The FIH is saddened to report the death of EHF Member of Honour, Robert Watson, who died after a battle with illness over the past two years. 

Robert, know affectionately as Bob, took over as the second Hon.Secretary of the EHF from Maurice Fraikin in 1978 and served until 1989, when he then served the EHF as Vice-President until 1993. As one of the fathers of the EHF he was made a Member of Honour in 1993. 

Within the FIH he was a member of the Disciplinary Committee and served on that body for 28 years.

A barrister by profession, Bob was instrumental in the development of many of the EHF’s Nations Competitions, knowing that offering National teams the opportunity to play in a structured and professional way would be paramount to the growth of hockey in Europe. 

Marijke Fleuren, the President of the EHF said “In the modern age of the technology and the internet, we must remember the dedication of our past Officers and Board members, who like Robert painstakingly devoted their time to the work of the EHF. With his vision and intellectual wit, he could see the value of spreading and growing hockey throughout Europe. We are forever grateful to him for his hockey knowledge, his passion for our sport and his sense of fun. I know that I am joined by the entire hockey family in passing on my condolences to his wife Maureen at this difficult time.”

A private cremation will take place on 3rd September with a Thanksgiving Service on 25th September, details to follow.

Source: European Hockey Federation