In Remembrance
In Remembrance
Lest We Forget&&
Tributes to squash people we'll always remember ...
Tony Parker -
Tony's funeral will be Monday
7th march 2.30 Dukinfield Crematorium Hall green Road
Dukinfield SK16 4EP, and all welcome afterwards at Oaklanos
Masonic Hall, Beech view, Hyde SK14 3DE
See Nick's Facebook entry
More tributes to Tony ...
Very sad to hear that Tony
has passed away.He travelled the world doing what he enjoyed
most and was highly respected everywhere his duties took
I will never forget the great nights we had at Queens
Halifax in Super League.Condolences to Jill and family.
Clive Smith
Very sad news about Tony, I
first met him when he used to look after the ICI Hyde team
in the NWCL league 30+ years ago.
A really lovely man, lived for squash and I can't believe I
was talking to him when we left the Nationals on Sunday
Andrew Nickeas
Glen Ragou&&
One of the most popular
member of the Lancashire and North West squash community,
after a long battle with cancer Glen Ragou sadly
passed away today.
has lost a true soldier today. A legend, a hero, a
gentleman. It's with a heavy heart that i say goodbye to
The many years we shared training, competing and chatting
court side, will be cherished, never forgotten. Your light
will live on in your family and friends.
Vicky Boswell
So sad to hear
the news of Glen passing away.
I have so many happy memories of him and his infectious
enthusiasm - he was always such great company.
We played a lot and always slipped into our natural
'straight man v joker' roles (I think everyone knows who was
who) - I think he often took more pleasure in managing to
make me laugh rather than actually winning rallies!
Yawar Abbas
I have so many
happy memories of Glen.
A team mate and a friend. Someone who smiled in every
circumstance and had a way of making me smile too. He was a
selfless and kind man making life easier for everyone else.
We spent many years training together, him always willing to
play me at any time and at any venue. That was the kind of
bloke he was.
Sending me the wrong way countless times with his trickle
boast and then laughing at me and with me at how frustrated
Glen.... You will be greatly missed but will be remembered
with fondness by so many because of the happiness you gave
to others. Rest in peace.
Laura Massaro xx
Glen played Squash the way we should all play life, that's
why we all loved being with him. He mastered how to be, I
wish I could be just like him.
We had our last dance (tiger tiger Manchester, 2 am, July
15, Nigel's 50th, Faithless), you were not well but you were
dancing your heart out!
Love always Glen. Xxxxxxx
Danny Massaro
For me, it was
the saddest of news, a sadness beyond words. Glen was the
very very best and was one of those people who always made
you feel better for having been in his company, with a smile
that could melt your heart.
A fantastic squash player, tenacious, committed a role model
to so many people.
He recently received Coach of the Year at the Manchester
Sports Awards which was richly deserved.
I’ll miss all the banter and laughs we had whenever we met,
rest easy my friend.
Andrew Nickeas
Our Friend Glen
from Nick and Adam Murrills and family
great character in the squash world will be missed. His
determination was to be admired, still playing the game he
loved until very recently! Will miss our battles. RIP Glen.
people ask why do I referee I think of Glen.
From the cheeky chappie who appeared years ago with Rasta
beads hanging as a fringe (Yes he did have hair once) to the
lovely cheerful man who was fighting cancer but still
playing squash, he brightened up any balcony.
Refereeing in the North West counties will never be such fun
We will never forget you. Heaven can only be a happier place
for his arrival.
We will miss you.
Joss Garvey
02-Oct-15, Qainy Binilla
right) poses with members of the Princeton
University men's squash team after they won the 2012 NCAA
championship. It was the third national championship team
coached by Callahan. (Photo courtesy of
Princeton Athletic Communications)
The memorial
service for Bob Callahan will be on Saturday 7 February at
1:30pm at the
Kristen Callahan called me tonight and told me about Bob’s
I have been lucky to know Bob for a long time and shared
many years of wonderful experiences and memories.
I think the greatest things I loved most about Bob was how
genuine he was and how quickly he made you feel special.
I learned a lot from him and it was not just about coaching
but about being the best you can be and passionate about
what you do.
It was an awesome journey for me…growing up with Bob, having
the opportunity to work with him here at Princeton and
especially being his friend.
With love and fond memories,
Bob Callahan,
By Kristen Callahan
the post I have been dreading to write for nearly three
years. Dear Coach has moved on.
Selfishly, I never wanted him to leave, but on the other
hand, we all want the very best for him. All members of the
family have been with him this week, for which we are
As I reflect on the past years, I feel both thankful and
privileged to have been by Coach’s side every step of the
way. Some people battle cancer, but Coach lived despite his
brain cancer. The diagnosis of a glioblastoma on 2/26/12 was
shocking and upsetting, but together we chose to treat this
finding as a bump in the road, still determined to live life
to its fullest, enjoying our time together. Coach’s
pre-mature retirement was not in the master plan but it
afforded us the opportunity to spend every day together
which was, in fact, a gift.
Understandably, many cancer victims respond with anger, but
not Coach. Over the last three years Bob navigated through
the ups and downs associated with stage four cancer – never
once cursing the world for his condition. His bright spirit
and wit lit-up the halls and rooms at Sloan Kettering during
each and every visit.
