THE North East athletics
family has been hit a double whammy with the news that long-serving officials
John Keefe and Hudson Stoker passed away last weekend.
It’s a huge blow to everyone
who knew the two superb servants who graced the field of athletics in a special style
by going about their business in a quiet but exceptional way and with their
passing the sport will be a lonely place without them.
The Harrier League in
particular is hugely grateful and appreciative for the tireless work the pair
put in over many years which, in a sense, helped make the NEHL the envy of
other cross-country leagues throughout the country.
John Keefe
John started life as an
athlete with his home-town club Jarrow Cycling and Athletics Club having
notable successes giving the club a strong standing in the region. A move into
the admin side with the likes of Tommy Power, Jimmy Hedley, Bob Charlton and
Eric Huskisson after a name change to Jarrow and Hebburn Athletics Club, saw
the South Tyneside outfit prosper even further especially when they had athletes
of the calibre of Steve Cram and the largely unheralded David Sharpe, proud athletes
who competed on the World stage in the famous gold with blue sash vest.
If his work at the club
wasn’t enough – he filled all the major positions at one time or another – John
took on the role as Harrier League secretary at a time when the organisation was struggling
for funds. But he had the answer. He asked for volunteers on race days to go
round with a bucket persuading competitors and their supporters to dig deep for
the cause and it worked a treat so much so the league is now in a much
healthier state now as the collecting bucket is no longer and in the archives
of history!
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Jonathan Gilroy presenting John Keefe with the Jarvis Award at Jarrow & Hebburn's 80th Anniversary
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After passing over the league
secretary position John continued to be a regular at Jarrow & Hebburn and local fixtures
despite some atrocious weather working as an official at the finish line, a
role he also enjoyed in warmer climes at track meetings throughout the region.
Hudson Stoker
Hudson, meanwhile, was, in
comparison to John, a relatively late starter to the local athletics scene
after linking up with the Northumbrians in 1986. However, he quickly made his
mark after working alongside great friend George Patterson as members of
Morpeth Harriers.
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George & Hudson at the 2019 Northern's XC Champs
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A gentle gentleman, Hudson
proved an asset to the Northumberland outfit where he took on many tasks
without question, a fact quickly recognised by the hierarchy which resulted in
him being installed as a life-member.
Away from his club duties
Hudson found a new niche when he took up announcing duties like a duck to
water. While local events were the bread and butter, especially with the mic in
one hand and his beloved camera around his neck ready for action before
proclaiming in that immaculate voice of his: ‘Slow pack you have five minutes
to the start’ at a HL fixture. His calm delivery quickly got him recognised
where he was installed at Northern Athletics’ events as well as English Road
Relay Championships.
RIP John and Hudson, our
thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends at this sad time.
*For further tributes to John
and Hudson check the relative club websites
By Bill McGuirk
