Obituaries

Last updated 29 November 2023

Obituaries

Very sad to inform you that Past President Richard Coles passed away on 19 November 2023. Richard, who was only 69, joined the club in 1968 and was President in 1999/2000. He was a prolific runner representing the club at all levels especially in Cross Country. He made the first team every year (when you had to be selected) from when he was a Junior until he became a Vet. He had been unwell for many years. 28-11-23

Across the Garden of England
We are sombre in grief
We salute a Kent Warrior
From the fields of Blackheath
The ‘Everywhere Man’
From the World Student Games
On his way he soon shot to fame
On the road, the country
Or 12 stage relay
Always had a smile
He would brighten your day
Elbows turned out
Across the common he dashed
You knew he was coming
From that unmistakeable ‘tache
A stalwart of The Harriers
We will miss you dear friend
But I still see you in the distance
Around the next bend and
No matter for bonze, silver or gold
We will treasure our memories
Of the great Richard Coles
Guy Dwelly (Bracknell AC) 29-11-23

Some photos from Pat Calnan

Sad to report that long standing member. VP Len Dalmon, died on 6 May 2023. Len joined Blackheath 41 years ago and was 88 years old.
His funeral was held on Monday 5 June at Kent & Sussex Cemetery Chapel, Ben Hall Mill Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5JJ.
10-05-23

It is with great sadness that we announce that VP Rob Brown died on his birthday, 9 May 2022, following his battle with cancer. Rob join Blackheath in 1990 and he was 72 years old.
He was made a Vice President in 2007 and had been Membership Secretary for many years and, until his illness, an active vets/masters athlete. 9-05-22

From Chris Woodcock - BMAF Inter Area - Oct. 2016 - Wimbledon Common

Just heard that Peter Davis passed on last Sunday, 24 April 2022. Peter had been suffering from Alzheimer's. He had 70 years membership, was 86 and lived in New South Wales. The Baldwins are in OZ and say 'Cemetery is an easy train ride from Andrew's (John's son) so Margaret and I will attend on the 6th May.' 30-04-22
Sad news that an older member, Lyn Atterbury, died Thursday 21 April 2022. Lyn had lived in Poland for many years and had been battling cancer. He was just over 75 and had been a member since September 1963. The funeral was in Poland. 25-04-22

Sad to report that in October 2021 one of our oldest members, Philip Critchley, died aged 90. Philip was a great supporter of the club cross-country and mob matches and a regular at the clubhouse until his move to Ashford. He had been a member for over 61 years. In 1989 Philip was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath in recognition of his work at the Department of Transport. 7-11-21
Obituary for Philip Critchley CB, MA, FRSA. From Stella Critchley

After his happy years at Manchester Grammar School, Philip went to Balliol College, Oxford where he read Classics and Philosophy. He did his National Service in the Intelligence Corps, mostly in Germany, then entered the Civil Service in London. He rose to the rank of Under Secretary, working in the Dept. of Environment, where he managed the North West Study and was particularly pleased with getting the William Harvey Hospital sited on the edge of Ashford in Kent, near to junction 10 on M20. He moved to the Ministry of Transport to oversee the development of the motorway system. He was particularly concerned with design and safety; he was horrified by the recent “smart motorway “ installations. He made sure there was a new service area at Clacket Lane on M25 to fill a gap on the heaviest used stretch, and provided contracts for wild meadow flowers on embankments – hence the glorious cowslips at Capel le Ferne.
Throughout his life, he was an enthusiastic cross-country runner and also competed in about 15 road marathons, but he was happiest fell-running and climbing in the Lake District, to which he retired for 20 years before returning to his family in Ashford when he became frail. He lived near Ulverston and worked for the mental health charity Mind, having trained as a councellor. Philip was a strong, kind and hardworking man, loved and respected by his friends and family: brother Neville, wife Stella , children Conrad, Brian and Rachel, their 12 children and stepchildren and two small great grandsons. 3-12-21

Sad to report that long term supporter and official David Benneworth has died aged just 73. David suffered a fall at home, was taken to hospital but deteriorated over a few days and died early morning of 7 September 2021. David was still field event judging until two or three years ago. His wife Bridget also played her part in the club, in particular as a team manager and behind the counter at the Norman Park snack bar. Our thoughts are with Bridget and her daughters.
David’s funeral took place on Wednesday 13 October 2021 at Beckenham Crematorium. 13-10-21

Alan Domleo

Alan was first claim for Derby & County but had been second claim for Blackheath Harriers. A 2h 17m marathon man was 77 when he passed on 23 August 2021. 1-09-21

Click images to enlarge

Pauline Wilson
"It is with great sadness that we are having to write and inform you that Mum, Pauline (PP Ian Wilson's wife), passed away yesterday afternoon (22 July 2021). As you may be aware she had been ill for a long time and over the last few weeks had been deteriorating; this escalated rapidly yesterday and she passed away peacefully around lunchtime." Ben & Mark Wilson 23-07-21

Pauline's funeral was on Monday 6 September 2021 at Banbury Crematorium, Southam Rd, Banbury OX16 1ST. Mark & Ben 23-08-21