It comes as no surprise that Coach did not “throw in the
towel,” for as we all know, he is a true competitor. His
perseverance and perpetual eloquence inspired us all. He
accomplished so much despite his disease: coached a full
season of PU squash, enjoyed his first two granddaughters,
participated in Scott’s wedding, engaged in activities where
he could, and encouraged us all. Amazingly, his innate
ability to coach, teach, and inspire never subsided.
Thank you for helping to give Coach such a spectacular
send-off. When Bob was able to verbalize his thoughts, he
told me he enjoyed a remarkable career with a fairy tale
ending — Episcopal Academy and Collegiate Squash Hall of
Fames, the Collegiate Squash Lifetime Achievement Award,
Bedens Brook Tennis recognition, endowed PU Squash position,
Princeton Junior Squash honors, PU Club of NY Squash
recognition, Class of ’77 Honor, testimonial emails,
calls,and visits.
never felt he deserved the recognition he received. Rather,
he credits the wonderful, talented people with whom he
worked that made those honors a reality. Thank you, thank
you. The boys and I are grateful that he closed his eyes
knowing the legacy he leaves behind.
Needless to say, I am intimidated by the challenges that lie
however, I know Coach would not want us to bemoan but
carry-on and make him proud. Your support and prayers will
be immeasurable as we transition to a new episode in our
Please help us keep Bob alive by remembering what he lived
for and how he helped us all to be a better person.
devastated to hear the news about Bob and our thoughts and
condolences are with his family and all his colleagues at US
Squash and the collegiate game at this very tough time.
&Bob was one of the most affable and likeable characters
involved within the squash community but also a man who was
held in the highest regard by all those who knew him and
someone who inspired other. He will be sorely missed.&
Alex Gough
PSA Chief Executive
PSA Mourn Loss Of American Callahan
The Professional Squash Association (PSA) have today paid
tribute to former Princeton Men's squash coach, and one of
the most influential figures in American squash, Bob
Callahan, who tragically passed away on January 27, 2015
A respected squash coach, Callahan led the Princeton team
for 32 years before his retirement in 2013 and led them to
three national titles, ten Ivy League Championships and saw
Princeton win more Skillman Awards for sportsmanship than
any other college in the US.
He also founded and ran the world’s oldest squash summer
camp and in 1998 directed the World Junior Men’s
Championship - the first time a world championship had been
played in the US. He leaves his wife, Kristen and five sons,
all of whom played squash under him at Princeton.
Peter Byrne,
Peter Byrne has passed away
after a short battle with illness. Peter was a former junior
island champion and represented Jersey on many occasions.
Peter was instrumental in helping sponsor a squash
development officer through Bedell Group law company, of
which he was a partner.
He will be sadly missed by all the squash community. Our
thoughts are with all his many friends and family.
May Peter rest in peace and we will continue developing the
sport of squash with him always in our thoughts.
Nick Taylor
JOE SHAW -
22-Oct-14:
Joe Shaw passed away today in hospital in Brisbane. He found
out about 5 weeks ago that he had lung cancer.
After meeting Joe for the first time when I was 15 years
old, he did everything possible to help me achieve in my
I spoke with him about two weeks ago just before he went
into hospital to start his treatment, and even then all he
wanted to talk about was how my players were going, asking
about Steve, Miguel and he was happy to hear Max was top 20
I have no doubt without his mental training program and his
passion for squash I would have not achieved what I did.
Even this year before I played the Commonwealth games he
gave me advice on how to deal with coming back to play.
I have so many good memories from travelling around the
world on tour with Joe.
My two favourite memories of Joe are when he was with me in Hong Kong when I won the HK open and
became world no 1. Also at the world open in HK 2004, after
I won my semi final we were on the ferry back with Shaun,
Pat and other players and he was singing Waltzing Matilda
I want to continue his legacy that he had on the squash
world and I intend to continue his techniques in my coaching
I lack vocabulary in English to describe this emblematic
figure that was Joe. I met him in Hong Kong a few years ago
(2005 already), and we had a few laughs bless him.
Charismatic, fast, funny, down to earth, pig headed…. Joe
was never boring, that’s for sure.
His devotion to his players, in particular to David Palmer,
was legendary. He loved them, truly, and never ever forgot
them. Stories, ohhhh, he had a few. Unfortunately, they were
always “off the record, Fram”… Shaaaame I tell you!
Always thinking ahead, always believing that he could change
the World of Squash Coaching, always trying to pass on
information, Joe was one of the most positive human beings I
I just never realised he would die. And that’s why it’s such
a shock to me. Larger than Life of Squash Joe was.
Au revoir mon ami.
In life you rarely come across a special person that truly
changes the way life is for the better.
Your ambitions
matched with your ageless energy is something I have never
seen and doubt will ever see again.
You never tolerated the
unjust and always fought for what you thought was right.'
Rest in peace our beautiful dear coach knowing that you made
this squash world a better place.
I have just
heard of the passing of my great friend and mentor Joe Shaw.
I am at a loss to write the words that befit his impact on
my coaching let alone the friendship that we shared.
His influence on the squash world and coaching community was
as large as his personality.
