April 15, 1927 – April 29, 2013Dr. Ronald James "Doc" MacBeath
Ron “Doc” MacBeath was born in Auckland, New Zealand. He received his teaching credential in NZ, MA at the University of Calgary, and PhD in Education from USC in 1963. He started his career teaching and made notable contributions to the field of instructional technology and design. Ron had great passion for family, education, travel, down-under rugby, and all things New Zealand.
Ron taught graduate school at USC, Auckland University, University of Hawaii, and San Jose State University, and was a visiting lecturer to many universities internationally over the years. As Director of the Instructional Resource Center at SJSU, he advanced innovation in educational approaches and technology. He authored and edited extensively on the topic, and consulted to universities and organizations, including a year with the National Library System of Turkey in the late 70’s.
He met the love of his life, Marjorie Nicholson while living in London in the 50’s. They traveled the world during their 41 years of marriage and settled in Sunnyvale where they raised their four children; Scot, Heather, Andrew and Kathy. Ron is survived by his four children, son-in-law, and two grandchildren.
Rugby was Ron’s sport and the Spartans, Seahawks, and NZ All Blacks his teams. In the early 60’s he introduced the game to USC, and in the early 70’s founded the programs at SJSU and UCSC and promoted the club and collegiate teams of the Pacific Western Rugby Conferences. He was known as “Doc” McBeath to several generations of players. Players fondly remembered Doc driving to training in his green Jaguar with a trunkful of gear to ensure that players had access to shorts, socks, jerseys, and even mouth guards. He could always be seen at trainings and games, even into his later years. Eventually, after the loss of his dear wife, and when his body began to fail him, alumni such as Tony and Chris, among others, would bring Doc to games so he could see his beloved Spartans in action once again.
(L) Ron “Doc” Macbeath hoisting his namesake Trophy. On the right is former head coach Mike McDonald.
SPARTAN RUGBYOUR FALLEN BROTHERS
1971-2021Pio Sasa Tanuvasa
April 24, 1971 – Oct 12, 2021
Pio passed away suddenly at the age of 50. Born in American Samoa and raised in Nofoalii, Western Samoa. This is where Pio learned to play Rugby. He attended Samoa College and moved to Auckland, New Zealand and eventually to San Jose, Ca in 1995. He married his wife in 1998 and they have 5 children and 4 Grandchildren. Pio loved all sports but his passion was rugby. He played for the Seahawks Mens Rugby Club for a few years. He was very involved in the community where he started coaching flag football with his boys and then coached football at Campbell Bears and Santa Clara Lions as well as Rugby at Los Gatos Lions, Milpitas Guards, & San Mateo Wolverines. He volunteered at SJSU for many years as assistant coach starting in 2015 and then head coach until 2020. He then coached at Santa Clara High School Football for his youngest son’s senior year. Pio had the ability to touch those around him. If you were fortunate to meet him, He was always a joker, life of the party, always made you smile when you had a bad day. He will be truly missed by so many. He embodied the true Rugby culture…. He was our Warrior and Chief (Haka Chant) in memory of Pioiva Sasa Tanuvasa.
1953-2015Andy Lizarraga
Andy passed away peacefully July 6, 2015 in San Diego surrounded by his family. He was born in Bakersfield CA on July 28, 1953. Andy is a graduate of San Jose State University and a retired Deputy Probation Officer of Santa Clara County. Andy is survived by wife Rosa, beloved son Andrew Joseph, step-daughters Raquel & Jennifer and his littlest BFF Alexaa Grace. Siblings Louie (Maggie), Fernando, Mel, Martha (Robert), Martina, Compadres Joe & Francesca, nieces, nephews and extended family.
Andy will be remembered for his big heart and his smile which touched all who were fortunate to meet him, as well as his love for Rugby.
1967-2006Michael Sammon
Michael P. Sammon Passed away suddenly at the age of 39. He graduated from Cupertino HS and attended Chico State University & San Jose State University where he majored in Mathematics. His passion was rugby, which he played for all three schools and with the San Jose Seahawks Rugby Club. His friends had nothing but great things to say about Mike including, “I knew Mike for more than 20 years, since his first game at SJSU. I have known hundreds, if not thousands of rugby players, but none who had more talent and a love of the game that Mikey shared. And more than that, I cannot remember a single negative word he ever spoke about another human being in 20 years. You can’t say that about too many people. I know Mikey is happy, and I hope and pray that his family can, with time, find peace with his loss. My heart, my thoughts and my prayers are with Mike’s family.” – Dave Richards
1991-2014Peter Brookfield
Peter, age 23, died unexpectedly on Monday morning, Jan. 13, 2014. Peter was preparing to graduate from SJSU with a degree in Physics. He graduated from Cardinal Newman High School in 2008. He was an avid rugby player throughout high school & university. Peter had a highly inquisitive mind with an insatiable appetite for knowledge. He had a unique sense of humor that his family enjoyed. Peter embraced his family & friends with his big, open heart. Peter is survived by his father Mike Brookfield, & sisters Julie Brookfield & Lynsey Elston. He was preceded in death by his mother, Harriet Brookfield, who passed away in 2007. He is mourned by his aunt Patricia “Cookie” Warner and uncle Chick Warner, and cousin Garrett Warner, aunts Dorothy Spencer, Linda Engelhardt, uncles Rich and Ron Brookfield.
1960-2019Rod Chance
Rod Chance passed away early Thursday morning on November 21, 2019. Words fall short of adequately expressing the emotions of this loss. Rod was a top wrestler as a young man, and so transitioned easily into being a dominant prop while playing rugby, first at San Jose State University and then with the San Jose Seahawks Men’s Rugby Club. Karen and Rod met in Los Gatos in 1985, while he was playing with the Seahawks. They were married two years later on March 15, 1987, on a Sunday because “Saturday is a Rugby day!” Rod was a great father to their children Max and Gillian, two fine young adults. Rod’s true passion was the game and culture of Rugby. As soon his children were able to hold a rugby ball, he was out teaching them the game. Rod became a referee and a referee educator. He was passionate about refereeing and the Game. May he rest in peace. Hug the ones you love! Rod would!
1939-2022AJ Laymon
June 10, 1939 – Nov 16, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce that our beloved husband, father, & grandfather, AJ Laymon, passed away on Wed. Nov 16th after a sudden illness (stroke) in Buckeye, Arizona at the age of 83. AJ is survived by his wife of 57 years, Charlene, his children Kristin (and wife Marilyn), Paisley (and husband Glenn) and Rhoan (and wife Audra); as well as his 3 grandchildren Madison, Jackson, & Ambrose. AJ loved sports & at the age of 57 started to play rugby. This became his passion and took him around the world with Charlene & the California Bald Eagles Rugby Club & the Silverhawks (part of SJ Seahawks RFC). Lastly, AJ, the athlete, would want everyone to know that he did chin-ups on his 83rd birthday in June and chin-ups on the day he died. AJ, you were deeply loved and will be deeply missed.
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