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John Dale
1976-2010
LEST WE
FORGET |
 The
squash community is mourning the passing of John Dale, aged
33.
John won British National Junior titles at several age
groups, reached number 89 in the world and dominated
Northumbria Squash for many seasons.
After surviving a brain tumor he took up a coaching position
in the USA where he was diagnosed with more cancer, and
returned home to Newcastle where he spent the last few years
of his life undergoing various treatments.
After a series of recoveries and setbacks, a few days ago
the news came that John was again fighting for his life and
that the end was near. He passed away at home on 28th Jan
2010.
John was an immensely likeable and liked character, and all
at SquashSite send our condolences to friends and family.
Send your memories:
johndale@squashsite.co.uk |
 |
What can I say that has not already been said, in all the
messages that so far have been sent. John was everyone's
friend, everyone who came into contact with him in whatever
capacity was always guaranteed John would always say hello
the next time they met. That's the guy he was, he never fell
out with anyone, or bore any malice, an exceptionally rare
quality that so few of us have.
The only jink in John s character, he hated any form of
endurance training. The thought of going out for a run, or
doing court sprints, triggered abdominal cramps each time.
What a bugger!! But put the racket in his hand, and he was
the easiest person to work with, I only had to feed the ball
and watch him hit tight length, or a nick, effortless.
In fact only last year, he came into Tynemouth for some
practice hits. His ability to hit the ball so accurately was
outstanding, even though walking down the stairs was a
challenge, and his balance was not great. Yet every length
reached its target, every cross court connected with the
side wall, not one shot went down the middle. It was amazing
to see, that was talent.
 If
we can, let's all remember the fun side of life with John.
It is terribly sad, but for me, I say to you all, he is now
out of his torment. During the latter 6-9 months his health
began to suffer more than before. He knew it, he knew he
couldn't do what he used to do, that must have tormented him
terribly.
Last weekend, having had a massive stroke, it was not nice
to see him struggle, and I am sure none of you would have
wanted him to. He was made totally comfortable by his
carers, 24 hrs, and of course had Linda [mum] and Leanne [fiance]
at his side all the time.
So as painful as it is, heads up everyone, lets all smile
for John, like he smiled at us all.
Safe journey boy
Ray Rycroft John's coach
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Big John Dale.
One of the good guys, who played with a smile but battled as
hard on court as he did his illness.
A great cross-court nick & a massive heart.
Big John Dale. You fought well & your memory will always
make me smile.
Tim Garner |
I am devastated to hear the
news about John Dale today...not only was John a talented
squash player but a lovely gentle person, his big smile
would always greet you!
He will be sadly missed and I would like to send condolences
to all John’s family and friends.
from all at Jersey Squash
Nick Taylor |
So sad to hear about John
passing away.
I first got to know him in the early 90's during my student
days in Glasgow when he came up to play Scottish National
League. He was a great guy, kind and gentle, and he always
had a smile on his face.
My thoughts and condolences go out to all his family and
close friends.
David Heath |
Edinburgh Sports Club, Jan 2007: Back ... and
hoping for good news
 It
was good to see a familiar face in Edinburgh ... John Dale.
You may remember that the North-East star who won several
National Junior titles and was a regular on the BSPA
circuit, survived a brain tumor a few years back, then three
years ago moved on to a coaching position in the USA.
So it was nice to see John, now 30, again, but the main
reason for his trip back home - he was coaching Jon Tate to
victory in the qualifiers -came as a bit of a shock. "I
started a new coaching job at Casino Heights in Brooklyn a
few months ago, working with Julian Wellings, Fiona Geaves,
Stefan Casteleyn and Meredith Quick," said John. "It was
going really well, then I started to get back pains.
"I got it checked out and they found two tumors in my back.
So I came home to the UK to get full tests, and although I
haven't had the results yet the doctors think it might be
some sort of blood cancer.
"Casino Heights were great, they paid for the flight home
and they've held my job open, so hopefully I'll be able to
go back there soon, we'll just have to see."
|
John was the
guy when I was young I looked up to and admired as an
amazing squash player, he helped me out as a keen junior and
looked after me.
