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In Memoriam 2004-2007 |
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In Memoriam 2004-2007 |
 In this section:  On Agilitynet:                 
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Remembering agility friends who have passed awaySadly every so often we lose one of our agility handlers - people we have known from training, clubs or shows. We may have just stood in the queue with them, shared a bacon roll at a show or held their dogs while they went to check their times after a run. Some of them have been close friends, with whom we have shared triumphs, tribulations and the love of our dogs and our sport together.Here we try to remember those people, young, old and in-between, who have shared our passion and who, by their presence, have made their contribution to the sport we love. They leave behind family, friends, dogs and, of course, memories. If you want to share your recollections of your friends with us, just email them to Agilitynet.
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On the recent Agility Addicts website there have been dozens of emails all wishing to pay tributes to Rena and expressing sympathy to Derek - all sent with great affection. I have taken at random some of the feelings that people have expressed about Rena. Here are a few of them:- A lovely lady... Always smiling, even through her recent illness... Had great courage...A great handler...As a Judge and competitor, freely gave her help and advice to anyone... Gutsy... She enriched the many people whose lives she touched... Also sending love and sympathy to Derek. I would like to tell you all about my friendship with Rena and a little more about her life in agility. I met Derek first, before Rena came into agility. We made up Pairs with our first agility dogs. That was in early 1989. Derek had Benji and I had Penny. We did well with the partnership. Then in September, Derek borrowed a tent from a friend so that Rena could come to her first agility show. This was the first show the Whitehorse Agility Club had held at Longleat. It was held on the greens where the car park is now, a lovely venue! But that weekend the heavens opened, grass soon became mud. Poor Rena. I can remember her standing in the tent, cold and wearing a red Belstaff jacket, looking with disbelief at the awful weather and up to the eyes in mud! I thought she would never want to come again, but no even then she was chatty and smiled through it. Rena had arrived in Agility!
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Rena had a young dog called Aligan. a lovely Border Collie. She was doing Obedience with him, but he was not old enough to do agility yet. I think she had also done Obedience with Benji before he did agility with Derek.
In the early 1990's, Derek bought a campervan. Rena had Ali doing agility so we were off to shows most weekends. Rena loved it. I had another dog, too so Rena and I paired up Ali and Pippa. Rena and Derek had an older dog called Cody who had a very thick coat. Rena spent hours combing him. She should have kept his combings to knit a jumper, She was a very good knitter.
Ali was a very good dog and they both forged ahead. It irked her that Benji was a Senior dog and faster. She was very competitive right from the start, and wanted to get to the top. Later she achieved this with Jinja, and got to Crufts with him in her club's team. Over the years, Derek and Rena had many dogs and she loved every one of them. Her life was dedicated to caring for them all. She also trained all of them to do agility. She had equipment in her garden. At their clubs, they would both train the dogs they worked in the rings.
Rena always supported Derek when he was Judging, and after she became a Judge too. He did likewise. They both helped at most shows they entered. Pity more people don't do likewise! They enjoyed the friends they made at the clubs where they were members of, and had many friends in the agility world. We had some great times camping and enjoying meeting others at the pubs. Agility is good fun!!
Over the last 18 years or so, Rena was always a 'special' friend to me. We had many chats on the phone if we hadn't seen each other for some time. I have admired the way she has been so brave during her illness, still able to smile and greet you in a happy way. I will miss her very much. I am pleased to know Derek has been so touched by everyone's kindness and hope it will bring some comfort to him and also their family. Rena loved her children and grandchildren. She and Derek were such a devoted couple.
I was very honoured to be asked to write this tribute to Rena. She was a happy lovely lady.
My love and sincere sympathy to Derek
Nancy Hudson has asked Agilitynet to pass on the very sad news that Nikki Loader (known to many as Nikki Mason Pearson) passed away on Saturday, 18 November after a short and sudden illness.
As those who knew her will recall, Nikki was a social butterfly from the early days of agility. Many will remember seeing her in her pearls and polo necked shirts.
Val Pollock of Valgray said, 'Nikki and I go back many years, to the good ole days of agility. She was in our Purley & Coulsdon Agility Team with Dodger, and we as a team went to Crufts many many times. It is a tragic loss.'
