Tributes:
To leave a tribute to Jim Please Email MartClarke@aol.com and it will appear here shortly
Jim McNamee an Ilford Athletic Club Life member has died at the age of 67 after becoming ill at the beginning of the year. He was a prolific male veteran competitor and charismatic team manager and leader. Jimmy joined the club in September 1973 and immediately made his presence felt, coming from a football background he continually improved as a competitive sprinter until eventually finding success as a top class veteran at national level.
Jimmy made the Essex 100m and 400m titles virtually his own over a period of 10 years and still holds the 400 metres record with a time of 53.7sec. In the Southern Counties he won titles at 200m, 400m and decathlon on more than one occasion together with numerous place medals At national level he won the 400m (over-40), 400m hurdles and 800m (over- 50) and in the 1984 European Veterans Championships he was a finalist in the pentathlon and member of the Great Britain Silver medal 4 x 400m relay team.
Our thoughts and condolences go to Gina, Helen,
Claire and family at this sad time. A unique and inspiring team member
Jimmy will be sorely missed....
Gerry
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Jim
("No. 1") quite simply was an inspiration to all at Ilford AC. He
was a tireless and enthusing team manager and I never saw him give
less than 100% in any competition (and he was competitive in most
training sessions as well !). He would have gone through the card at
most league matches given the chance and was always willing to put
himself on the line for "that extra point". If he couldn't do it
then his powers of persuasion kicked in and no matter what excuses
might be forthcoming there was always an Ilford athlete collecting
those not to be missed points in the Pole Vault or B string hurdles.
Jim generated wonderful team spirit and many many lasting
friendships within the club.
A great athlete and a great guy. His passing will leave
Cricklefields an emptier (and quieter !) place.
Andy ("No 2") Catton
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Farewell Jim old friend.
You brought joy, laughter and a sparkle to all our lives and we are the richer for it.
God Bless.
Tony
__________________________________________________________________________ A truly individual and charismatic
character who cannot be replaced. His humour was beyond compare and
of course Jim had this knack of persuading everyone to do something
that was completely alien to them, whether it was throw a javelin,
do a triple jump or attempt to throw a hammer. "All you got to do is
make a mark" he'd say. Then after you'd fail dismally he would
berate you with "Bloody Hell even Martin could do better than
that". Believe it or not Jim did have more than
one joke. "Let me put it another way - he did have more than one
joke". Take care Jim and watch out for my
email. Martin
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Mart...Sad about Jim. Your bit about him encouraging people to do stuff they wouldn’t normally try, reminds me when he was encouraging me to try the javelin in preparation for an upcoming event when we may have been so desperate, I was considering stepping in. I think you may well have been present but anyway I was “making a mark” under Jims tuition but it didn’t feel right and I told him it felt unnatural. I demonstrated how I would have thrown it without Jims “expert tuition”, and of course it landed a considerably further distance. Of course Jim completely disregarded that and continued to try and show me his way. Bless him
Owen
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I was very sorry to learn
of the passing of Jim Mcnamee.
He was a larger than life character and so full of enthusiasm for
Athletics. I did not come into contact with
Jim very often, the last time was in 2005 at a Southern Vets meeting
where his encouragement knew no bounds.
The Clubs Track and Field section are going to miss him in a big way.
Mike Hinton
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I know what Jim used to do for a living, but surely he should have been a salesman - for he truly had "the gift of the gab". For years at Veterans T&F meetings he had the ability to cajole anybody to attempt events that they would never have dreamt of trying - all to get points for Ilford AC! When any gap did appear on a team sheet Jim would put his name down to ensure points were accrued. A decathlete does 10 events. Well they should have come up with a term for Jim, whose repertoire extended beyond 20.
A few years ago Ilford's home meeting clashed with an FA Cup Final and being a helpful announcer I put out a couple of score flashes plus the result. Indeed a couple of people popped-in to the announcer's room to express appreciation. Then came Jim booming that I'd spoilt his enjoyment as he'd set his video and intended playing it as though he was watching it 'live'. Still as anybody who picks up a microphone will tell you, upsetting somebody is never far off (and Jim was the aggrieved listener that day).