I then got to know him more as a friend as I got older and
not only was he an amazing squash player he became a great
friend. He dealt with his very unfair and horrible illness
with great bravery, I will miss you John....
Dave Barnett |
I have known John since I was 8 years old, and similar to
Dave Barnett have early respect of John and his amazing
squash talent and racket skills (I just remember him hitting
the nick from anywhere not just a cross court like others
have mentioned), which was later replaced by friendship and
laughter.
John you were a great lad and you will be sorely missed!
Our thoughts are with your Mum and your fiance Leanne.
Jon Tate, Lucy Clark & Maurice Tate
He influenced a lot of players and those who watched him.
A great friend that will be missed by all.
Neil Dawson |
I think everyone will echo Dave
Barnett's words about John. Regardless what level you played
John would always have time to say hello. He was an
exceptionally nice person who will be missed by all those
who knew him.
Lesley Old
I have just heard the news and
would like to send my condolences to John’s family and many
friends.
John was an immensely talented player and a genuine nice
guy, I played many tournaments with John as a junior and
always found him good company and a great guy.
My thoughts are with his family at this time.
Dean Finegold |
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John was one of the original
members of our first National League team at the Hallamshire
Club in 1998.
He had a big fan base amongst the students at Sheffield
University who came down to marvel at his cross court nicks
!
A wonderful entertainer and a smashing lad !
Condolences from everyone at the Hallamshire Club ,
Sheffield .
Hedley Matthew |
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Why do the good
people always depart us early!!?? )-: R.I.P jon Dale friend
for life!!! x
Adrian Grant |
Strange that I should be in
Edinburgh both when I hear of his illness, and of his death
... among many memories of John, some that stand out ...
Hearing the news, at Squash Newcastle, that he had become
British Champion in the youngest age category - he was
pretty small then - we all hoped he would go on to more, and
he did.
Standing behind the court getting the trophies ready when
John was about to dethrone Bryan Beeson as Northumbria
County Champion. Bryan saw me, mounted a tremendous comeback
to win a 13th title, but that was the last time John lost to
anyone from Northumbria as he took the title for the next
seven years.
Seeing John at home, along with Alan Thatcher, when he had
just started his first set of treatments. He was so thin, so
weak, he could hardly talk but that smile was as big as
ever.
Not long afterwards we had an exhibition at Tynemouth with
Peter Nicol and Vicky Botwright to raise funds for John. The
place was packed to the rafters, and the cheer when John,
still very weak, was introduced took the roof off.
Seeing him play in the County Closed again. He won the B
event! He wasn't what he was, but he still was the one who
everyone wanted to see.
Rest in peace John, we'll miss you mate ...
Steve Cubbins
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My family and I were devastated
when we heard the news of John's passing whilst I was in New
York.
Many memories came flooding back like the many years he
played for Hallamshire in the National League; always
providing brilliant entertainment with both his squash
(anyone who has seen him play will always remember his
backhand x-court volley nick) and his bubbly personality.
John would occasionally return to Sheffield on a weekend to
visit his old university friends and often surprised me by
turning up unannounced on a saturday lunchtime to watch me
train and to catch up over lunch. A true Geordie, John still
has many friends in Sheffield and we will all miss him
greatly.
Nick Matthew |
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So sad to hear
the news of john. A gifted squash player with a great
character and personality.
I had the pleasure to see John again in 2006 here in New
York. He was his usual positive self and an absolute
pleasure to be around.
You will be in everyone
heart forever my friend. Thoughts are with Johns family at
this time.
Clive Leach |
I was very sad to receive the
awful news yesterday about John's passing.
The very last time I saw him was here in Edinburgh two years
ago when he came up to watch and catch up with some of the
guys. We talked about cancer as I had been through it and I
think he could relate to me swapping chemo stories. Doesn't
sound very pleasant but we managed to get a laugh out of it
somehow!
He was always a genuinely good-natured and nice guy and
squash has lost a true geordie gent.
My thoughts go out to his close friends and family.
