Centurions1911

Obituaries 2004- 2009

Notices and Tributes to fellow Centurions

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 r Ron ewarded 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.

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

He will be sorely missed - Ed Shillabeer

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

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

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.

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

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.

Chris Clegg C135

Centurion 135 CHRIS CLEGG has bowed out.    He qualified in the 1947 London-to-Brighton-and-Back event and also repeated that feat later in his career.    He was still attempting 100 Miles racing when Hon.Ed. qualified in 1974!    
Chris was a member of Leicester's winning National teams in the 1946 20 Miles at Coventry and the National 50K at Bradford.    You might have read about Mr.Clegg's death before in various publications, for it was reported (in error) a short while back.   Chris found out and write to let us know that he was still alive but was not very well.   Well sadly, in the this occasion, the Grim Reaper has caught up with him.

from Dave Ainsworth - editor of Essex Walker

Boyd Millen C.930
1995: British Centurion 930 | Continental Centurion 289 | Australian Centurion-41,  22:28:25
1999: Battersea Park, London; 23:13:25
2000: Weert, Netherlands Melbourne 23:25:43


Lilian Millen made the following brief announcement to notify fellow walkers that her husband Boyd Millen had finally lost his battle against cancer. The brief details were as follows:
I am sorry to tell you that Boyd died peacefully on the 26th January. He celebrated his 70th birthday in the Hospice surrounded by many friends and family on the 25th. His condition deteriorated very quickly, we feel he was waiting for his birthday. He fought so hard all the time and we did everything we could in the last year. He walked 20 miles cross country using his crutches and even went climbing on the high fells. He also did a 68 mile cycle ride over the fell roads. He will be missed by many. There is a tribute on www.ldwa.org.uk
from Essex Walker:
not one with Essex connections, as far as we know, but one who many readers will have met and will be sorry to hear of his departure during January at the age of 70 years.  Wenew him as a distance walker, both in the UK and on mainland Europe and as a Centurion (No. 930).  Before striding out, he made his name as a top class fell runner.  Indeed he was the first to complete the Bob Graham run twice – back-to-back.  That’s a double 70 miles run visiting every Lakeland peak over 3,000 feet!  Boyd had not been well of late, but still got out onto the fells with his crutches.  You just can’t keep a good man away from his chosen activity!  We extend our condolences to his widow LILLIAN, who is also a Centurion (No. 907) as is well known in walking circles in her own right..  

from Sandra Brown:
Boyd Millen died on Thursday, 26th January 2006.  He had been unwell for some months, but showed characteristic spiritedness, courage and humour throughout.
He continued to walk his beloved Lakeland fells on crutches, determined to fight the good fight. I shall cherish very fond and happy memories of the many walks we enjoyed together, including Centurion events in the UK and abroad, LDWA walks, and Paris - Colmar walks on which Boyd was a great team member. Boyd always kept everyone smiling, through highs and lows.
Before becoming a Centurion, Boyd was for many years an outstanding fell runner, and was the first to accomplish a double Bob Graham round - the circuit of all the Lakeland tops over 3000 feet, over 70 miles, twice, back to back. Life shouldn't be measured in years but in what you do with it. It would be hard to live a fuller life than Boyd did.

from Kathy Crilley:
I have some extremely fond memories of Boyd which I shall always cherish. Supporting at the 48hours race in Blackpool in the early 1990's with Boyd sporting my dainty aquamarine skiing jacket, (very not Boyd!) then feeding myself and Hilary Walker with marmalade sandwiches on the Manchester to Blackpool and (grudgingly!) following Boyd around Battersea Park for 100 miles in 1995 where we both became Centurions. Boyd completed his first 100 miles in 22 28 25. He was a great team member - even though he wasn't in our team - but he was always there to encourage the flagging spirits of everyone, chivvying us all along when we felt low and always bringing a smile to our faces. God bless.
Vale Boyd MILLEN
from Tim Erickson, Australian Centurions
It was a sad announcement but not unexpected by those of us who knew of Boyd's battle. Lilian and Boyd had made the decision to share their remaining time to the full and not to publicly announce the details of Boyd's condition. During the year since the initial diagnosis, Boyd deteriorated gradually but relentlessly but he continued to lead a full life and do what he loved most – enjoy the wild country he had so often walked in healthier times.
 I well remember Boyd's trip to Australia in 2000 when he became Australian Centurion number 41 with a fine walk under adversity. He was unable to really eat or drink anything during the whole 24 hours and had to dig deep into his own reserves to somehow keep the pace going and keep on schedule. With this walk, Boyd became a triple centurion, adding to his 1995 British and 1999 Continental Centurions finish.
At 64 years of age, he was second oldest person to have achieved the feat in Australia. (the honour of the oldest Centurion finish belonged to Merv Lockyer (C30) who achieved his membership at 65 years of age).
Boyd came to Australia specifically for this event and his single minded determination paid off. He confided to me after the event that this might be his last Centurion race due to his feeding problems. He planned to restrict himself to the various Fells events and Long Distance Walking Association events and this proved to be the case.
 To say the Boyd was as tough as nails was an understatement. He had worked as a stone mason, a specialist field that meant days on end spent in inhospitable conditions refurbishing old stonework - he worked for 19 years on Liverpool cathedral and the memorial service was held for him there. He loved stone work and did stone carvings as a hobby. When I noticed that he did not wear socks in our event and commented that he should perhaps rug up a little for the cold night conditions, he confided to me that this would not be necessary – it was not really cold and he never wore socks. He was as good as his word, walking consistently through a cold Melbourne night with seeming nonchalance.
 We pass our deepest condolences onto Lilian Boyd will be sadly missed by us all - walking has indeed lost a wonderful ambassador.

