Obituaries index

2009

Bob Porter C.721

Dear All,

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Bob died on Monday 21st September, after a long battle with ill health.

Bob was a member of Metropolitan Walking Club. He qualified as a Centurion in Leicester W.C. 100 miles at Congerstone in 1982 in a time of 20 hours 24mins 05 secs.

Bob was aged 67. He is survived by his wife, Jackie, Daughter Samantha and sons Steward and James.

The funeral arrangements are as follows:

Thursday 1st October.

Cortege will leave the family home, 31 Springfield Oval, Witney, Oxon, OX28 6EQ, and travel to St Johns Chapel, Oxford Crematorium, Headington (off A40) for funeral service at 2.15pm.

Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu to Harefield Hospital, or Witney Day and Night Care Assistants.

Could anyone assist in informing John Eddershaw, Tony Collins and Geoff Tranter of the above arrangements.

If anyone is driving from London on Thursday could you please let me know if you would be prepared to offer anyone a lift.

Yours

Charlie Weston C584

Captain Centurions 1911

[note that there is a frequent coach service from Victoria Coach Station to Oxford]

Ron Purkis C.652

One known and respected by all Essex Walker readers, R.I.M.(Ron) Purkis, died last week at the age of 77 after suffering cancer.

A former Hon.Secretary of Stevenage & North Herts AC he qualified as a Centurion in 1979 at Ewhurst clocking an excellent 19.35.45 in Metropolitan Walking Club's famous colours. Ron only made up his mind to appear 3 weeks beforehand! Ron trained with fellow Stevenage resident Ken Roost (Centurion 557 who had qualified as 4 years earlier and was eager to race Ewhurst again). Having been Ken's training partner he made a late decision to enter and was rewarded with a wonderful time. Ken and Ron were also colleagues in the Royal Air Force. Ron was a regular attender of RAF reunions. Indeed when I was stationed at Henlow near Bedford (one of few local RAF stations still going) in the early 70s our Physical Training Officer was legendary Centurion (225) Flight Lieutenant "Dicky" Bird who staged many RAF races there. Ron was a chiropodist in nearby Stevenage and often came to help out or walk in guest capacity.

In 1976 Ron (with Ken as his assistant) organised the 1976 RWA National 20 Miles in Stevenage. Ilford's Roger Mills won in 2.32.13 with Sheffield as top team. It was a omen of what was to come, for Ron's course took walkers off public roads and onto cycle tracks, through parks and under subways. Some complained that they couldn't follow the race by car, but Ron was a poineer of what would be the norm. Ken's main task was getting judges to different positions and timekeepers to various intermediate timing points - a task completed successfully as he lived locally and knew the "cut-throughs".

Ron resided in Waterlooville and had served as a Councillor on Havant Council. Ron also put a lot of time into coaching youngsters. He retired - very publicly - a few years ago after being pulled in the BMAF 10K Championship 'A' race on a hot Enfield day. His shouted louder than a Speakers Corner orator in the car park that, having been disqualified, he'd also been branded as a cheat. He'd never cheated in his his life, he boomed, and then severed his connection with active race walking...he upheld his words - never again to step onto a starting line.

Funeral details
Portchester Crematorium, Upper Cornaway Lane, Fareham. Hampshire. PO16 8NE at 3.15pm on Wednesday 26th August . Another service is to be held at St.Neots (date not yet arranged) when Ron's ashes will be buried in his first wife's grave.
He had a son and daughter from that first marriage.
After becoming a widower he went into digs...and found happiness when he married his landlady's daughter, with that second marriage being blessed with the arrival of 2 sons. We extend our condolence to all his family members and say farewell to a great stalwart who always had race walking's interests close to his heart.

Dave Ainsworth

J. R. TAYLOR R.I.P
Former Centurions President JOHN EDDERSHAW has notified Essex Walker of this gentleman’s death. A Highgate Harrier who clocked 22.04.51 at 100 Miles of the 1955 London-to-Brighton-and-Back 104 miles which he finished in 23.20.20 becoming Centurion No. 250. John advises that in later life he changed his name to WALSH by deed poll.

from Essex Walker August 2009

From Piet Janssens, posted 16th May 2009

1. C-520 Jan van Alfen, † 13th May 2009 (D.O.B. 05-Nov-1939)

Jan van Alfen became to Centurion in Bristol 1973.

Jan was more than 40 years a member of SV de LAT Amsterdam and a former President of that walking club.