Simon Parke |
Still so shocked at the news of
John's passing.
I first met John during our squash days in the nineties.
John would take take me to tournaments and the two of us
became close. I can still picture him flying down the M1 at
100 miles an hour in his mums car just to wind me up!!
John was a great guy not only did he have he a great sense
of humour but he had a massive heart and loved his family so
much.
A life taken so early but John had fought so hard over these
past years. My thoughts are with Linda at this time. Rest in
peace John.
Xxxx Lisa McKenna |
I was shocked and saddened to
hear the sad news about John Dale. My first contact with
John was on the junior scene and he and my son Paul had some
great battles on court. At senior level the contact was in
NL matches between Duffield and Northumberland where John’s
ability and dry sense of humour endeared him to the Duffield
supporters.
John will be sadly missed and on behalf of all at Duffield I
would like to send condolences to John’s family and friends.
Brian Hargrave |
I'm very
shocked and sad at this time to hear the passing of john
dale. I first met john back in 1999 where i played my 1st
BSPA tournament in stourbridge he was my oponent in the 1st
round!
I really got to know john better in new york having spent 3
months in the summer of 2006 looking for job positions and
spending everyday at westchester squash club.
I will always remember how welcome he made me feel and what
a really easy guy he was to get on with, we had some great
times during that summer period.
John I will always remember you, rip my friend.
Shahid Khan |
Very sad to hear the tragic
news that one of the true gents of the squash court has
passed away so young.
John, you were a great team mate in our time playing
together at Alnwick Squash Club in the Northumbria Leagues
as well a tough but very honest opponent when we had to face
each other when you ventured up for the Scottish National
League.
We had a few laughs together and I will never forget your
"big smile" big man.
My thoughts are with all your family and loved ones. You'll
never be forgotten.
Barry Sutherland |
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I only came across John the
once, when playing at my home club in Coventry in a
exhibition against Nick Taylor, I remember him giving time
to play the members in the club, before playing the main
match.
My condolences to John's family.
John O'Donnell
Sorry to read on Squashsite of
John's passing.Before his illness he was a regular visitor
to Dublin and a very popular one.
He will be missed by all who came in contact with him here-a
gentleman on and off the court. May I offer my deepest
sympathy to his family.
Jack Flynn |
 |
What a
shock when I opened Squashsite this morning and read the
news about John's passing.
I got to know John when the French Federation used to
arrange test matches with England Squash between the French
Team and England U23. Not only he was a great, gifted and
very fair player, but also a very nice guy off court. His
big smile will be remembered forever as much as I will
remember him in a taxi in Mexico City trying to speak
spanish being so drunk!
Last time I saw John was a couple of years ago in New York
and the fact it is the last time ever I will have seen him
saddens me too much.
My thoughts and condolences go out to his family and
friends.
Rest in Peace John, you will be sorely missed."
Renan Lavigne |
I have only just learned of
John's passing. Devastating news, what a great guy, huge
smile, fun, positive, brave.
Plenty of memories of John from my days in England, he was a
gent on and off the court.
I was only reminding him a few months ago of our trip to
Dubai in '99, great times and memories that will live on
forever.
Rest in peace bigman.
Derek Ryan |
I would just like to add my
sincere condolences.
John was a great squash player and a great lad, he will be
missed by all who knew him.
Bryan Beeson |
I grew up with John, also
played squash with him too (though he was way out of my
league!). John was a gentleman even as a young boy, he was
kind to each and every person he met and his generosity met
no end.
He let me and my friends sit in his garage when it was
raining and wouldnt think twice about setting his tennis net
up for us whenever we wanted to play.
My own brother was too cool to get the metro with his
younger sister but John thought nothing of letting me travel
with him.
A massive loss to every one who knew you.
A great bloke, a one in a million.
Will miss you john
Catherine Kirkley xx |
The St.
Luke's School will forever be grateful to John Dale for his
dedication and devotion to our squash team in it's fledgling
years.
