| NFR: Mike Ratu - RIP 18:00 - Dec 29 with 3324 views | RAFCBLUE |
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. |  |
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| NFR: Mike Ratu - RIP on 18:03 - Dec 29 with 3298 views | judd |
Very sorry to hear this.
RIP |  |
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| NFR: Mike Ratu - RIP on 18:21 - Dec 29 with 3242 views | SuddenLad |
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 fooled†|
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| NFR: Mike Ratu - RIP on 18:58 - Dec 29 with 3138 views | EllDale |
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. |  | | |
| NFR: Mike Ratu - RIP on 20:10 - Dec 29 with 3018 views | ThreeLions |
RIP Mike and condolences to the Ratu family. |  | | |
| NFR: Mike Ratu - RIP on 21:00 - Dec 29 with 2928 views | downunder |
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 2795 views | Shun |
Very sad. I used to know Mika well and he was a true gentleman. |  | | |
| NFR: Mike Ratu - RIP on 12:36 - Dec 30 with 2499 views | 1mark1 |
Deepest condolences to all of his family and friends. A true legend of Rochdale sport, and the pub trade. |  |
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