2. C-541 Martin Bruil, † 14th May 2009 (D.O.B. 10-Febr-1937)
Martin Bruil became to Centurion in Leicester - Skegness 1974.

Martin has walked the 100 miles races 6 times (pr. 21.43.32)

Martin was an active walker till his death (last year he walked the Coast to Coast in England together with his wife and C-389 Piet Jansens).

With kind regards

C-389 Piet

Keith Read C. 547

from Dave Ainsworth
True race walking stalwart KEITH READ took his leave of us on Tuesday 17th February after being admitted to hospital with serious illness. Illness had been part of his life for some while, as his wife had been unwell, so resulting in the now Sussex-based judge reducing his officiating appearances.

A former RWA Southern Area President and long-serving (and also controversial) Honorary RWA Southern Area Area Judges Secretary, he believed passionately in the 'A' race code. However his support for that did not prevent him from adjudicating 'B' races despite considering them not to be proper races (as numerous listeners in his company heard over many years). He won the Postmen's-in-Uniform title and several other Post Office/Civil Service races. In the colours of his former Club (SWC) he became Centurion No.547 at Surrey's Ewhurst 100 Miles in June 1975 when he clocked an excellent 19 hours 20 minutes and 21 seconds. Repeated today it'd make him our UK Champion!

Keith had a soft spot for Essex and despite moving to Sussex he continued supporting races in our County, hardly ever missing a Basildon event. Many readers will have had arguments with Keith over the years, but we're sure that they're now all forgotten - life's too short for rows. At a RWA Southern Area meeting Keith once held up a copy of Essex Walker and tore in it half, denouncing it as " that rag". We turned it into our advantage, for in our next edition, we described Essex Walker as a "ripping-good READ". He later became one of our greatest supporters. Keith actually ran the London Marathon 10 years as "unattached" so proving that he'd retained a fair degree of his noted fitness. To his family we extend our condolence on the passing of one who was a formidable competitor at all distances, from sprints to 100 Miles, who then worked tirelessly for our sport in his officiating capacities. DA

Note : A funeral service is to be held on Thursday 26th February at 10.45am - Eastbourne Crematorium.

----------------------------------------------------------

TRIBUTE TO KEITH READ
Writes ED SHILLABEER, "He'll be sorely missed"

2008

Norman A. Knott C321.

Dear Mr. Lawton,

I wish to acknowledge your letter and Centenary Events, addressed to my husband
Norman A. Knott C321.

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you, Norman passed away on December
19th, 2008 from a massive heart attack. I can only thank God that he did not allow
Norman to suffer, as he had experienced several scary times since his major heart
surgery in 1995.

We had been married 51 wonderful years in October 2008, for which I am most grateful.
He was a truly gentle and loving father, devoted grandad and we miss him terribly.

He was a member of the Woodford, Essex club and also Brighton, Sussex.

Yours very sincerely,

Margaret Knott.

Jerry Everett C 951
Jerry Everett died in hospital on Monday, 15 December 2008 following complications after his heart surgery.

Jerry (Colchester H.) qualified as Centurion 951 at Colchester in 1996, completing 100 miles in 23h 47m 37s.

Posted on 16th December.

IN MEMORIAM

published in Essex walker

TRIBUTE FROM PETER SELBY

Sorry to hear about Jerry. He was a lovely chap and whenever I had a chance we always had an interesting chat. Sadly, like many people, there was never enough time to get to know him better.

So very sad to hear about Jerry - from Don Cox

Just half an hour ago I phoned Michelle to see how Jerry was as she put a note through my door (he only lived 800 mts from me) to say that he had his op. Never knew what to say. He was a good friend, always working for the sport. He was a very important motivator and coach at the local ORWELL ATHLETIC CLUB for handicapped people and at the COLCHESTER CLUB. He told me he would help at next year’s Newmarket 100 mile race even if he was in a wheelchair. Sadly not to be. May I suggest maybe a trophy in Jerry's name.

TRIBUTE FROM BOB DOBSON

Race-walking has lost one of its keenest and most dedicated supporters. What a BRAVE guy, continuing to officiate despite his serious heart problems and prepared to undergo such a risky operation. I am devastated.

Through The Essex Walker I would like to suggest to any current or ex internationals that, if the funeral is open to non family, they wear their international blazers for the occasion, and if there were to be a book of condolences to sign it together with their most notable performance. Jerry looked up to anyone who achieved more than himself and we are all in his albums of walking memorabilia. Photos, press cuttings, autographs, etc, he had them all. If others agree I think it would be a fitting farewell for us to say our final farewells in international colours.