John took us to our first US Squash National High School
Tournament in 2006 and provided the team building, focus and
leadership that would eventually lead to St. Luke's to its
first national championship. Not only was John a respected
coach by his players, he was caring, compassionate and a
prince of a man.
We will miss his polite manners and his beaming smile. That
smile brought all of us a very different and positive kind
of energy and made the world a better place. We will miss
John.
St. Luke's Squash, New Canaan, CT |
 |
John and I were from the same
era and played many times, we had some fantastic battles and
off the court were good friends John regularly staying at my
house.
I find it impossible to accept how such a genuinely nice guy
should have to go through what John did but never once did I
hear him complain.
Sometimes life is unexplainable and this is one of those
times because what has happened to John Dale is simply not
fair.
I and many others will miss him greatly.
Lee Beachill |
The news that Johnny Dale
passed away on Thursday was such a loss to the squash
fraternity as he epitomised everything that the sport is all
about. He was as brave a man as anyone would wish to ask for
during his battle with his illness.
The last time I saw him was also in Edinburgh Sports Club
where we had a giggle about when Derek Ryan, John and I were
in Dubai in '99. Great times with a great guy. His smile and
enthusiastic demeanour were so infectious.
Our thoughts are with his family and closest friends at this
very sad time.
We will all miss you John.
Alex Gough |
Having
just heard the very sad news of John's passing I just wanted
to add my condolences to all his friends and family.
I only met John on a few occasions when he came up to
Glasgow to play West Leagues, Tournaments and Scottish
National League and he was invariably on the winning side. I
too remember his backhand cross-court nick, which I'll will
always remember him playing off a very good cork-screw serve
against our No.1 Barry Sutherland.
He was always very friendly and took the time to say 'hi'
whenever I saw him.
Rest in peace John.
Jason Broadberry |
On hearing the news of Johns
passing I was like everyone shocked and deeply saddened.
John was responsible for my move to the states where we
worked at the same club together, and for that I will be for
ever in debt to him.
During that time we shared many laughs and more than a few
good nights out!, he was a joy to be around.
I will miss you mate and you will never be forgotten.
Andy Learoyd |
John was
an honorary member of Sheffield Uni squash club. Although he
didn't actually go to uni with us, he spent so much time
there that we often forgot that (granted, most of it was off
court and involved
alcohol!).
We've got so many brilliant memories of John that will stay
with
us forever but my favourite would be 18 of us sharing a pina
colada in the outdoor jacuzzi as the sun set over Cuba!
Closely followed by him playing Santa at a Christmas weekend
in Craster.
I'll miss you and your huge smile so much,
Carolyn Lomax (and all the Sheffield Uni squash club)
xx |
I have fond memories of
competing with John a long time ago in BSPA tournaments and
national league - tough battles with a great player.
I got to know him even better later on when we worked
together at the Heights Casino in Brooklyn and he was a
genuinely amazing guy. He always had a big smile, a gentle
nature, enthusiasm for the game and was a very talented,
successful squash player - perfect for working with juniors
and they all loved him.
We had some fun times but then 5 months after he started, he
went for a MRI for a bad back and found out it was cancer
again. John moved in with me and Kelly so he didn’t have to
be alone and we had a heart wrenching week with more
hospital visits and making arrangements to go back to
England for treatment with his previous doctor. I saw him
for the last time that summer when I went to visit him in
Newcastle and he was typically positive, always saying he
couldn’t wait to get back to work and never lost his famous
big smile. Such a sad loss. Our thoughts go out to Linda and
Leanne. Rest in peace mate, you’ll be missed and never
forgotten.
Julian and Kelly Wellings |
John will always be remembered
as a guy who did all the right things. Honest and hard
working with a great humour towards life.
Thoughts go to his family and close friends.
Steve Richardson |
So sorry to hear the very sad
news, John was one of the most genuine squash players I had
the pleasure to know.
He was an extremely talented player, a true professional
always with a smile on his face.
My thoughts and condolences to all his family and friends.
From everyone at Hull & East Riding Squash Club.