We first met via email when I was searching for information
to benefit the kids I coached. He sent me 5 pages of
thoughts and training .... and then promptly told me to go
away leave him alone as I knew nothing about real coaching
and he was retired.
I found the information was truly enlightening and inspiring
though being told to &piss off& a bit blunt. But this was
Joe, tell it like it is.
A week later another 5 pages appeared in my email with a
request to call him if I wished to discuss. The discussion
was very one-sided always Joe telling me how little i really
Later a visit to his home in Queensland followed and in his
office I marvelled at the photo's on his office wall of all
the Legendary Squash players of previous generations, (every
photo had the same theme),
Heather McKay showing Joe how to grip a racquet....Geoff
hunt showing Joe how to hold a racquet...Hashim Khan showing
Joe how to hold a racquet...and the list went on.
After introductions and looking at said photos, I smiled and
laughed, Joe challenged, what was so funny ...you don't know
how to hold a racquet do you? To which Joe burst into loud
laughter and congratulated me on getting the joke.
Joe's legacy will continue from players and teams he
to coaches he mentored and great future coaches
David Palmer, John White and Brad Hindle.
Rest in Peace my Friend
met Joe when he brought David Palmer and John White to
Pontefract.
He was the most engaging of men, original, passionate,
strong in his beliefs.
David and John were both ranked in the 40's at that time
and, shrewd judge that I am, I told them both to find
another sport!
Joe's faith in David in particular, with whom he was very
close, was total and how right he was proved to be.
He was the sort of man, as David well knows, that once he
was with you it was for life.
He visited again and how thankful I am that our paths
Life is or Joe was extraordinary.
19-Aug-2014:
My mum, Camilla Quarterman
passed away on Saturday. She was such a presence whilst
I was playing on the Junior Circuit and she also coached
many children from Oxfordshire.
Three years ago my parents moved to Abu Dhabi, mum
really developed the squash over there and promoted the
sport at any possible moment-she coached lots of kids
over there and ran their first ever tournaments etc.
The details of her funeral are:
22nd August, St Mary's Chrurch, Cogges OX283LA
the service will start at midday and anyone is welcome
to come and pay their respects and honour my mum's life.
Katie Quarterman
Jonathan was a top 20 in England player in the eighties, he
played National League for Redwood Lodge and Weston Super
Mare, and was also an England junior.
He may have won but if not certainly did well with Darran
Mabbs in national Doubles.
Jonathan retired prematurely and took up rugby and played
first team for Weston.
He died of a suspected heart attack aged about 51.
tributes already many from squash players.
More on Irish Squash
CANADIAN SQUASH COMMUNITY LOSES ANOTHER GREAT SQUASH
BUILDER IN PAUL MARLEY
It is with a heavy heart that we inform the Squash Community
that we have lost one of the great ones this week.
After an eighteen month battle with cancer, Paul Marley
passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon.
Paul reported on the
Full tribute from Squash Canada
Paul Frost,
SQUASH CANADA LOSES ANOTHER MEMBER
OF THE CANADIAN SQUASH COMMUNITY
OTTAWA (ON) - It is with profound sadness we announce the
passing of another Canadian S PAUL FROST at the
age of 67 years as a result of a tragic car accident on
Friday, January 17th.
Paul leaves behind his beloved wife Jane Mitchell, children
Andrew, Emily and James, brother Peter and sister Patrica.
Paul started his career as the squash and tennis coach at
York University in the late 1970s, then moved on as a keen
and inspiring squash pro to Mayfair West and Mayfair
Quickly with his extensive understanding of racquet sports
and exceptional business moxy he became their general
manager, spearheading the building of Mayfair Lakeshore.
Paul was instrumental in transforming the Canadian
commercial squash industry with the hiring of world ranked
professionals Barbara Cooper and Willie Hosey as Mayfair's
head pros.
Paul will always be remembered as
winner of numerous National and Provincial mixed doubles
titles, but more importantly as a soft spoken gentleman with
incredibly soft racquet hands and an amazingly soft heart
which he opened up to everyone in the game.
Visitation will be held at the Morley Bedford Funeral Home,
159 Eglinton Ave. West, Toronto (2 lights west of Yonge St.)
on Wednesday, January 22nd from 6-9 p.m. Funeral Service
will be held at Timothy Eaton Memorial
Church, 230 St. Clair Ave. West (west of Avenue Rd.), on
Thursday, January 23rd at 11 a.m. Donations in Paul's memory
may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.ca)
or to a charity of your choice.
Riley Mercer 1998 -
Squash Canada is saddened to learn that 15 year old Riley
Mercer of Conception Bay South, Newfoundland has died of
a rare form of Brain Cancer. Riley was a member of the C.B.S.
Junior Squash Program.
Squash Canada Executive Director, Danny Da Costa said,
“Riley loved playing squash and he was a valued member of
the C.B.S junior squash program, we are sad to hear that he
lost his life due to Brain Cancer and we would like to
extend our condolences to his family, Squash NL and his
coach Eric Hart”.
Mercer is the third squash player to die in the past month.