FROM BOB RUSSELL MP

Dear Dave,

Please convey to everyone my condolences at the sad loss of Jerry Everett. I have fond memories of our late night chat (on Kings Meadow) on the occasion of the 24-hour 100-mile walk. He was clearly a remarkable man. His research into sporting records was unequalled. I trust that these will be found a safe home in his lasting memory.
I regret that I cannot attend the funeral as I am in London today.
All best wishes - from Bob Russell, MP for Colchester

FAREWELL TO JERRY

Cold and icy conditions didn't prevent some 150 folk gathering for JERRY EVERETT's funeral, including many from walking (among them a good number of ex-Internationals and many Centurions). Needless to say it was standing room only at Colchester Crematorium, where the coffin was afforded a Guard of Honour upon its entry. Those forming the guard were members of Jerry's Colchester Harriers Club, fellow supporters at Colchester United FC and International race walkers.

A Humanist Celebration was chosen and led by DAVID MITCHELL who opened his contribution with words from Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) who had stated, "It is not how many years a man lives; it is what he does while he lives that matters". In Jerry's case much had been crammed into his 47 years on earth - and much was written in our Jerry Everett Tribute Edition.

Fellow Club member LANCE WILLIAMS was chosen as the Eulogist. He asked his listeners, "Did we really know Jerry Everett?". Many didn't as we were told of events, tales and occasions from this remarkable man's life. To add to our recent Obituary we can add further information in that Jerry was born in Clacton, brought up on Mersea Island and educated in Tiptree. Jerry's first love was always football and he fell in love with Colchester United after watching them lose 1-0 at home to Barrow many decades ago. Surprisingly there was no athletics involvement during his teens - that came later...and how! His marathon count was 153...phew! Jerry belonged to Football's "92 Club" open to those who have watched matches at all 92 League grounds. His football programme collection is in the thousands and soccer colleagues at the funeral knew him by the nickname "Docker".

As athletics began to took more of his time, he often attended a marathon and a soccer match in an area on the same weekend. He was a keen member of The Monster Raving Loony Party and was also frequently attended live music concerts... He'd served a printing apprenticeship though was not in his trade at the time of his sad demise. The coffin had entered to the strains of "Chariots of Fire" by Vangellis. At the family's request curtains were left open when the service ended, so all had an opportunity to file past the coffin on leaving - while listening to the stentorian strains of "Keep on Running" by the Spencer Davis Group (a tune which many could remember from hearing it first time around).

Afterwards most assembled in the function room of the Arena Club at Colchester Garrison where on display was a Power Point presentation of Jerry life. It was all there: Jerry with a beard, Jerry with blond hair, etc. etc. There was much more to Jerry than we ever imagined. Our thanks to LANCE WILLIAMS for his address and unearthing so much interesting info for us.

Thanks to all who attended - one of the largest gathering of walkers seen on such occasions. Thanks to those who gave generously to the designated good cause - Orwell Panthers (a sports club for those with disabilities, of which he had been Vice Chairman). And finally...thanks to STEVE & BRIDGET KING and LANCE WILLIAMS, all 3 of whom had been to the fore in organising such a major function and ensuring that everything went to perfection (before, during and after the service).

Dave Ainsworth,
8th January 2009

Gerry Rhodes C292

Gerry Rhodes,one of Surrey's oldest and long standing members, passed away on Sunday, 2nd November
2008. Gerry was 92 years old. His election to the Club was 1st November 1935 which means 73 years of membership.

from Surrey Walking Club

Nonagenarian Gerry was the son of HAROLD RHODES who had become Centurion No.52 in 1912.
When Gerry became Centurion 292 in the 1959 London-to-Brighton-and-Back race he passed 100 Miles in 20.42.42, being 1 of 4 newcomers from his Club on the day. That 1959 race was extended to 106 Miles (from 104) as the A23 was rerouted around the newly opened Gatwick Airport. Gerry did the full journey in 22.02.49. Of 52 starters 20 completed 100 miles in under 24 hours with 15 doing so for their first time.

from Dave Ainsworth

Frits van Duynhoven C-418

Frits died after a hard illness on Saturday the 11th October 2008 on an age of 68 years old.

Frits became to Centurion at Leicester-Skegness 1968 and he did his second 100 miles in London 1995 (3rd place)

Till his illness he was an excellent and friendly long-distance-walker

C-389 P.Jansens

Anton Bruël C-440 4th September 2008.