Her husband Colin will be letting us know details of Nikki's funeral arrangements in due course. If anyone wants these details then please feel free to e-mail me. Likewise if you would like Colin's address then please feel free to email Nancy on nancy.hudson@blueyonder.co.uk
It
is with great sadness that we have just heard that Val Whitton passed away on Saturday - a
great lady and an inspiration to all that knew her. When her dogs retired from agility, she
took up judging and teaching which she loved. Our thoughts go to her husband Bryan and his
family at this very sad time.
From Sue Culmer, Jim Gill, Elizabeth & Antony Saggers
Sadly
Kate Philpot died on 17 August in Basingstoke Hospital after a long fight with cancer.
Kate did agility for many years, firstly with Tess a crossbreed who would disappear for miles on a walk, but won Kate out of Starters. Next was Tovi, a rescue with a lot of issues, but Kate loved him dearly. They competed successful for many years. Lastly there was Kali, a Medium dog who competed until Kate become ill.
Kate originally trainned with Vyne and went on to train with Kathrin Tasker, Cranbourne and Whirlwind. She will be greatly missed.
Kate's funeral will be on Wednesday, 30 August at Basingstoke Crematorium at 1.30pm
Sue White
A Tribute
On behalf of Lin Abbot and myself, we would like to pay tribute to a dear friend, Kate Philpot who recently lost her brave battle with cancer.
Kate and Tovy, her rescue Spaniel X, were well known on the circuit for many years. She was to be admired with coping with Tovy as he wasn't an easy dog to live with, but Kate coped with the situation well, when others would have long given up. That sums up the determination and courage Kate had. Even through her illness, she turned up when possible to shows, always ready for a chat and a laugh.
I felt today was appropriate to write this, as at 1.15pm we will say our last farewell to a great friend. Now at peace and reunited with her beloved Tovy. God Bless Kate. We will never forget you.
Love Lin, Jen & all your friends. xxx
The Committee of Cornwall Agility Club are deeply saddened to announce the
death on Friday, 11 August of Janet Moore.
Janet lived for agility, organising her treatments - and lately her pain relief - around shows.
She leaves her beloved husband Andy to be with her daughter Jadeana, who died two years ago,
and her mother who died last year.
Rest in well deserved peace, Jan. You will never be forgotten.
Can anyone wishing to make contact please contact John and Sue on mobile: 07766 705 740.
| It was a chance meeting with a member of Bromsgrove DTC
that bought Moira and her crew into agility. During the Foot & Mouth crisis many of the
parks were closed, so all dog owners in the area were congregating in a place called
Cofton Park. Moira started agility with her tiny terrier Minnie - small dog, huge attitude. Moira and Minnie won Bromsgrove's award for best newcomer that year. Minnie's attitude and over-active terrier nose meant that Moira never achieved outstanding results in the agility world. Nevertheless, Moira enjoyed her agility and camping at shows. Moira's two children Abigail and Joe quickly became established members of the club and agility circuit. |
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Moira camped at Dashin' dogs at Easter but had been unwell. It wasn't until the end of April she discovered she had lung cancer. She passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, 17 May, aged 42.
Bromsgrove members have lost a good friend and drinking partner. We will miss her caustic wit and sense of humour.
A full police funeral has been arranged at Redditch crematorium on Friday, 2 June at 10.15. The family have requested family flowers only with donations to Cancer Research.
Moira leaves behind her children Abi and Joe, four dogs and her two horses
Sharon Niunka sadly passed away on 23 December 2005 after a long battle with cancer.
She was originally a member of BATS dog training and I think a few people would remember her as she used to run a German Shepherd and, more recently, ran my WSD Sweep in agility competitions.
She was a larger than life personality who adored all dogs. She used to dog sit some of my agility friends dogs when they went on holiday. I shall miss her as she used to accompany me to shows with my dogs.
The funeral will be held next Thursday, 5 January 2006 at King's Lynn Crematorium at 4.00pm.
Janet Mann
After
a long illness from which she seemed to be recovering, Barbara died suddenly on Thursday, 22
September 2005. She was an active member of North Norfolk Agility Club and Jollye's Agility
Club, as well as being involved in numerous parish duties.
