TIM HEPWORTH 1945-2008
One of the finest and most highly regarded coaches in Spenborough & District AC’s history Tim Hepworth tragically died on Christmas Eve, December 24th, from a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs).
Although remaining independent and not actually a member of Spenborough, Tim was, for many years, the premier tutor of 400 metre runners at the club, several of whom went on to County, International and, in the case of Peter Crampton, Olympic recognition.
He took Peter to European Junior Championship glory at Birmingham in 1987 in a still club record time of 46.03 and many feel it is much to do with Tim’s regular and passionate presence at the Princess Mary Stadium in Cleckheaton that, right through to his retirement, and in these days of constant poaching by bigger clubs, Peter never saw a need to leave his local club.
Tim also encouraged many less naturally talented but enthusiastic athletes to get the best out of themselves and, just as importantly, gain enjoyment and camaraderie whilst doing it.
More importantly he was a true friend and confidant to so many people from all walks of life and was always happy to share his love of the great outdoors with everyone he knew.
It is surely fine testimony that, even after moving out of the area to Hebden Bridge some years ago, many of those mentioned maintained close contact with Tim and his wife Debbie (also a regular feature of the Spenborough set-up for many years).
Tim was a fine athlete in his own right as well as a passionate walker and cyclist and gained huge respect for his commitment never to ask anything of others anything he wouldn’t ask of himself.
His views were always forthright, sometimes controversial, yet usually justified and, whether agreeing or disagreeing, there were few who did not respect him for them.
All who knew Tim will find his premature loss incalculably hard to stomach; those that didn’t know Tim should be saddened that they never had the privilege.
To Debbie and other family members, we express our deepest sympathies in these difficult times and can only offer in consolation the thought that he will remain in the hearts and minds of many of us forever…
Keith McGhie
One of the finest and most highly regarded coaches in Spenborough & District AC’s history Tim Hepworth tragically died on Christmas Eve, December 24th, from a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs).
Although remaining independent and not actually a member of Spenborough, Tim was, for many years, the premier tutor of 400 metre runners at the club, several of whom went on to County, International and, in the case of Peter Crampton, Olympic recognition.
He took Peter to European Junior Championship glory at Birmingham in 1987 in a still club record time of 46.03 and many feel it is much to do with Tim’s regular and passionate presence at the Princess Mary Stadium in Cleckheaton that, right through to his retirement, and in these days of constant poaching by bigger clubs, Peter never saw a need to leave his local club.
Tim also encouraged many less naturally talented but enthusiastic athletes to get the best out of themselves and, just as importantly, gain enjoyment and camaraderie whilst doing it.
More importantly he was a true friend and confidant to so many people from all walks of life and was always happy to share his love of the great outdoors with everyone he knew.
It is surely fine testimony that, even after moving out of the area to Hebden Bridge some years ago, many of those mentioned maintained close contact with Tim and his wife Debbie (also a regular feature of the Spenborough set-up for many years).
Tim was a fine athlete in his own right as well as a passionate walker and cyclist and gained huge respect for his commitment never to ask anything of others anything he wouldn’t ask of himself.
His views were always forthright, sometimes controversial, yet usually justified and, whether agreeing or disagreeing, there were few who did not respect him for them.
All who knew Tim will find his premature loss incalculably hard to stomach; those that didn’t know Tim should be saddened that they never had the privilege.
To Debbie and other family members, we express our deepest sympathies in these difficult times and can only offer in consolation the thought that he will remain in the hearts and minds of many of us forever…
Keith McGhie
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1 comments:
I was school with Tim - we both travelled together 2 or 3 times a week to Whitcliffe Mount from Rastrick Grammar to study A level Biology ( and the girls!) I remember once cycling to Starbotton and back in the dales with him on field trip - we were shattered when we got there. We were friends throughout our schooldays and big rivals in the school cross country - but he was way too quick for me in the sprints. I used to accuse him of cheating - training? - that's not fair!! But he obviously put his talents to good use.
We lost touch after school and I was just in the throes of organising a class reunion in March when I've discovered this shocking news.
It might seem mad to say I shall miss Tim after not seeing him for 40 odd years, but I do - and for exactly the same characteristics Keith describes above - some people never change.
Yours
Stan Holroyd
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