C-440 Anton was living for many years in France and was a friendly and warm personality. C-440 Anton was the brother of C-443 Jan Bruël.
C-440 Anton Bruël became to Centurion in the 100 miles of Bristol 1969. He was 5 times succesfully in a 100 miles race.

1969 Bristol, 1970 Leicester-Skegness, 1971 Ewhurst, 1972 Leicester-Skegness and 1973 Bristol.

C-389 Piet Jansens

Harry Zegular DORRAS C.409

Harry Zegular DORRAS C409, Metropolitan W.C., died in his sleep on Friday 30th May 2008 after a long battle with cancer. He was 86 years old. The funeral took place on Friday 6th June.

He leaves a wife, Betty and two children Ross and Joanne.
He became a Centurion during the 1967 London to Brighton and back, in a time of 20.05.02.
Bob Porter C721 attended the funeral.

2007

Chris Clegg. C.135
>Tributes

2006

Boyd Millen. C.930
>Tributes

J.R Reed C.419
Mr J R Reed of Southampton who qualified at the 1968 Leicester-to-Skegness 100 Miles in 21 hours 58 minutes and 38 seconds (a race won for the 3rd time by Karl Abolins 233, from new qualifier John Hedgethorne 413 who was just 1 second in front of Mark Kasteljins 387 after an almighty sprint finish).

Don Thompson. C.631
>Tributes

2005

Frank O'Neill C.136

FAREWELL TO A GOOD OLD BOY
Blackpool resident FRANK O’NEILL (aged 88) who was Centurion No. 136, having qualified in the 1947 London-to-Brighton-and-Back. Ron Wallwork knew him better than most, and remembers that Frank used his house as the changing room for Lancashire Walking Club races from Swinton (his lounge being the changing room) using roads that could never be walked upon these days owing to traffic levels. This year was the first that anybody could remember him not being recording at the Lancashire long-distance classic (Once the Manchester-to-Blackpool, but nowadays the Blackpool 50 Miles). We say farewell to another worthy who has served the sport both long and well.
Thanks to Essex Walker for this report

Bill Symes C216 15th April 2005,

With regret you are informed of the sad death of Bill SYMES, aged 92, who died on Friday, 15th April 2005, after a fall in hospital. He was a member of Queen's Park Harriers and London Vidarians (2nd claim). Bill was elected as a Centurions Vice-President in 1982. He qualified as a Centurion (No.216) in the Birmingham-to-London race in Coronation Year in a time of 22.34.03, and during his racing career completed the Sub-24 Hours 100 Miles on 8 occasions. He was also Don Thompson's attendant when Don himself first achieved the feat in 1978. Bill was also a prominent police athlete who was also a marathon runner of some note.

2004

George Rushton C539

Cliff completed the Leicester to Skegness 100 miles in 1974 in 22 hours 43 minutes 11 seconds. 64 started and 40 finished, so Cliff did well.
In Remembrance,
Chris Flint C.849
Secretary, Centurions.

Phil Hastings

Phil and Anne Hastings were tragically killed in a car crash on a visit to the Eastern Cape on 13 July 2004.
Phil's daughter, Juliette, wrote to Hans Rennie who forwarded the news.
We have very little information of the circumstances, other that both died on impact. Apparently, the weather in the Eastern Cape that day was appalling, with snow and heavy rain.
A memorial service was held in Cape Town on 23rd July 2004.
Our deepest sympathies are extended to Juliette.
We are all the better for having Phil come into our race walking lives.

Roger Le Moine. C802 22nd April 2004

Roger was having treatment for cancer of the liver, and was on his second course of chemotherapy when his body had a re-action to it, and suffered a heart attack whilst having an x ray. It was his wish that he would be just be cremated and without any funeral service.

Everyone will have their own memories of Roger and how he helped each and everyone us at sometime during our walking careers. Roger qualified as Centurion in 1986 at the Leiceter 100. Also, not forgetting that Roger set up the first Centurions UK web site. >more tributes

Geurt Reeringh C-412. 22nd March 2004

CENTURION VERENIGING NEDERLAND
Centurion 412 Geurt Reeringh (86 years)
Geeurt became a Centurion in 1967 in the London - Brighton race

Dennis Vale C.549 13 March 2004

Isle of Man. Surrey Walking Club
Denis became a Centurion at the Surrey Ewhurst 100 in 1975 in a time of 19h43m 30s