GEOFF HUNWICKS R.I.P.
Former Junior International Geoff Hunwicks (Ilford AC and Weymouth St.Paul’s Harriers) has sadly passed on, while a hospital patient in The Gambia, where he had settled. He was aged 71 (d-of-b 17/08/1950). He will be remembered so well by all those who had the pleasure of meeting him. He certainly lived life to the full. Below is confirmation from the Hart House website, where Geoff worked so hard for the good of the community in such a positive way. All reading this will be deeply saddened.
This is what was just posted by Hart House (on their FB page) …
We are shocked and sad to report the sudden death of the inspirational Geoff Hunwicks, founder and CEO of Hart House, during last night.
He had spent some time in hospital over the festive season but was beginning to feel better and had returned home.
Hart House has been fully open up until now but will temporarily close whilst arrangements are put in place by the Hart House Committee to allow it to reopen.
Geoff’s devout wish would be for the facility to stay open as a long term legacy for his work and we will be doing all we can to ensure that happens.
We will post further information as it becomes available
Rest in peace Geoff
Geoff Hunwicks heads an all-star leading and talented bunch closely followed by Internationals Shaun Lightman, Ian Richards & Bob Dobson. Photo supplied by Don Cox
Ilford AC are mourning the loss of one of their leading members from past decades. On Monday, while a hospital patient after a lengthy period of illness, GEOFF HUNWICKS passed away at the age of 71.
In Ilford’s colours he was part of their team – along with Roger Mills and Brian Armstrong, who won the 1968 National Junior 5 Miles Championship in Salford. Geoff’s success saw him awarded a GB International vest at junior level. Success followed success and in 1975 at Southwick, Geoff was part of Ilford’s team which won the Club’s first ever Senior Walking Championship, over 10 miles, the other members being Roger Mills and late athletes Steve Gower and Lew Mockett. He was a regular competitor in Essex representative teams winning the Essex 50 Kilometres’ Championship twice in succession – 1976/77. He served as the Club’s Hon.Press Officer for a spell in the ’70s, submitting many reports to the Ilford Recorder and the long since defunct Ilford Pictorial. He participated in both running and race walking events and was active on the Club’s social scene.
When leaving Ilford he relocated to Weymouth where he turned out for Weymouth St.Paul’s Harriers before emigrating to The Gambia to run “The Gambian Home For Children With Learning Difficulties”, a managerial position he held until his sad demise.
He was involved in many sports and activities. He enjoyed success as a chess player, reaching County standard and was involved in competitive league skittles, which he took most seriously, to a high level and could always hold his own at the snooker table. He also stepped out into the ballroom on a number of occasions.
Dave Ainsworth