One of the most enthusiastic members I've ever met. And...he had the last word at this year's AGM, for his message - telling us all to stick together to improve the Club - was relayed to us from his hospital bed! That's Jim, thinking about Ilford AC to the end. Thanks for many great memories.
Dave Ainsworth
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We've just got your e-mail
via Ray with the sad news about Jim.
He will be much missed by
all his fellow athletes in the Clubs which have taken part in the S Vets
League matches over the years, but also fondly remembered for his gutsy
performances and admiration of his work for the Ilford athletes.
Yours sincerely,
Bill and Maureen Lane
Herts Phoenix AC (formerly
known as Verlea AC & Hertford & Ware AC)
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I am very sad to hear the news my condolences go to all his family in this difficult time. Although I have only been at the club for just over 3 1/2 years I got to know Jim as a very nice guy and pleasant to be around, what now a great tragedy to lose someone with that persona, ability and talent that was really in the prime of their life, doesn't it make you feel S**T that these things happen to nice people.
Paul Cheal
Please give my regards to his family.
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Jim was one of the most energetic, charismatic people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I always looked forward to being in his company and he will be sorely missed by many people
One of my first memories of Jim, is his singing in the dressing room after every training session "I love you baby and if its quite all right I need you baby" - I will miss his dulcet tones
Wayne
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Jim was one of my best friends.
Always up, positive, competitive, encouraging, forgiving and loyal.
He saw me grow up and helped turn me into a man.
I will miss him
Unmatched and irreplaceable
Craig
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During the 1990s at Ilford AC Jim was
my friend; my coach; my training
buddy; the person who nagged and encouraged me; my transport to Hainault
Forest and race meetings; but most of all: my inspiration. I am grateful to
have known him. Rest in Peace Jim x
Antoinette Davis
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I was very sorry to hear of the sad loss of Jim. He was always one of the most cheerful and lively characters at the Vets League meetings and will be sorely missed. However, I remember him best from our City days when I could always rely on him to turn out for our company cross country team in the Inter Bank and Stock Exchange Championships. He regularly reminded me that it was not his favoured running distance but he nevertheless always acquitted himself well. Please pass on the condolences of all at E & H to his family.
Frank Adams
Chairman
Enfield & Haringey A C
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Jim made me club captain when he was
team manager and we were relegated to Division 2. Needless to say our double
act ensured that we won promotion straight back into division one.
I have Jim to 'thank' for 'encouraging' me to run my one and only
steeplechase (in the same meeting as doubling up in the 800m & 1500m and
doing the 4x4 relay!). Jim also encouraged me to try the 800, 1500 & 5000 in
one league match...
To say that Jim had a fantastic sense of humour and great powers of
persuasion would be an understatement. The great thing about Jim is that he
lead by example. If he asked me to do 4 events, he was willing to do 5 or 6!
I have fond memories of Jim's 50th birthday party and remember at the time
not being able to contemplate competing as a veteran with as much vigour
enthusiasm as Jim had. Hopefully I will be able to use his passing as a
catalyst to make an impression in veteran athletics.
Some people are able to leave a lasting impression on one's athletic career,
Jim McNamee certainly left one on mine!
May his life be forever be celebrated!
Dunstan Creavalle
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Farewell
Jim
You can now run with the angels!
God
bless
Darren Bottrill x
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A few weeks ago I was
very saddened to hear that Jim was so ill. In May
when I chatted to him at the IAC reunion party he seemed fine and had
lost
none of his charisma and wit. Kidding me about my excess pounds and
growing
girth was something to be expected from Jim, although as always it was
said
in a fun way.
When Jim first appeared at the club in the early 70's he was immediately
a
hit with the members and especially the male juniors who loved this
newcomer who had real character and no stuffiness. Whilst being
substantially older than the training group Jim joined Eric Ayling's
"Big
"E" squad" and helped all of us to improve our athletic performances.
