RENOWNED refereeing mentor and manager Patrick Gock, who was a respected figure in the specialty and rugby in Fiji, passed away last Saturday.
His family made the announcement over the weekend and news of his death left many in shock, including the Nadi Rugby Referees Association, which he closely worked with.
In a statement on social media platform Facebook, the association lamented his death and shared how he had played a vital role in the development of its members.
“Many of us would not be where we are today without his guidance, his honest feedback and his belief in our potential,” the statement read.
“He saw in others what they often couldn’t see in themselves, and he had a gift for bringing out the best in everyone he worked with.”
Mr Gock was a former student of St John’s College in Cawaci from 1980 to 1983.
He was also the former referees manager of the Fiji Rugby Union.
During his tenure as manager, his work took him to various parts of the country, helping build up the reach of the game and bringing to the forefront at the grassroots level a development of match refereeing from which the movement grew to its present form.
The Nadi Rugby Referees Association added he meant more than a referee manager to them.
“He was a mentor, a guide and a source of unwavering support to so many of us. His passion for the game is unmatched, but it was his commitment to people that truly set him apart.
“He believed in building referees not just in skill, but in character, integrity and confidence.”
His family also stated the reguregu and funeral arrangements would be announced at a later date.
The late Patrick Gock (middle) with match officials. Picture: NADI RUGBY REFEREES ASSOCIATION/META
