July 1: John How RIP – Funeral Arrangements
Marshall Milton Keynes mourns the loss of John How, aged 85 (seen above, right, with Nick Folwell). For many decades, John was a pillar of the local, county, regional, national and international athletics community, dedicating his life to competitive athletics in Buckinghamshire and beyond.
His life in athletics can be summarised by his immense dedication as an official, mentor, and organizer:
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- County Stalwart: He spent decades as a cornerstone of the Buckinghamshire Athletics Association, Chairing the Committee for many years and helping manage county events.
- Respected Official: He was a familiar and deeply respected face across regional and national fixtures, frequently serving as an official, track referee, and call-room manager for UK Athletics, the South of England Athletics Association, the English Cross Country Association, the Watford Open Meetings and the Chiltern Cross Country League. He was selected to officiate at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
- Selfless Volunteer: Known for his quiet dedication, John spent countless weekends standing on muddy cross-country courses, at road races or at trackside finish lines, ensuring that events ran smoothly and fairly for thousands of athletes.
He will be deeply missed across the entire UK athletics community. Our thoughts are with his daughter, Sarah, at this sad time.
Funeral Arrangements for John How
Thursday 30 July at 1pm
A Private Family Cremation service will take place at The Chilterns Crematorium (Hampden Chapel). All are very welcome to join us for a Service of Celebration & Thanksgiving for John’s life at St. Mary’s Church, Chesham at 1.00pm.
Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, in memory of John can be made to The Friends of St Mary’s Church.
Nearby parking available for St Mary’s Church
- Star Yard, Parsonage Lane, Chesham, HP5 1DS
- Catlings Car Park, Parsonage Lane, Chesham, HP5 1DS
- Watermeadow Car Park, Watermeadow, Chesham, HP5 1LF
Following the Service of Thanksgiving all are welcome to join us at Chartridge Golf Club (HP5 2TF).