Most
importantly though Jim taught us to enjoy our sport and the enthusiasm
he
displayed for all sporting activities had a lifelong effect on us all. I
can remember the fun we had with his "Elvis" banter where all and
sundry,
known and unknown, would be victims of Jim's quick wit and harmless
ridicule (Especially Hubert Jean-Jacques!). Jim was also instrumental at
that time in setting up the IAC senior men's "B" track team which had
considerable success, allowing junior members to blood themselves
against
senior opposition, and giving "A" team members a softer return to
competition following injury or illness. The bizarre thing at this time
is
that ultimately competing for the B's became more popular than the A's,
mainly because the B event was always going to be fun with Jim around.
Visiting the club or attending a club functions will not be the same
without Jim, although his legacy to the club and its members is
enormous.
Jim was clean living, honest and fun to be with and surely he will be an
Olympic champion in that arena in the sky.
Kim, our children and I all send our deepest sympathy to Gina, Helen and
Claire. Jim was a fine man and someone I was pleased to spend many
quality
hours with during my life.
Gary Webb
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Sorry to hear about the sad passing of Jim.
I remember him from the early 70’s. Always gracious and appreciative of us outlaws in the Race Walking clan! I will remember him as a smiling, good humoured bloke who was also a decent athlete.
My sincere condolences to Jim’s family and friends.
Len Ruddock
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Most probably the funniest man I have had the pleasure of knowing.
He made my journey into work go so quick with non stop laughter and was always a pleasure to be with down at the track or at Chigwell in the winter.
Lee Malcolm
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I was deeply saddened to hear
the news about the sudden death of Jim.
Didi
I was extremely
saddened to hear the news about Jim.
Geoff Harrold told me at P lock last night
Please pass on my condolences to all it may concern
Best regards
Barry T Cook
(Enfield and Haringey)
Mum and I are saddened to hear the news about Jim. He was a lively and much loved character of the club who always had a beaming smile on his face no matter what.
He will be missed terribly by all who have had the pleasure in knowing him and will leave a big gap within the club.
Our thoughts and condolences go to Gina and the family at this sad time.
Claire & Margaret
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Jim
It was a pleasure and honour to know you. Although I've only been an
Ilford member since 2003 you were always a source of encouragement and
entertainment while helping me with my running. Thank you for finding
the
time to offer advice during training, which is a testimony to your
willingness to help others. Your stories of past achievements and
competitions certainly helped during the sessions - 1 to gain an insight
into competition and 2, once you started a story it was difficult to
stop
you so I was able to sneak in a longer recovery.
May you rest in peace.
Our condolences go out to Gina, Helen and family.
Henry and Jordan Ricketts
For me, Jim
represented the pride, enthusiasm and hard work that
encouraged me and I'm sure many others to train hard and achieve
their best as an athlete. He always seemed to be the first person I
would see when I arrived at the track and always opened with a one-
liner to start the evening with a smile. And when you needed someone
to stand up for a matter of principle, Jim was always the first to
take it on. I miss Jim at the track. Ilford AC is an emptier place
without him. I hope he is in a good place now.
Matt
Dear Martin, I have just read your email sent by Ray with the sad news about Jim. He will be sadly missed by me and the Barnet & District A C members who have got to know him over many years at the Southern Vets League. He will be missed by all. Please convey our condolences to his family and friends.
John Atkinson (Barnet AC)
To Jimmy boy, the only
bloke I could beat in the fartleks on Saturday and the one with the
best legs.
sleep well Jimmy boy
Mel xx
"When I first visited
Ilford A.C. you were the first person I spoke with, and I thank you for
all the advice and coaching you gave to me over the years. You be
remembered as a friendly, funny, well respected athlete, looked-up to by
your fellow athletes, and will never be forgotten" R.I.P.
Sam Malekout
I was extremely saddened to hear the news about Jim.
I’ll always remember him as a true character and a constant
source of inspiration. On many occasions, especially just after
a hard track session, he would take the time to walk over to me
and congratulate me on my efforts and offer motivational advice
....usually “Have you ever thought about taking up athletics ?”
I’ll certainly miss him, and Jim.... the answer is still “No”
Alan Lattimore
On hearing the very
sad news of Jim's passing, I offer my condolences to Gina, Helen
and Claire.
Jim brought joy and laughter to our training group, especially
Saturday winter afternoons on the hills of Hainault Forest.