Lee Scott |
John
played in our Tournament a few times and was a lovely man,
his beaming smile and cheerful disposition, his 100%
commitment on the court made him a great favourite at
Cleethorpes.
He always had time to mix with the members and was a credit
to the game of squash, he will be sadly missed .
Love and thoughts to his family form all at Cleethorpes.
Mike Hallam |
I first met John many years ago
on the circuit and warmed to him as a person instantly.
He was always upbeat, wore a smile on his face and dealt
with his cruel luck with incredible bravery.
He was an extremely talented squash player and was one of
the very best ball strikers I ever played. You’re an
inspiration mate and will be deeply missed by all......
Paul Lord |
We are saddened to hear the
news of John’s passing away.
He was a courageous and strong-minded person, who, even in
the face of adversity, always managed to smile.
Over the years he regularly attended Springs gym, showing us
all how a workout should be done! In more recent times, he
spoke openly about his health and his progress, yet never
complained.
John - you were, are and always will be an inspiration to us
all. You will be sadly missed.
Derek & Paula Brydon
Kenton Bankfoot |
Such a
shame to read this and can't believe he's gone.
I met John through Dave Barnett and Andy Learoyd on some
nights out following tournaments where he gladly put us up
following a night out and he was a joy to be around as well
as a great player.
If you didn't know he was recovering from illness you would
never have guessed as he was always so up beat and joking
around.
Seeing him arrive up at Edinburgh Sports Club and drinking a
pint whilst we were playing will be a lasting memory as will
Johns spirit. He truly was an asset to the sport and will be
missed by many along with leaving good memories with even
more.
Rest in peace John you were a star
Paul Thomas
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I am
deeply saddened to hear the news about John and my
condolences go out to his family and close friends.
Ironically, it was only last week at the Tournament of
Champions that a group of us were asking after him, sharing
stories and remembering good times with him. Those great
memories will live on.
I was lucky enough to be part of his Squash world at the
Northumberland Club in Newcastle for a few years of National
League and then to have the pleasure of him being in New
York (only too briefly) when he started coaching over here.
I always enjoyed his company and his infectious smile.
Nobody can deny that John lived life to the full and loved
every moment. We will miss you John Dale. We will miss you.
Chris Walker
|
I knew John well from his years
as a member of the Northern Centre of Excellence.
He was not only a high-class squash player, but a very
popular and affable person.
His squash career and life was blighted by undeserved
illness and it is hard to come to terms with the fact that
it has now taken his life at such a young age.
All those who were privileged to know him can take some
consolation in the memories we have of him.
Malcolm Willstrop |
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I was
shocked and still can't believe that he is gone.
I got to know daleyboy on 2004 when I moved from Egypt and
he moved from England to the US we were roommates for about
three years and every morning for those years he kept
wondering and asking how come I took the bigger room and
left him in the smaller one in our two bedroom apartment....
He was a great guy, great friend, great fun...lots of
memories...
John you aren't going to be missed as we will still remember
you through our lives..
Ahmed Hamza |
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John designed this logo for several
US squash junior tourneys he directed |
What a
dude!
I first met Daley boy, when we went to play a squash
tournament in Rotterdam, possibly in 1996, he came along for
the trip and actually won the tournament, despite not
actually going to uni, and it was from that point he became
an honorary member, and there began the antics!
Many nights out all over the place, my girlie mates & I
descending on Linda’s house, and many holidays. One of my
favourite memories was when John joined myself and 30 police
officers on a works night out in Newcastle when he showed us
round the city and beat us all at the bucking-bronco!
John, you’re too precious to be forgotten and too priceless
to be replaced, forever you’ll live on in our hearts and
minds.
Flash & Baz Mussell xxx
I’m
totally gutted to hear of John passing away. He was a great
friend of mine and my whole family and someone I hadn’t seen
in far too long.
It’s good to read the lovely sentiments from everyone about
a truly great guy. Our thoughts and condolences go out to
his family.
Patrick Foster
|
As
juniors all the younger players looked up to you. Your raw
talent with a racket in your hand was obvious to see by
anyone who watched you play.
