Sam Coster 1933 – 2026
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Sam Coster, our last link with the generation of Herons who reenergised the club after the 2nd WW and propelled it on to great things in the 50’s and 60’s.
Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to his beloved wife Val, their daughter, granddaughter, and extended family. Sam attended what was then Wanstead County High and on leaving, alongside many of his school mates, became a 1st team winger of considerable ability. He became a teacher and was prominent within two local schools and more widely within Newham School Sports Association, from which, he only retired in 2022. As a player he was always smartly turned out, almost dapper and yes, his mum still ironed his boot laces and his jock strap well into his 20’s!
He was what we used to call a ’class act’. He was a gentleman. He never possessed a car but went everywhere on his beloved Vespa. When his 1st team days were over in the 60’s, he regularly turned out for the lower sides and then became a club referee. He was the very epitome of what rugby was then all about. He played, he gave his time, he volunteered. In the 70’s, he was an integral part, together with his mates, of a group of Herons who began the Sunday lunchtime sessions in the old wooden clubhouse. On one memorable occasion he and Eric Poulton organised a reunion of Herons from the 40’s and 50’s. We had more than 60 attend and drank through until 4.00am. I know, because I ran the bar! I can still see the delight on his face at being surrounded by so many people he loved being with.Not that he was a great drinker, he was a truly social animal. He was just good company, witty and possessed a wonderful sense of humour. He brought joy to every conversation he entered.
He met his wife Val and settled happily into married life. He gave up riding his scooter and so his visits to the club became less frequent. He never gave up his love of sport and rugby though. In particular, Wanstead. He would call or message me regularly to congratulate the teams on a successful weekend or to enquire as to what might have gone wrong.He and Val, like so many others, endured an exhausting lockdown. Advancing years, slowed his body down, but his mind remained as sharp as ever. Humour always remained at the very heart of every conversation.
He finally succumbed at the age of 92, at home with his beloved wife by his side.
A true Heron.
Rest in Peace Sam.