Canadian squash player Adrian Dudzicki died when he was hit
by a vehicle while riding his bike to the National Squash
Academy, while Mark Sachvie died from a heart attack while
Attending Adrian Dudzicki’s memorial. Mark Sachvie was
Squash Ontario’s President and one of the most influential
builders of squash in Canada, 1,500 people at White Oaks
Conference Resort & Spa attended his celebration of life on
Thursday December 5, 2013.
Mark Sachvie& -2013
is with profound sadness that I report for the second time
in 2 weeks that a member of the Canadian Squash Family has
died. Mark Sachvie the 2014 Women's World Team Squash
Championship Director, the Racquets Director of White Oaks
and one of the most iconic names in Canadian squash has died
of a massive heart attack while attending Adrian Dudzicki's
He is survived by his wife Cindy Sachvie, daughter Lauren
and sons Nicholas and Chris. This is a a huge loss.
Mark was my mentor, he was one of my best friends. I have
known him for 7 years and we work everyday together to build
squash and tennis at White Oaks and then at Squash Ontario.
Mark was also the President of Squash Ontario and one of
Canada's leading squash coaches.
Danny Da Costa
Ga?tane Hitchins,
On Thursday, 14th of November we lost a young talented
player Ga?tane Hitchins at the age of 22.
Ga?tane was on her way to work by bike that morning when she
was hit and killed by a car. Not only was she a great squash
player, she was also a great and lovable person. She will be
deeply missed.
She was part of the national U19 selection several times and
was top 10 on the women’s rankings.
Belgian Squash are in shock…
Our thoughts go out the her parents David and Lieve, her
brother Vincent, sister Tess and her family and friends.
‘Always say her name, so she’ll never be forgotten.’
Kim Hannes
Dudzicki, 1989 - 2013
Some sad news to report from Toronto today.
Adrian Dudzicki (age 23) was struck and killed by a car this
morning. He was on his bike heading to training at the NSA.
He was originally from Ottawa and currently playing
full-time squash.
Mike McCueThis
is very tragic news. Adrian was a fine young man. Tough loss
he was on his way to train with some of our national team
athletes and Jamie Hickox.
Danny Da Costa, Squash Canada
Squash Canada
National Squash Academy
Dicky receiving the &services to squash& award at the
World Squash Awards in 2007
I am very sad to hear of
Dicky's passing.
From the old school of sports journalism , he was a fine
descriptive writer who had the respect of the sportspeople
he wrote about. He was knowledgeable about squash and an
interesting, friendly man with whom it was always a pleasure
to spend time ..
R.I.P. Dicky. Our thoughts
with your family and loved ones. Your love of sport and
Was truly inspiring. Farewell dear Man.
Rick HillSo
sad to hear of Dicky's passing. He was a fantastic
journalist, have many great memories of our chats court side
and in the bar. He will be sadly missed and my thoughts are
with his family.
Sue Wright&
Dicky Rutnagur
1931 - 2013
was an Indian sports journalist who was cricket
correspondent for the Hindustan Times from 1958 to 1966,
when he became a freelance based in the UK.
He covered cricket, squash and badminton for The Daily
Telegraph from 1966 to 2005.
With Anandji Dossa, he co-edited The Indian Cricket-Field
Annual throughout its life from 1957-8 to 1965-6. He first
wrote for Wisden Cricketer's Almanack in 1963, and his most
recent piece appeared in the 2007 edition.
He died on June 21, 2013 in London.
Top bloke. Dicky was always
great company: he loved his Scotch as much as cigarettes.&
Alan Thatcher
Very sad news, Taught me about the greats of the
game. Always a practical joker, Dicky once sent a Christmas
card to subs after copy was changed. He wrote &and don't cut
out the HAPPY' to them.&
Rod Gilmour
One of the last great British national newspaper
squash correspondents. RIP&& Howard Harding
It was with great sadness that I learnt of Dicky’s
passing today. He was a great friend to all squash players,
great company and a fine writer about our beloved sport.
Many of us would buy the Daily Telegraph for his squash
reports alone, especially in the days way back when few
newspapers gave coverage to squash.
He had a considerable knowledge about the sport and its
players and was frequently to be seen in the tournament
hotel with many of the games greats enjoying a post match
dinner and a long chat, although often punctuated by having
to rush off to file his copy. He had a wonderful sense of
humour with a great sense of fun and there was very often a
twinkle in his eye. It was therefore always a pleasure to
know that he would be in attendance and covering an event.
RIP Dicky, it has been an absolute pleasure knowing you.
Ian Robinson
Dicky Rutnagur belonged to a journalistic age when quality
writers wrote about t in Dicky's case
cricket and squash.
I well remember him bemoaning the fact that surrounding him
on a cricket tour were a bunch of so-called journalists who
were there solely to conjure up stories, such as the
infamous Mike Gatting affair.
Dicky was not only a fine journalist.he was a lovely,
gentle, humourous man. He will be happy that he was true to
loved. I remember him with fondness.
Malcolm Willstrop
It is with great sadness that I
read about Dicky's passing. Along with Colin McQuillan,
Martin Bronstein and Richard Eaton, Dicky was one of the
first journalists I spoke to upon my breakthrough in the
game. I was always astounded by Dicky's knowledge, passion
and enthusiasm for the game. He had a unique insight and
loved the history of the game yet embraced the future.