He was and will be remembered as a lovely and good man, full of
fun and it was a pleasure to have known him.
He will be greatly missed by ALL.
To my 'King of the Hill'
God bless
Wendy Cearns.
I didn't know you for too long
only about a year and a half but i learned a great deal from
you.When i started speaking to you i realised you were a nice bloke.
Thanks for the praise and encouragement and also the earfuls when i
messed up with something.
R.I.P. Jim
Liam
Leddy
Although not being a club member for many years and not training at
Cricklefields, Jim enthusiasm on match days (whether it be a muddy,
rainy Essex League cross-country fixture or a league match on the
track) was infectious. Matches will now be a quieter place.
Rest in peace
Rob Nixon
I joined Ilford in the mid eighties with a view to improving my
road running; track and field was definitely not on the agenda,
or so I
thought.
It wasn’t very long before I was being “encouraged” by some
bloke in the sprinting squad to turn out for the clubs B track
team.
The banter went on for months until I decided to take him up on
his challenge. I ran for Ilford’s B track team for the next two
or three seasons, failing miserably to keep up with Sir Les
Rowarth over 5000M, running my one and only steeplechase in
front of an admiring home crowd, and playing my part in a sprint
relay victory (following a dubious baton change disqualification
for the team 100M in front). All great fun.
Whenever I talk to anybody about my running I always say that I
ran 5000M for Ilford Athletic Club (after all, everyone runs on
the road these days) This only came about from the persistent,
pertinent and witty jibes from that bloke in the sprint squad.
From the tributes on the web site it’s clear I’m not the only
one who owes Jim a drink or two when we all gather again in some
better place.
Ilford AC has lost an irrepressible force of nature. He will be
greatly missed.
Martin Layzell
As youngsters
Jim inspired us, encouraged us, and hard to believe I know, even bullied us
into turning out for the club and getting the best out of ourselves. And
what a fantastic athlete The Kid was himself. He always led from the front,
whether in the 'B' string hammer, one more chorus of "pretty baby" or
contributing to "the box" up at Edgar's. Perhaps more importantly, he was
one of those special people that nurture in us a love of competition -
despite life's setbacks, it's something we still seek.
Rest In Peace Jim, I Know you'll be getting the team in shape wherever you
are.
Neil Keane
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Jim was a great friend, he was larger than life
and was always making me laugh. Whether it was asking complete strangers
over the forest if they wanted his autograph (including Frank Bruno), his
jokes or the way he cut the pack during our card nights. He will be missed
so much, and I will always think of him when I run up the clay hill.....
Alun
Jim was an inspirational
coach, a superb athlete and most of all the best friend you could ever
ask for! Jim coached me from the age of 14 to 23 and I can truly say I
was never happier than when I was down at the track with him. He put so
much time and effort into helping me run as fast as I could and
supporting my progress through the years. I remember all the lifts, all
the extra training sessions at the park, the long chats after training
and of course the amazing jokes and embarrassing moments which generally
involved footballers!
I feel so blessed to
have known Jim and to have done most of my growing up under his
guidance. After moving away a few years ago my fiancé and I were lucky
enough to see him at one of the home matches this year. We had a great
time catching up and hearing his jokes again especially when he
started acting out the court room scene from "A few good men". Every
time I see this film now I am reminded of him.
I offer my condolences to Gina, Helen and Claire and also a big thank
you for letting your husband/dad spend so much of his time training me!
Matt Menlove
No words can ever fill the void of someone’s
departure but the memories stay for ever and none more so than those
of “Jimmy” or just “James” as he was to me.
A memory from some years ago that must surely be echoed by many in
similar situations, the Vets T& F finals day at Hendon, walking
back to the start after finishing on my knees after my third event
the 200m feeling relieved that that was it for the day – wrong,
decidedly wrong ! “Gerry where do you think you’re going the 3000m
is just starting get over there now, hurry up man”. I recall now
that Jim’s words were a bit more colourful and that those first two
laps took an eternity.