Barbara's beautiful blue and white collie, Shelly, was not the easiest dog to train, but with perseverance and patience she overcame the frustrations, they became a great team and soon won out of Starters together. Summer, her young German Spitz had only just started to reap the benefits of Barbara's good training when her illness struck. However, with typical determination, Barbara had decided to train both dogs to work away so that she could still run them from her wheelchair as soon as she was well enough, but sadly it was not to be.
Those of us who trained with her have nothing but admiration for the way she refused to give in or admit defeat, however unwell she was feeling, a real inspiration to us all when things weren't always going as we had hoped. We shall all miss her and send our thoughts and best wishes to her family.
Janet Dilloway (Norfolk)
From Soraya Porter...
I was so choked when I heard about Barbara. She has given me so much help. support
and advice in the short time I knew her. I did not know her that well, typically we would meet
in the exercise area at various shows, where I'd get a lovely update on how Summer was getting
on. I was lucky enough to see her at both Letchworth and Trent Park this year, where she was
her usual smiling self, periodically with Summer on her lap. Agility shows won't be the same
without her, and the agility world is the poorer for her loss.
Soraya & Ernie who put her in his special friend category for doggy greetings!
It
is with great regret the Tuffley Agility Club have to announce the passing away of Fiona Deas.
Fiona was a great friend and club member and will be missed by us all at Tuffley. She helped
the team win the Three counties league this year and will be sadly missed.
Our sympathies go to her family. God bless you. The funeral will be held at Eldersfield Church on Friday, 16 September at 3.30pm
Gary Woodham Club Secretary
Alice
sadly succumbed to cancer on Tuesday, 26 July. She died peacefully with Tom at her side at the
Chase
Hospital, Bordon.
The service to be held at St. Mathews church, Blackmoor on Thursday, 4 August at 2.00pm. Anybody wishing to come is welcome to stay for refreshments. Donations should be sent to Cancer Research.
Alice is a friend who will be greatly missed.
Caroline Hallam
More about Mary...
What can I say about Alice? She could talk the hind legs off a donkey. She'd
drive me mad when she adopted her school marm' mode and proceeded to lecture me like I was a
particularly dim five year old. If you ever felt miserable or suicidal, just let Alice take you
for a wee drive in her car, especially with that caravan attached to it. After a heart
thumping, white-knuckle journey you'd realise you were really a very happy person and lucky
too, to have survived.
I feel that she was my best friend, even knowing that there are many others who feel just the same. It's the effect she had! The truth is, I first met Alice during the darkest period of my life. and she helped to bring the light back in. I'll always feel grateful and proud to have been one of Alices' friends.
Mary
Submitted by Carla Whyte on behalf of her Aunt, a canine loving, non-agility person who will miss Alice greatly
The passing of Clive Bradley will leave a big hole in the hearts of most, if not all, of the people who knew him. For those who didn't, well here's a brief insight into Clive and his agility.
Clive and Diane joined us for Agility training when we started at Bookham Lodge about five years ago. We hit it off straightaway, as Clive did with most people. He was helpful and kind with a wickedly dry sense of humour - I especially liked this because it was in line with my own - and a down-to-earth, matter of fact view of life.
At that time, they were running Taff, a red collie and Jess, the normal black and white job. I mention both dogs because Clive would always pick to run the dog that was going best at the time, leaving Diane to sort out the problem areas that he had created. (Bet you thought I was going to be nice). On occasions (quite a few) he would try the patience of a saint, rushing round like a blue arse fly paying scant regard for any advice given by me, Lynne - or Diane for that matter!
As an example I remember the day we did a little demo on beginner training at 'Discover Dogs'. Simple stuff, leave the dog in the wait and recall over a 15 inch jump. Two people were doing this exercise at the same time just to show that we need to be able to control our dogs as well as run in agility. I asked them not to call the dogs until I said, but no, not Clive. He rushes round to the other side of the jump and calls the dog straight away leaving the other handler standing looking at me wondering what to do next. I chastised him in front of the crowd as usual in the hope he would learn, but no, he did exactly the same on the right turn exercise that followed.
As we come out of the ring he said, 'that went well 'and we laughed.