Best wishes to Dicky's family
Nick Matthew&
&JOHN TIMPERLEY
Squash players and supporters worldwide will be saddened to
learn of the passing of John Timperley who for many years
was a prominent and influential figure in the game as it
modernised in the 1970s and 1980s.
John played badminton for England and was ranked number 1 in
the country before switching to squash at 28 after a back
injury ended his time at the top. He was naturally gifted
and reached county standard playing for the Surrey first
team. He was captain of the Surrey team that won the Over 45
inter- county championships. John reached the quarter finals
of The British Open Over 45 in 1979 losing to the eventual
winner Australian Kevin Parker.
He was also an advanced coach.
John was very much involved in the administration and
refereeing of our sport. He refereed the British Open Final
(maybe more than once) when it was played at Wembley.
As an international referee he served on the referees' and
markers' committee of the Squash Rackets Association and he
was a widely travelled tournament organiser promoting the
game throughout the world helping organise The Hashim Khan
Trophy in Pakistan which was attended by the Prime Minister
and former President Ali Bhutto and his daughter Benazir. He
also ran the Caribbean Area Championships and the Spanish
He was involved in the early days of TV commentary and
realised the power of the media in promoting squash. He was
well ahead of his time on this.
John wrote or co authored several squash books including
'Squash Rules OK' with a foreward written by Geoff Hunt
,which was published in 1983. He also produced a video of
the 1978 British Open Championships with the athletics
commentator Ron Pickering.
In the early days of the pro tour John was a friend of many
of the top players He even travelled to Pakistan to try and
find out more about the Mohibullah Khan heroin incident,
hoping in vain to help. In Peshwar John was strongly advised
to drop his investigation because of fears for his safety.
Mohibullah always pleaded his innocence and John organised
his defence. Jonah Barrington spoke on Mohibullah’s behalf
believing that the drugs had been planted on him. Mohibullah
served seven years for a crime that many squash players
thought he did not commit as he was number two in the world
and a rich man in his country. John regulary visited him in
Reading jail.
He was married to one of England's most successful badminton
players June White, although they later divorced, and he was
the father of three children, David, Nicky and Karen.
In his later years John became a lyricist, and writer of
plays and musicals including one about JFK which was well
It is with great sadness that I
heard of the passing of John Timperley ('Timps') last week.
He became a good friend for many years beyond my short
squash career at the beginning of the 80's. Always
encouraging, always helpful, and with a wonderful sense of
humour, he was at times a great influence in my life.
John enjoyed an extensive circle of friends, and was always
mindful of keeping in touch - one of my very first memories
of him was during a 1984 squash trip to Barbados, where I
watched with amazement as he sat down to write probably
about 100 postcards in one sitting, the same apt and
humorous one-liner on each!
A good friend, mentor and a gentleman, like many others I
shall remember Timps fondly. Our condolences to his family.
Nicky Henderson
(née Spurgeon)
Peter Z?belein,
German WSF Referee Peter
Z?belein tragically collapsed and died on 3rd May at the
European Team Championships in Amsterdam.
Not only one of the world’s top referees, Peter was a
genuinely nice guy, liked and respected by everybody in
squash. His passing at the impossibly early age of fifty is
difficult to come to terms with.
His families, his own and also his squash family will miss
him hugely.
Rest in peace, Peter.
Andrew Shelley
We are all still in shock
and very saddened about the sudden, shocking passing of
Peter was a well respected referee and will be sadly missed
by his many squash colleagues and friends.
My sincere condolences go to his family, friends and
colleagues around the world.
May you rest in peace Peter.
Wendy Danzey
I still try to find my mind
after this, I can’t believe. 2 days before we are seating at
the bar, drink beers and speak about some stuff… Great
condolence to family and close friend.
I knew Peter for 3 years He was a nice, heart guy, great
referee. So shame….
Denis Lopatin&
It is a very sad day here in
Amsterdam, since this morning.
Peter Z?belein was taken to hospital early this morning as
most of the players were having their breakfast. He was
taking by helicopter to the closest hospital, and received
all the care possible.
We unfortunately heard a bit later that he had passed away.
The emotions are running high in the German Camp. Officials,
Players, Referees, all are showing how deeply hurt and
stunned they all are.
We all are.
Peter had become a familiar face on the tour, he was one of
the &coming up& refs. He will be truly truly missed.
Repose en paix, Peter.
Framboise Gommendy
A sad time in Amsterdam for all
Peter's friends.
He was a good companion, and a valued colleague referee.
My sincere condolences to his family and all his good
friends in Germany and beyond.
May he rest in peace.
John Massarella
My english is not perfect , but I want to say that I’m
hearing very sad news. As I’m still just beginning to
referee at high level, I met Peter last November in N?mes.
The first match I refereed was with him. Peter had a very
pleasant behavior.
He gave me plenty of good tips and he tried to put me in
confidence. As we stayed in touch, I could see that Peter
was very passionate about squash, and dreamed of finally
seeing our sport become an Olympic Game. If it happens, make
sure that I will have a big thought for him.
I would like to express my support for all his family and
relatives in&
Stéphane Essaye
Very sorry to hear the news,
we lost one good WSF referee and one who had passion with
squash. We all miss you, Peter.