Some years ago now when we lived in Seven Kings Jim and Gina were
our bottom of the garden neighbours so it was often our “privilege”
to have Jim giving us horticultural advice or as more likely the
latest on IAC gossip. Maybe we should name a rose after Jim. I think
it would be a sort of ‘in your face’ kind with big beaming smile. As
for a name well that needs some thought.
Club AGM’s will now never be the same again, questions about club
expenditure from Jim were always awkward to answer. Many a time he
would question the integrity of some committee office nomination, in
particular I remember once the election of a president elect and the
question would be a familiar one from Jim - “Has he paid his subs?”
Again many years ago when our children were just toddlers some of
the club’s young girls would take it in turns to push the pram
around the track much to Jim’s annoyance “Kids always getting in
every bodies way” he would mutter. Well of course that viewpoint
was all to change with the arrival of Jim and Gina’s very own
delightful daughters.
James thank you so much for your smile, your repartee, your ideas,
your company on the track, road and country, your laughter and song
and of course your tips on how to grow roses.
I know you don’t do e-mail but keep an eye on us all
God Bless you James
Gerry
Hi Martin I would just like to leave a
message for Jim.
RIP & Condolences to the family.
Suki
Stylish
The eyes that were
full of fun;
The impish and gap-toothed grin;
The self-belief that made him Veteran No. 1;
His leadership skills; his will to win;
Never short of a
wisecrack or an awful joke;
Enthusiasm coupled with true grit;
One of life's gems - a really nice bloke.
The streets of heaven now are brightly lit
by
Ilford AC's power pack
Jimmy Mac - Jimmy Mac.
Karen and I pass on our best wishes to Gina and
family at this difficult time. Thanks for
letting Ilford AC have so much of Jim over the
years.
God Bless
Sally
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The
news about jim was very sad, i joined Ilford AC
a year ago and in my first few months, on
saturday morning sessions i would always see jim
and he use to give me advice, he was a great guy
and if i didnt get it right he would sure let me
know about it, he was always smiling and being
positive and was a great help to make me
stronger and for that i thank you
you will be sadly missed R.I.P
Gary Madigan
Why does it seem that God
always seems to take the genuinely good
people first? Could there be a reason
behind it?
Maybe God wants to take them while they
are on top, to make sure that they end
up in the right place, before they get a
chance to mess up.
R.I.P Jim
Abdi
What a
character and what a man.. Many a time I ended up doing a 4x400m
I really, really didn't want to do (and even a triple jump
once), did I do it for Ilford AC and those extra points, maybe,
but I would always do it for Jim!
The big man will always ride again!
John Kenny
I had the pleasure of knowing
Jim from his early years at the Club.
His enthusiasm was so infectious & he was without doubt the
life & soul of any party.
God bless you Jim.
Dave Williams.
Hi Martin
My mum has been updating me and told me Jim had died.
I knew Jim from about 1992 where I used to go between
training with him and training on the Long jump.
Jim was a top guy, who never gave up and unless you wanted
to be called a Nancy boy, you never gave up either. After a
long day at a Southern Men’s League competition there was no
chance of relaxing. Jim would say “Chris, are you doing a
leg in the 4x400?” I actually took to disappearing around
the time Jim would start rounding everyone up, but he still
managed to get me running it. I wasn’t a 400m runner and I
would more than likely come around last but that wasn’t a
valid excuse. I don’t think there was a valid excuse for
not doing an extra event. 1 point was better than nothing.
Jim will be missed by everyone who had the fortune of
meeting him – even those footballers!
Chris Higgins
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We
at Trent Park
were both
shocked and saddened to hear about Jim McNamee's recent
death. His presence at the Monday evening summer track
meeting will always serve as a lating memory, particularly
at the start line of the races as the starter would be
calling the athletes to line up -more often than not without
an Ilford member on the line - and just as the starter
called "ON YOUR MARKS" a voice the other end of the track
would cry out "Just a minute I've only just
finished the polevault and haven't had time to change my
shoes for this race"
And we didn't need to turn round because we all
knew it was Jim!! He would cover any event where a gap
needing filling and usually with a first class performance.
What character and what a man he will be sadly missed.
Please pass on our sincere condolences to Jim's wife and
family.
With deepest sympathy from everyone at Trent Park Running
Club.