That was Clive's 'its not that important, it's only agility view of life'.
Not that he didn't go off in a huff when things went wrong or a round was 'excrement' as he would put it, because he did. But as far as I'm aware - Diane may tell you different - it didn't last too long.
Considering all this, he picked up many a rosette with whichever of the dogs he was running at the time.
Seems to me that Clive has been on all our puppy classes. Every time Diane got a dog he would poach it. Even while undergoing the treatment for his cancer he was training Badger, their latest dog and, in my view, the one with the best potential, in the same hundred mile an hour way he did with the others.
Through all his frustration in training before and during his illness he has always been a gentleman to Lynne and me and never have I seen him be anything but nice to the dogs. 'Gentleman' seems to sum Clive up really well. He was kind, funny, very helpful, frustratingly difficult to train at times but overall just nice to know.
A friend I will remember fondly forever.
John Ward
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Clive Bradley lost his fight against cancer on 31 May 2005. He died peacefully at 5.45pm in the Macmillan Unit, King Edward Hospital, Midhurst on Tuesday, 31 May 2005. The Funeral will be on Monday, 13 June 2005 at 2.30pm at the Guildford Crematorium followed by 'eats' at the Surrey Institute of Art & Design, University College, Falkner Road, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7DS. (Senior Common Room). The Institute is about 20mins away from the Crematorium. Everyone but everyone is welcome. There is plenty of parking at the Institute and acres of dog walks adjoining the car park. Dogs are not allowed on the built-up areas of the campus. No flowers but donations, if anyone wishes, to Macmillan Cancer Relief c/o Thone-Leggett, 1 Brenthurst, Petersfield Road, Whitehill, Bordon, Hants GU35 9AR. |
It
is with great sadness that I write this tribute to Penny. She was a very special person
and liked by all who knew her. She always had time for everyone and, if she could help someone,
she did in her own unassuming way.
Penny had not always had dogs but always loved them. When she was a child at home she had a pony, which as ponies do, took up a lot of her spare time. She also used to sing in the church choir and belonged to a Christian youth group, and had travelled to Scandinavia, Russia and Africa.
Her first dog was actually one she bought for her mother who, for her health, needed to walk and it is much more fun walking with a dog. This dog was a black Labrador called Trouper who, by chance, was working bred out of a Manymills bitch by FT Ch. Abbotsleigh Kossack. Penny trained Trouper just as a companion dog but had a great gift as a trainer. Henry followed and when she entered the two Labradors in a dog show at the village fete, she was bitten by the bug, competing in Obedience competitions and introduced them to tracking.
She soon had Gordon Setters. She showed them at Crufts and worked them in the Yorkshire dales, competing in trials with Hannah. This kindled her interest in gundogs training and before long she was picking up with the labs and entering working gundog tests. By now she had two more Labradors, Wicket and Potter, and started also to do agility with them.
She was an agility trainer for and on the committee of the Lewes and District DTC and became a highly respected trainer and judge on the agility circuit. With her yellow Labrador Busby, she competed successfully, winning out of Starters. She was so keen that she bought a collie Dart, a lovely biddable dog of whom she thought highly but who sadly died at 18 months. He was followed by Kit who showed talent but with whom she had not competed.
With Busby, Penny competed very successfully in gundog competitions all over the South East and was a sought after team competitor. Her last lab was Tay, a black dog of whom she had high hopes. She had competed in several Novice tests with him and won awards at all in his first season. She hoped to make her debut in field trials.
Penny had only just taken on her role of Working Test Secretary for the club when tragically she was taken ill and died suddenly at the age of 47. She will be missed by all who knew her, and the dog world not just the gundog world have lost a versatile, talented handler and trainer.
Penny's mother June, sister Elizabeth and brothers James and Matthew would like to thank everyone for the kindness shown to them following the sudden death of Penny.
Source: Sue Brothers (06/12/04)
I
was very sad to find out yesterday that Mary Howarth, the breeder of 'Idadoun Miniature
Poodles' passed away at the age of 81years at the end of September. She bred many successful
show and stud dogs, but many of her dogs also proved their worth in the agility ring.