AmosI still
can't believe what happened on the 3rd of May where Peter
Z?belein collapsed at the breakfast room and died later in
the hospital.
It is hard to believe that someone you have known for
arround 15 years is now no longer among us.
My condolence goes out to the family and friends.
You will be missed, Peter
Simon R?sner
We were all shocked and deeply saddened by Peter's
ill health and subsequent passing in Amsterdam.
His commitment, enthusiasm, and expertise will always be
remembered by us. Sincere condolences to his family and
friends in Germany.
Auf Wiedersehen Mein Freund.
Clive Smith
Nick Gatward,
news that Nick Gatward has passed away very suddenly
in hospital.
He was not only a very close personal friend, but has been a
stalwart for Cheshire Squash, and England International and
Masters National Champion. We had some fantastic times all
over the UK playing inter-county, especially in the North
East and Durham.
Within my years involved Cheshire squash, and the North West
Counties League, Gatward was a star. When we played for
Chester Rugby Club in the NWCL, with John Clark, our number
one was a very young and shy Peter Nicol !
He was the very, very best of people a great friend to all
with fantastic sense of humour, a brilliant player with
fantastic racket skills.
His passing has been posted on facebook and comments have
been made from players from all over the UK.
Gats will be remembered by everyone who met him, both on and
off the squash court, and our thoughts are with his Em his
wife and daughters, Mia and Eva at this very sad time.
Andy Nickeas
I am saddened to read about
What on earth happened, he is far too young to have passed
away. I am not on Facebook and therefore all I know is the
brief bit on SS.
I knew Nick from my Cheshire days. He always had a friendly
face and a great laugh to be around.
He was a joy to watch on court and all that needs to be said
is ‘what a loss’. My thoughts are with his family.
Linda Davie&
I am deeply saddened by the news of Nick's passing.
He was a fantastic player and great bloke.
My thoughts are with his family.
Danny Lee&
It is very sad to hear of Nick
passing away,he was a fantastic squash player and in my
opinion one of the most talented players that graced the
I can go back to 1977 when he was one of the best juniors in
England and he gave me such a thrashing at Warrington Sports
Club, and I thought that is how I want to play squash and it
shaped my game and coaching career. We would always meet up
over the years and reminisce about that match.
He was also very humble and understood the sport. I would
always seek his opinion about the modern player and we used
to compare it with the past which is never a good idea, but
he was positive about the modern game. This is how talented
I remember playing him in the Wrexham Open when I was in the
top few in England and felt nervous as he was so gifted that
he took the first game and it always reminded me of the
thrashing I got as a junior all those years before.
My prayers are with his wife and family at this time as he
was truly an unique person.
Love, David Pearson&
Devastated to hear the news of
Nick’s passing, as a junior I learned a lot from watching
Gats…a very talented and skilful player!
We played Yorkshire league together for Ilkley for a season
and enjoyed the conversations we had.
My thought are with his friends and family at this very sad
time...love to his wife Em and his two girls Mia and Eva
Nick Taylor&
Such sad news about Nick. I
didn't know him well but I have a very strong memory of him
in my career. We played on court 4 at Harrogate Squash Club
and to this day I reckon it was one of my hardest, most
challenging matches ever.
Talk about tough! Not just fitness wise but ideas. I managed
to scrape through in 4 but I felt like I had reached a
milestone and just beaten Jahangir Khan!
Considering that match was probably around 1986 I remember
it like it was yesterday. My thoughts go out to his family
and friends.
Simon Parke&
We played in the same team
together many years ago in NW counties and those were some
of my favourite seasons as I enjoyed his company so much. A
great player, great person and a tragic loss.
Hadrian Stiff&
I am deeply saddened of Nick's
passing. Such a talented player and such a great guy.
Being raised in the Chester area and played in north west
counties I remember how much of a great reputation he had
and a great personality.
My thoughts are with his wife and family.
Paul Mathieson
Nick Gatward was a wizard with
the racket. I can remember playing him on the glass back at
Chester Rugby Club….
The court always seemed so much bigger when you played Gats.
I’d hit a lob above his head and I kid you not, Nick facing
the wrong way, ie the glass, hit a winning volley boast with
his eyes closed as the ball was over head. It was
outrageous.
“Didn’t tell you I’ve got a special eye in the back of my
head,” he said with a smile. Ace fella.
Peter Astbury - Warrington
So sad to hear the news of
Nick's passing. Like many in the North West, I have great
memories of Nick both on and off court.
He was a true gent to play and I'll keep fond memories of
our battles! A sad loss.
Yawar Abbas&
So shocked and saddened by the
news of Nicky Gatward's passing. New him from my days
playing Chester And District Badminton Leagues where Nick
used his squash skills to bamboozle us.
So sorry I never got to see him on a squash court but heard
many reports of his natural brilliance and talent. Rest in
peace my friend...
Andrew Torbet
Comments on Facebook
I woke up this
morning to find out the passing of Nick Gatward.
I'm really shocked and saddened. A true gentleman with a
great sense of humour. A hugely talented left handed squash
player who could find shots from anywhere. I'm honored to
have played in the North West counties league with him and
against him.
