of former Hornets player Mike Ratu.
For those familiar with the town for many years, Mike built a strong relationship between the Pacific nation of Fiji and Rochdale, alongside son and former player Emon Ratu.
Condolences to family and friends.
George Bernard Shaw had it right:
"He who can does; he who cannot, teaches."
https://www.visittheusa.co.uk/
Mike was a great bloke and a fine rugby player. He was a stalwart of Hornets, a local licensee and a sporting ambassador to his home land of Fiji. He made many friends and has done a fantastic job in the community of Rochdale and beyond.
R.I.P. Mike. Condolences to family and friends.
“It is easier to fool people, than to convince them that they have been fooledâ€
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NFR: Mike Ratu - RIP on 18:58 - Dec 29 with 3964 views
Lovely man who, whilst being so well respected in his adopted town, was still fervently patriotic. Couldn’t visualise him as a paratrooper in the Fijian army but that was his profession when he signed for Hornets. When I first met him in the 1960s he, like the other Fijian lads, was working at a mill on Crawford Street and they could be seen walking to and from there along Oldham Road. He was later a popular publican at the Travellers Rest in the bus station and the Trafalgar. Wife Anne was a respected social worker as well. His son and grandson both played for Hornets. All in all he’ll be missed immensely. RIP mate.
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NFR: Mike Ratu - RIP on 20:10 - Dec 29 with 3844 views
Sad news indeed. He was a true gentleman. He assisted my Father in Law with setting up East Ward Rugby. Also had many links to Rochdalians RUFC, who often hosted the Fijian ex-pat rugby team. RIP Mike, I hope restrictions over there allow a full Fijian paying of respects. EDIT. Brian Belfield died as well. Also connected to both Hornets and Rochdalians/LittleboroughRUFC
[Post edited 30 Dec 2021 19:15]
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NFR: Mike Ratu - RIP on 22:39 - Dec 29 with 3621 views
We've heard that asked recently in a very different context, so good see it in a more positive context. Never met Mike but saw him play a couple of times. RIP
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