I’ll always remember junior inter-county and your ability to
still win against top-class opposition on a Sunday morning
like you had had 10 hours sleep instead of about two (and
probably too much alcohol).
Your courage throughout your illness is testament to the
person you were and I’ll carry fond memories with me always.
Adam Curry |
Its a true reflection on John's
talent and his infectious personality that his inspiration
was indeed worldwide.
An inspiration on the squash court as a junior (even if we
did wonder how he managed to find that nick so often) and an
inspiration as a man with how he fought his illness with
such humility.
Of all the memories of John, one keeps coming back to mind
more often than any others... During a league match after
Johns first battle with cancer he had one complaint... a
slight ankle niggle.
Typical of the man to be so understated. A true battler on
and off court. RIP John.
Jonathan & Dennis Buckton
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|
I first met John Dale when he travelled down to Kent 12
years ago to play in the Maidstone Open and the European
Squash Festival in Folkestone. He won both tournaments
and made a lot of friends along the way.
John and I kept in touch and it was like a bolt from the
blue when he revealed he was suffering from a brain
tumour.
John’s friends swung into action and I was pleased to
help out with a number of fund-raising activities in his
honour, including a fabulous evening at Chichester and
two events in a single day in Newcastle, first of all at
the Northumberland Club in Jesmond and then at a
packed-out Tynemouth in the evening.
Peter Genever senior travelled up from the South Coast
to announce that John would be retained in their
National League squad whatever his condition.
World champion Peter Nicol willingly supported all three
events along with a number of other professionals,
clearly illustrating how the squash community rallied
round to help such a popular guy on and off the court.
When I visited John with Steve Cubbins he had only just
been allowed home after he had contracted a
life-threatening infection in hospital.
Amazingly, John recovered steadily and although he was
unable to return to the professional tournament scene he
was destined to carve out a successful career as a
coach.
He was delighted to land a job in the States, but,
tragically, the cancer appeared again and John was
forced to return home to Tyneside. At least he was
closer to his beloved Newcastle United.
I spoke to him on the phone a few weeks ago and he was
typically upbeat about fighting the dreaded disease all
over again.
Tragically, this time the cancer was not to be beaten
and we all lost a great Geordie mate at such a young
age.
God Bless You, John. We’ll all miss you.
Alan Thatcher
|
I was privileged to have met
and worked with john on several occasions. He played in a
number of exhibition matches for me in Cleethorpes, and in
Coventry (to which john o'donnell makes reference).
I remember that night with great fondness. Nick Taylor was
also part of the evening. Nick had to keep the locals
entertained on court because John had got lost on the way to
the club. When he arrived he told me he had changed in the
car en route ( don't think he was driving).
John entered the building smiling as always, made his
apologies and went straight on court. He then put on a
superb match with Nick and answered all the questions that
was asked of him in the bar later on.
I found out the very sad news of John's passing from Steph
Brind who ironically played in a benefit night for John
arranged by Mike Hallam in Cleethorpes.
John you will be sadly missed.
rip
John Whitfield
I was shocked and saddened to
hear about John's passing away.
I worked at the Kingston Squash club for 2 years back in
1989 when I was 18. I knew John as a young boy for that very
short time. But this I can say - he was always polite & well
liked young man - who had huge talent & enthusiasm for his
sport. He always had that big beaming smile!
My thoughts are with his Mother & Fiance - I am so sorry for
your loss.
Graeme Thompson
(Barman at Kingston Squash 1989-1991) |
John joined the Heights Casino
in Brooklyn the same time as I did. We ended up having an
apt right next door to each other and John was not shy in
inviting himself round for dinner, always bringing with him
a nice bottle of red.
We had some great fun nights, hard emotional nights too when
he knew what was causing his back pain, but John being John
would bounce back with a smile and a big hug and say life
goes on.
His love of coaching the kids with me was immense, even with
so much pain in his back he would fight on and on and on. I
was lucky when Leanne and John came over to NY last year as
we were able to have a couple of fun nights out, they had a
great trip and I am thankful I had that time with him.
My thoughts are with Linda and Leanne.