To name a few:-
Many of the Miniature Poodles on the circuit at the moment have Idadoun in their pedigree somewhere! To quote Mary 'If I had my time again, I would have done agility. It always looks so much fun.' She was always very proud of the achievement's of her dogs in the agility ring. Our thoughts are with her family.
Hannah Mitchell & Bramble
Penny
NaylorPenny Naylor died suddenly last weekend. She was a well known judge and competitor in agility circles. Her funeral will be on Monday, 23 August at 3pm at Framfield Parish Church, near Uckfield. Flowers and or donations to Labrador Rescue South East.
It
is with great sadness that I have to announce that Dorothy Alice Phillips, known to everyone as
'Dot' passed away peacefully on Sunday, 6 June after a five year battle against a crippling
stroke. She has asked that at this time, instead of flowers, those who wish to can support her
favourite charity, Valgray's Border Collie and Animal Rescue.
Dot was the founder of the Valgray's name, used first of all as the name for the Pet Shop in Whyteleafe Surrey, that she kept with her husband Harry the name being derived from the names of their children Valerie and Graham.
The Valgray's name has, in more recent years, become synonymous with Animal Rescue, and is linked, inextricably to the specialist knowledge and help needed with re-homing of Border Collies. The name is also well recognised and respected in the Agility Circuit throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.
Dot started of her 'Doggy' career breeding Samoyeds a breed that she adored and had at least one with her at all times.
She was also known to everyone at the Purley and Coulsdon Agility Shows where she looked after the Judges, Stewards and Helpers, providing the much needed 'Cups of Tea', biscuits and a good chat.
When Dot's daughter Val started to become interested in Border Collies, she was there as a supporter, helping with the strays that Val brought into their homes. Dot was the one that used to take care of the older rescue dogs and gave them a loving and dignified home for the remainder of their lives, however long or short that was to be and she will have been greeted by many wagging tails of her departed canine friends.
Dot had a passion for life, she seldom sat still for a moments rest, with the exception of course of Coronation Street, and the world just has to stop for 30 minutes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Dot's wish was to remain in her own home for as long as it was humanly possible and with the loving care of her daughter Val and the dedication of the Doctors, nurses and helpers from Social Services her wish came true and when Dot's time eventually came on the afternoon of Sunday 6th June she was in her own bed, surrounded by her family and Timmy, her faithful cat, was curled up on her lap.
She had fought long and hard for five years and was very tired and enough was enough, she just slipped peacefully away to join all of her other friends of the two and four legged variety on the other side.
Dot, our love goes with you and you will be in our minds and in our hearts for ever.
We promise to keep the good name of Valgrays alive and growing from strength to strength and to keep up the good work that you started.
Until we meet again, we can only say that we love you and we miss you.
Source: Chris May (08/07/04)
Salim used to compete in agility years ago with his white long haired Germen Shepherd and more recently he ran the auction and then the raffle and training class at Longleat, all proceeds of which went to charity. He has helped us every year since we started running Longleat, and also used to help Angela Curtis when she ran Longleat.
Salim was a great fund raiser for many other charities especially those connected with his home country, India.
Sadly Salim died suddenly at his home last Tuesday, 29 June. Our sympathy goes to his wife, Diane. He will be missed by many.
Source: Janet Wood (Chippenham Agility Club) (08/07/04)
They
say that life begins at 40, but alas this is not always the case. Sadly Caroline Dawson gave up
the fight for life on Saturday, 10 January 2004. She passed away in her sleep in the Welwyn
Garden City Hospice at 2am.
Her beloved Tanner was taken to visit her on Friday. This proved to be a very happy albeit emotional experience for all present.
Caroline was a very 'colourful' character who met her many health challenges head on over the years.
Both Caroline and Tanner had been members of Trent Park DAC for the last 6-7 years, enjoying their Monday training sessions as well as outings to shows. 'I'm here for the fun and social,' Caroline would say whilst trying her best, but not taking anything too seriously.
If you would like to make a personal contribution for either flowers or a donation, as requested by the family, contact John Leslie or any other member of the TPDAC Committee.
Sally
InnissSally Inniss, Secretary of the Dartmoor club died just before Christmas. Our best wishes go to her family and friends.
