Rose Scovell – Obituary

Island athletics was in mourning again last week following the passing of Rose Scovell, just a fortnight after the death of her husband Ray.

Rose was hugely supportive of Ray, who was known as ‘Mr Athletics’ for his work in the sport, helping several Islanders gain national and international recognition. The Sandown couple would have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last weekend.
A poignant tribute has been posted on Facebook by Athletics coach, Nick Groocock. He said: “It is with a heavy heart that once again I am the bearer of very sad news; on Tuesday Rose Scovell passed away at St Mary’s, two weeks to the day after we lost Ray.

“Once again I am compelled to write about the contribution she made towards our club and the Isle of Wight Athletics Community.
“We all know how much Ray did because he was always there alongside us all, but behind the scenes Rose was always there beside him helping and supporting everything he did for us. Rose was for a time on the IWAC Committee acting as minutes secretary as well as dealing with club membership. When Parkrun arrived new tasks and support was needed and the ever-willing Rose ensured that the Marshall bibs and anything else that needed washing was ready from one week to the next.

“It would have been their golden wedding anniversary this coming weekend celebrating their 50 years together as man and wife. They had grown up together on Avenue Road in Sandown and had known each other for 70 years. Rose wrote in her obituary for Ray: “Always meant to be together”.
“I’m sure everyone will join me in thinking of Claire, Simon as well as Steve at this very sad time.”

The couple’s family have launched a crowdfunding page on JustGiving with daughter, Claire, saying: “We have been asked about donations for dad (Ray Scovell), who was known as Mr Athletics for all the amazing work he did here on the Isle of Wight to encourage and support people of all ages and abilities to use sport to help them achieve their individual goals.
“The money raised will be divided between charities close to his heart.”