Fiona Geaves
|
I would
just like to echo what most people have already said:
John Dale was a really nice bloke who always had a smile on
his face.
He was a very talented squash player and prior to his
illness was rising up the National Rankings. If memory
serves me right I believe John was about 24ish in the
country which was an excellent achievement...... who knows
how much further he could have gone if not for the tragic
illness that curtailed his professional playing days.
I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family
at this very sad time.
Steve Calvert
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I would
like to send my condolences to all johns family and friends.
What can you say about such a great guy. In all the years
that I have known John I never heard anybody say a wrong
word about him, you just had to mention his name in company
and it brought a smile to everybody's faces.
I would like to thank John for helping my son Andy Learoyd
when he went out to work with John at Westchester Squash in
New York.
I will never forget his generosity.
God Bless.
Kevin and the late Katy Learoyd
|
I only met John on a few
occasions but knew him more through other players and
through my work with the B.S.P.A and what has always stood
out in my mind was the respect, admiration and genuine
affection all his peers had for him.
Whenever they spoke of John whether it be about a match or a
good social time, it is so easy and obvious to feel how well
liked he was.
I played him only once but saw him play several times and
what struck me was that even in the modern era of
professional sport, cutthroat at times , here was a man who
was a true competitor both on and off the court, conducting
himself with great sportsmanship and class, none more so
having battled debilitating illnesses for so long which he
did with the same qualities he displayed as a player, an
indefatigable spirit, a very personal demeanour and a
wonderful sense of humour, truly a great example to all of
us.
His smile was so infectious and his effect on those around
him is so evident from all the pictures I have seen the
stories I have heard and the comments I have read .
People like John come along for a very important reason and
that is to remind us of all the good people in our lives and
to make the most of them, long may he stay in all our
hearts.
Neil
|
Really sad to hear the news
about John. He really was one of life's good guys and a real
talent.
I got to know John when he played Scottish National League
for Glasgow Accies and subjected me to a number of beatings,
and yes I remember that backhand cross court nick very
clearly!
The last time I saw him was here in Edinburgh. He was a
pleasure to have met and to have played against and I will
never forget that beaming smile that he had for everyone.
Simon Boughton and all at Edinburgh Sports Club
|
I
remember many years ago a young boy with a beaming smile
coming up to me and saying I wish I could play like you !!
Well, it didn't take long before I was wishing that I could
play like him! I have many fond memories (although painful)
of beach training, court sprints and endless boast and
drive!!
Life can be so cruel.
You will be sadly missed
Jane Martin xx |
Its was terrible to hear the
devastating news of Daley Boys passing away last week. He
was a very popular, genuine, courageous lad that never ever
complained about anything.
I bumped into John a few month back at Durham Services where
the normal crack started flowing and after asking how things
were going he was his same old upbeat bubbly self loving
life.
I also remember when John was just coming back playing and
all he said was he had a slight ankle injury after his
horrible illness, but the one that sticks in my head was the
cross court nick however didn't quite understand how he hit
it so often and from anywhere on the court.
You will be massively missed mate R.I.P
Gareth Lumsdon |
So sad to
hear the news of John’s passing and the squash world has
lost someone who was such a talented player and a great
person. It doesn’t seem right that his life and squash
career was cut short in this way.
I was lucky enough to play in squads and teams with John and
all who met him warmed to his humour, huge smile and
enthusiasm for the game. We’ll all miss you greatly.
My thoughts go out to Johns family.
Steve Heatley |
I was
very sad to hear the news about my school friend John Dale a
true gent a amazing squash player he won so many tournements.
He was a gifted footballer with a sweet left foot. My happy
times are when I done the djing for his 26th birthday at
jesmond squash and tennis club what a night great turn out.
RIP john I will miss you dearly.
Jonathan Telfair |
LEST WE
FORGET |
|
The funeral will take place on
Friday 5th February, 1.30pm at the West Road Crem, then at
The Northumberland Club after. Linda's address is 34 Cowdray
court, Kingston Park, Newcastle, NE3 2UA. |
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