REST IN PEACE
JOHN DALE
John Dale passed away on Thursday the 28th of January at his home in Kingston Park. John lost his fight with cancer after fighting it for almost 10 years.
John is known to everyone in the Northumbria squash world and many further a field and will be sadly missed by us all.
Our thoughts are with Linda (his mam) and Leanne (his fiancee) in this very difficult time.
The funeral took place on Friday 5th February at the West Road Crem.
Linda’s address is 34 Cowdray court, Kingston Park, Newcastle, NE3 2UA.
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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
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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
Gosforth Exiles Ladies I
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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
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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 new him.
Bryan Beeson.
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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.
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What can i say that has not already been said, in all the messages that so far have been sent to the websites. John was everyones friend, everyone who came into contact with him in whatever capacity was always guaranteed John would always say hello the next time they met. Thats 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 accuratley, was outstanding, even though walking down the stairs was a challenge, 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, lets 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 couldnt 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 non 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
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It was with great sadness that we learned that John had lost his courageous battle with cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with his mother Linda and girlfriend Leanne. John was a fine young man who was a great role model and inspiration to the many young squash players who aspired to be like him. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
With sincere condolences from Denis and Vera Curry
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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 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
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I first met John 15 years ago when he entered a tournament I organised in Newton Aycliffe. Subsequently I would meet him from time to time in and around the squash clubs of Newcastle as I became more involved in coaching in the City.
John would always greet me with that big smile as if I was a long lost freind. That was a measure of the man and that`s how I`ll remember him.
Rest in peace John, the world is a sadder place without you.
Richard Vitty
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