Just
to let everyone know that Dundee Alsatian & Training Club lost a valuable member in Betty
Chesser who died Sunday 1st December 2002,a true club member who would help anyone and will be
sadly missed by all at DAATC.
Contributor: Dane Redford (President)
Chippenham
Agility Club have sadly lost one of their junior members, Mattie Pidduck, aged only 13, who
suddenly and unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, 5 December. Mattie will be greatly missed by
Chippenham members especially the Junior Gang. We shall remember him as someone who cheerfully
took part in all our events with his two dogs, Bonnie and Hal.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go to Jo and Bill and his little sister, Hannah - Bless you Mattie.
Contributor: Janet Wood
Tuffley's
popular and highly respected Secretary, Pat Grudgings, tragically died in early 2001, long
before her time. Tuffley AC decided to preserve her memory in a tangible and appropriate
manner. We immediately came up with a commemorative Cup for the best combination each year in
the 3 Counties Inter-club competition which Pat enjoyed so much. We were delighted that Pat's
husband, Frank, was able to present the cup at our 2002 July Show and to bring Pat's dog, Lass
with him.
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The thought that also struck us was that Pat loved animals, especially dogs. With Frank's full approval, we started to collect money at our Shows in November 2001, and March, July, and November 2002 by way of Pay on the Day Rings. Our efforts were unfortunately delayed by the dreadful Foot and Mouth epidemic. Along the way we decided the money should go to the NCDL Pat heartily approved of this particular organisation because of their work in general and their particular policy of never putting down a healthy dog. We then discovered that if we collected enough cash we could have a permanent memorial by way of a suitably engraved, polished pave stone at an NCDL centre of our choice. We chose Evesham as it is our nearest centre and several members have adopted dogs from there. |
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We also discovered that NCDL have a white collie at Kennilworth who is a permanent resident and his name is Frank! He is unable to have visitors as he has a strong dislike of people appropriately, however, he loves to exercise on agility equipment! We just had to adopt him to complete the Pat package Pat was a very modest person and would doubtless have been a little self conscious about the huge support given to us but we think she would have been secretly pleased by the outcome. So, many grateful thanks are due to all you wonderful agility folk who supported our Pay on the Day Rings at the above Shows. Plaudits must also go to the Tuffley members who looked after the Rings, in all weathers, especially Christine and Richard Ascough and Kevin Nelson who all nearly drowned at various times! Nearly 800 very worthwhile agility rounds contributed to the successful completion of this venture. The stone should be installed soon after Christmas and will say...
'In fond memory of our Secretary, Pat Grudgings,
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Southdowns
Agility Club send condolences to relatives and friends of Jo Joyce,
who sadly passed away on Monday, 14 October after a two year fight with cancer.
She was a very determined young lady and this was reflected in the way she tackled agility. We are sure that it was her love of her dogs and agility that kept her determined to fight her illness for so long.
Jo had been on the agility circuit for some time first with her little cross Beardie, Hurricane Hannah and more recently with her enthusiastic Beardie Zest (Deedledee Give Us a Twirl.) With Zest the successes were starting to come, it is a great shame that Jo was not given the time to take her to the top. She will be able to rest without pain now.
There will be a Jo Joyce Zest for Life Agility Trophy presented by the Bearded Collie Club UK and Jo also donated a trophy in her own memory to Petersfield DTC for ABC Obedience.
Thelma Wigginton has been asked by the Joyce family to let all Jo's agility friends know what the burial arrangements will be. The funeral will take place on 25 October and the timetable of events will be:-
1.00pm church service at St. John the Baptist Church, Horndean Road, Rowlands Castle
2.30pm cremation at Portchester Crematorium
Afterwards a party at The Seagull pub, Portchester. All friends are welcome to attend.
If you need to contact Thelma by phone her telephone numbers are as 01329-813177 (work) or 01489-583347 (home).
Margaret Wright & Thelma Wigginton (16/10/02)
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Chris
was a lovely person and, if you were lucky enough to call her your friend, she enriched your
life. She leaves behind her husband, daughter (Helen Flatt) and four lively little schnauzers
and will be missed by all her friends especially those at Barking Mad Agility. 
To
contact Agilitynet 