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 C631

It was reported this week that Don Thompson MBE, at the age of 73, had died in Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey after suffering an aneurysm. Don, who was one of the elder statesman of English walking, will be forever remembered for winning the Gold Medal at the 1960 Rome Olympic Games - and of course for his unique training methods prior to this race!
Don, born on Friday 20th January 1933 in Hillingdon in London, was not your typical Olympic champion. Standing 5 feet 5½ inches (1.68m) and weighing only 120 lbs, he must have looked a scrawny specimen when he first took up racewalking in 1951 at 18 years of age. He joined Metropolitan Walking Club, the same club where Harold Whitlock was a member and, although he had no formal coach, he was happy to receive advice from Whitlock throughout his career.
It did not take long before people started to notice the young walker. In 1954, he suffered through his first London to Brighton walk (52 miles) and had truly found his calling. By 1955 he was amongst the leading walkers over the 50 km distance and in the longer ultra walking distances. During that breakthrough year, he was 2nd in the R.W.A. 50 km championship in 4:34:39, won the London to Brighton in 8:06:24 and won the Milan 100 km championship in his first international event. People quickly realised that an indomitable spirit made up for his small stature and unsophisticated technique.
The next year, he improved one place to win the R.W.A 50 km championship in 4:24:39 and then won the London to Brighton classic with 7:45:24, breaking Harold Whitlock's 1935 race record of 7:53:50. These performances catapulted him into world class and he was rewarded with selection in the 1956 Olympic 50 km event. Alas, things did not go according to plan in Melbourne and, in hot conditions and on a tough course, Don collapsed when placed 5th with just 5 km to cover. It was a salutory lesson which he did not forget.
From then on, he was unbeatable over the longer distances in England. In 1957, he defended his R.W.A. 50 km title with 4:41:48, won the Hastings to Brighton classic (38 miles) in 5:45:22 to break Tommy Richardson's 1936 course record by 7 secs, and then won his third London to Brighton in an unbelievable time of 7:35:12. In fact an alteration to the Brighton road had increased the distance by 1195 yards to 53 miles 129 yards but Don still broke his record by nearly 20 minutes! This record still stands today, nearly 50 years later.
In 1958, he improved his 50 km time to 4:21:50 in winning his third R.W.A. Title at Wimbledon and came a great 5th in the European 50 km championships in Stockholm in 4:25:09. Of course, it goes without saying that he also defended his London to Brighton title.
1959 saw a special performance when he set a huge PB of 4:12:19 in winning his fourth R.W.A. 50 km title at
Baddersley. This event also saw the first 3 places going to Metropolitan walkers (W Misson was 2nd and N. Thompson was 3rd). He also came within a whisker of his own London to Brighton record after fading in hot conditions to win in 7:35:28.
He was now ready for his second Olympic attempt and, remembering how he faltered in 1956, he decided to prepare as well as he could for the conditions he would probably encounter in Italy: searing heat and high humidity. His solution - he sealed his bathroom, heated it, filled it with steam and started vigorously exercising during the weeks leading up to the Games. "There was an electric heater attached to the wall and I thought, 'well, that won't provide enough heat,'"
Thompson said last year. “I had to boost the humidity, too, so I got a Valor stove and put that in the bath. Half an hour was more than enough; I was feeling dizzy by then. It wasn't until several years later that I realised I wasn't feeling dizzy because of the heat; it was carbon monoxide from the stove." Thus did he prepare, in addition of course to his regular road walking.

He returned to a hero's welcome as befitted Britain's only 1960 athletics gold medallist and promptly got back to 'basics' by winning yet another London to Brighton race within days of his triumph. He finished off the year with a second win in the prestigious Milan 100 km event.
The next couple of years saw him continue on his merry way, fresh with the confidence of knowing he was an Olympic champion. He won the 1961 and 1962 R.W.A. 50 km championships, the Hastings to Brightons and the London to Brightons. He also participated in the inaugural Lugano Cup in 1961, taking silver in the 50 km event in 4:30:35 and took bronze in the 1962 European 50 km championship in 4:29:02.
Don's list of achievements makes for awesome reading
8 R.W.A. 50 km championship wins (1955-1962, 1966)
9 London to Brighton wins (1955-1962, 1967) and a course record that still stands today
4 Hastings to Brighton wins (1957, 1960-62) and a course record that still stands today
2 wins in the Milan 100 km (1955, 1960)
3 Olympic 50 km appearances (1956, 1960 and 1964) with a Gold medal in 1960
3 European 50 km championship appearances (1958, 1962 and 1966)
3 Lugano Cup 50 km appearances (1961, 1965, 1967)
1 Commonwealth Games 20 Miles appearance (1966)
 
He won the prestigious Edgar Horton Cup (R.W.A award for best individual performance during the Association year) on 4 occasions (1956-1958, 1961) and in the early 1960s, he was the British record holder for 20, 25 and 30 miles, 3, 4 and 5 hours, 25, 30, 40 and 50 km.
 
Yet Don was an unassuming person, lacking in the airs and graces one might have expected. He was willing to talk to anyone and was indeed a credit to the sport of racewalking and to the great English tradition. We will sadly miss him but will always remember his wonderful feats and achievements.
Tim Erickson
Sat 7 October 2006

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.