My thoughts and prayers are with Nicks family and everyone
associated with this great man. RIP my friend.
Clive Leach
Devastated and deeply saddened.
I recognise the SS picture from the Masters Home
Internationals in Nottingham. He was without doubt a modest
gentleman, a very gifted squash player a National Champion
and an England Masters International.
I am proud to say I played against him and it was a honour
and a lesson I will not forget.
Clark Adam&
What terribly
sad news. Nick was a hugely respected figure on the national
squash map and in Cheshire - as a big part of our close
squash family - he was almost mystical.
Everyone has a story about Nick and every one would
emphasise his cheerfulness, sportsmanship and great
character. Everyone loved him, though on court this love was
often stretched by him yet again sending his opponent the
wrong way, and perhaps with a cheeky little grin to rub it
One of the few genuinely great talents and someone whose
very name evoked warm affection.
My sincere condolences.
Robert Forde&
I am very sorry
to hear of Nick's passing. I have very fond memories of
playing alongside him for Chester rugnby club on a tuesday
He was a joy to watch on a squash court and had a real
&squash brain&. He saw the game in a different way and as a
young professional at the time I felt I learned lots by
being in the same team week in week out. Off he court he was
equally as enjoyable to be around and he will be missed
My thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time.
R.I.P Nick.
Jethro Binns
So very sad to
hear of Nick’s passing.
It was a great privilege to play in the same team as Nick
when he played in the Shropshire League.
As a left hander I loved watching him play, he was an
immensely talented player, the times I watched him turn his
opponents inside out with his ability and skill never ceased
to make me smile.
In the bar after he was always great company and ready to
join in with the post match banter, a genuinely nice bloke
and a true gent.
My thoughts are with his family.
Dave Edwards&
I was deeply
saddened to hear of Nick
I have had the pleasure of knowing Nick for many years.
Playing against him in the early 1980's and getting
resoundly beaten and, in more recent times, playing in the
same team for Chester Rugby Club. He was one of the most
gifted squash players I have ever seen and always enjoyed
watchin him play. On court and off court Nick was a true
gent, always having time for everyone and always with a
laugh and a joke. I will miss him.
My thoughts are with his family.
Dave Whitehead
Very sad to
hear about the loss of Gats. A local squash legend who will
be remembered as a guy with huge talent and a huge
character. Like most of those who knew him we will all have
a story to tell. RIP
Paul Kettle
Harry Faulkner&
players here knew or had played Harry and Pontefract Squash
Club would like Harry's family and friends to know that our
thoughts are with you.
James Willstrop, Malcolm Willstrop & Michael Todd
My thoughts are with Harry's
family at this difficult time.
Harry was one of the nice guys, a pleasure to coach as well
as being very respectful to all those around him. He will be
sadly missed but never forgotten.
Fiona Geaves
Adri van Noort,
Hundreds of people turned out to attend the funeral of Adri
van Noort on Saturday October 13th. The 51-year old passed
away unexpectedly last Tuesday due to a heart attack. During
the 2-hour service in the Agatha church in Beverwijk, former
Dutch champion Eric van der Pluijm addressed his good friend
on behalf of the national squash community thanking him for
all he did for the game.
Van Noort, who worked as a policeman for almost 35 years,
was well known to Dutch squash due to his involvement in the
organisation of almost every major squash championship
staged in the Netherlands for the past two decades. Just two
days before his death, Van Noort had organised what was to
be his last tournament in the Dutch city of Hoofddorp.
His death has come as a major shock to the Dutch squash
community and he will be dearly missed.
Adri van Noort flanked by
Arnold van der Harst (left)
and Ida Misker (right)
Sunil Verma
SRFI Executive Committee and staff at the Indian Squash
Academy are all extremely sorry to hear of the untimely
death of one of our leading squash coaches Mr Sunil Verma of
the Jindal Squash Academy, Maharashtra. Sunil died of a
sudden heart attack yesterday evening.
Sunil had the distinction of producing international class
players like the Sandeep & Vikas Jangra, Urwashi Joshi and
Saumya Karki. Hundreds of other children also benefited from
his coaching. Sunil has travelled on a number of occasions
with the Indian team. The last trip was early last year with
the Indian Juniors for the Asian Junior Individual
Championship in Jordan.
It is indeed a great loss to Indian Squash and his
contributions to the field of coaching shall always be
remembered said Mr N. Ramachandran, Patron of SRFI and World
Squash President.
Echoing his sentiments Mr Srivatsan Subramaniam, Secretary
General of SRFI said the SRFI mourns the loss of a great
All the coaches at the ISA lead by Maj. (R). S. Maniam and
Cyrus Poncha express sadness at the loss of a true friend.
We cannot imagine the pain of losing a spouse. We extend our
deepest sympathy to his wife Shanti and all his relatives.
May his soul rest in peace.
At the 2004 Tournament of Champions, the MSRA presented its
Board of Governors Award to Michael Rothernberg for his
outstanding contributions to the MSRA and to the game of
squash in the New York Metropolitan area.
&There has never been a finer
man in New York squash than Michael Rothenberg, or a finer
leader ...&
Michael Rothenberg&&
Fran Marshall, 1930 - 2011
Fran Marshall, British Open champion in 1961 and
England number one for a decade, renowned as &the last
person to beat Heather McKay&, passed away this week in
Northumberland.
Our thoughts are with her family ... comments and tributes
with sadness that I heard that Fran had died last week.
a great ambassador for squash in Yorkshire and I was lucky
enough to be able to benefit from her expertise through
coaching provided via&Yorkshire&squash.
I played against her several times in her later years,
finally stealing the&Yorkshire&title
from her before she retired.
great character in squash and will be much missed.
like to offer my condolences and best wishes to all her
Suzanne Horner
December 2011: Nicolas Van Caesbroeck (30)
Nicolas was a great talent during juniors. He won 9 Belgian
junior titles between 1990 and 1999 and was part of
different national selections over the years.
Not only was he a great squash player he was also a great
person with a great sense of humour.
Belgian squash are in shock!
Our thoughts are with his wife, his son (18 months), his
family and friends...
Kim Hannes
Willis, 1942 - 2011
tributes to
Top dad, top
husband, top ‘Pop’, top writer, top man! Much-loved and much
missed. –
Margaret, Helen Richard, Gary, Nicola and your four lovely
grandchildren Hannah, Charlie, Thomas and Alfie. xx
Helen Nash&
Fred was one of the greats
of a breed which is sadly dying: the ‘regional press squash
correspondent’.
I knew him for more years than I care to remember – and all
the time he successfully reworked local, national and
international squash news to make sure that his YEP readers
had the best Yorkshire version.
He was a magnificent ambassador for our sport and will be
very sadly missed
Howard Harding
Fred was a lovely man and
looked after the BSPA’s press needs for over a decade. It
was always a pleasure to deal with him, and just great to
chat to him on the phone before each event when he would
meticulously go through where each player was from having
not been able to read my hand writing!
Top man, rest well Fred.
Tim Garner
His contribution to squash over
the years has been incredible. ESR awarding Fred an
Outstanding Contribution to Squash award at the National
Championships in 2009. Malcolm Willstrop presented Fred with
his very well deserved award in recognition for his long
serving support of squash in England.
Fred will be greatly missed by all involved in squash
especially in his native Yorkshire where many of us relied
on Fred to accurately report on matches and events
throughout the county and beyond.
All in Yorkshire, players and
county administrators alike, are extremely saddened to learn
that Fred had passed away. Fred had provided a unique
service to Yorkshire squash for many years reporting the
results of Yorkshire league matches and other activities in
his column in the Evening Post. In particular, Fred was keen
to encourage Yorkshire juniors and was constantly seeking
out information on which players had performed well at the
various events. Apart from his dedication what was most
impressive about Fred was his attention to detail sometimes
making numerous phone calls to ensure his facts were
He will be greatly missed by those involved in Yorkshire
squash and our deepest sympathy is extended to his family.
Jeff Williams
On behalf of Yorkshire squash.
It is with great sadness that I
learn of Fred’s passing. Fred was a dedicated servant of the
great sport of squash in Yorkshire as an ever present
reporter of all things Yorkshire squash. He always ensured
that any successes involving Yorkshire squash players was
presented to the community through the medium of the
Yorkshire Evening Post. He was an integral part of the boom
in squash in Yorkshire on both a national and international
scale. He was probably the reason why elite squash has
become such a integral part of the county’s culture.
Fred’s consistent and regular reports were to be relied
upon. It was only fitting that England Squash should
recognised his contribution to squash and make their special
award to him for services to the sport he served so well. It
is especially sad to consider that Fred may well be
remembered as one of the last of a dying breed of squash
writers able to contribute regular column inches in the
printed medium when it is such a struggle against the
background of priorities given to other sports and the lack
of space to fill.
I first met Fred as an up and coming junior in Yorkshire
when he would always keep in touch with me, following my
career on behalf of the newspaper through County Closed
championships and beyond. He was always genial, supportive,
a great enthusiast and regular attendee at events he could
get to. His commitment was unquestioned and highly valued.
Fred will be sorely missed and my deepest sympathies
especially go to his family in their sadness, while at the
same time mourning the loss of a truly devoted squash man.
Ian Robinson
It was with
great sadness that I heard that Fred had died. He was a
mannered, civilised man, whose contribution to the game of
squash, through his sustained and dedicated work for the
Yorkshire Evening Post, cannot be underestimated.
It helps to know that I was present when England Squash paid
tribute to him for his work and his modest pride that day is
something I will always remember.
You will be much missed, Fred, and thanks for everything.
Malcolm Willstrop
unsung and understated would be appropriate for Fred. For so
many years now squash has had representation in one of the
prominent regional newspapers, the Yorkshire Evening Post,
every Tuesday.
Fred wrote this tennis and squash column and the amount of
time and effort this demanded of him is immeasurable. He did
a great service to squash in the Yorkshire region, and few
may know it.
I remember clearly our regular telephone conversations after
major tournaments. He was always genuinely interested and
delighted in the success of the region's players. I
appreciated his support and honest reports greatly.
I remember Fred as a gentle, warm man. It's so sad to hear
H my best wishes to his family.
James Willstrop
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