Ray Bull (Vets Track Co-Ordinator T.P.R.C)
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Such sad sad
news about ‘Jimmy Mac’ …I have such great memories of him. I
joined Ilford A.C. around 1976 and one of the first people to
welcome me was Jim. After a while I joined Eric Ayling’s Big
‘E’ squad of which Jim was the main man! Jim was always funny,
always Very competitive and always had an opinion on everything
and we had some great banter
Jim guided us young lads through the early days of competition
when he was team captain of the track ‘B’ team and was always
encouraging. I trained with Jim through the summer and winter
and I think we were the first to wear tights for winter training
(purchased from C&A) well before Lycra made its debut…….
Everyone took the piss but Jim just took it all in his stride!
I just feel very privileged and honoured to have known Jim….he
was one of the special ones!
Sleep tight Jim
Dave Bull
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Track nights
will never be the same without Jim's greeting "evening fans" We
have known Jim since the seventies but only in the last 3 years
have we
trained together. Our repetition 800's in the winter at the back
of the
group, me leading the first lap and Jim's encouragement on the
2nd will be
treasured memories now. Jim was such an inspiration to everyone
young and
old. His generosity with his time and experience new no bounds.
His
competitiveness on the hill runs at Chigwell Row
even "Honey" couldn't beat Jim, all these thoughts come flooding
back. Words
can't express how much we will miss you Jim
Rest in Peace
Pam and Dave
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I had the
pleasure of knowing and competing against Jim for the past 30
years and it was with great sadness that I heard of his untimely
passing. He
was an inspiration to everyone who met him and will be sorely
missed.
Our thoughts are for his family at this sad time.
Terry Ryan
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Jim- Shocked to hear the terrible news that he will never again be grinning and joking at our Vets league meetings. Although I did not get to know him well, his sheer force of character always lifted our spirits during an evening’s competition. It will not be the same in future.
Alan Perry
(Harrow AC)
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Jim was an inspiration to me , and many who came and left Ilford AC over the year's. His laughter and excellent sense of humour really enthused everyone around him to train, and improve their own ability
I have very fond memories of Jim, particularly the sessions that we used to do at Hainault in the winter, and the infamous Yellow, Green and Polka dot jersey competitions we used to run while doing our winter training. Jim would always state his intention to blast certain runs that we did, and would shout 'CONWAY'!! at the top of his voice as he made his way through the pack.
My thoughts
are with Gina, Helen, Claire and the rest of the family
Jim was a truly great man, and a gentleman, and part of
the many things I missed about Ilford AC when I left.
I am very sad at his passing
Rest in peace Jim
Ian Erridge
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Rest in peace and god bless Jim Mac, such a like-able person
and motivator. It is has been a number of years since I have been a
member of Ilford AC and very saddened by the news, my condolences to
Gina and family, but there have always been fond and humorous
memories of Jim, quotes like the "Kid's coming through" and "Nice
one Mrs" have lasted with me since I was training with him in my
twenties. It is wonderful for such a good man to receive this
wonderful tributes, from my teens to my twenties I basically grew up
with Jim and consider him a friend, one day winter training over
hainault 'foxburrows' it was cold, I asked Jim, why are you wearing
one glove, his reply was "One is better than none" Jim you are
great.
Love
Dede Singh
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Unfortunately, I only found
out this morning (A month after) about Jim's passing and I
can't remember being more shocked and saddened. Jim is the
reason I am still a member of Ilford AC, he taught me that
loyalty begets deep friendship and relationships aren't
created, they are nurtured slowly through contact.
My wife was with me when Pete Whiting broke the news and I
so badly wanted her to meet Jim, he would have told her
'she's too good for me'! because Jim loved to press my
buttons and would offer a loveable cheeky grin when he did
so. As mentioned throughout these tributes Jim was utterly
hilarious, from the subtle jibes to the not so subtle jibes.
He encouraged me through those depressing 'nothing's going
right' days and congratulated me on the good days. It can't
be stated enough that great people lead by example and Jim
always did so, whether it was being as physically impressive
as the athletes he coached or preaching positivity and
optimism as being the fundamental tenets of a good life.
How can I forget?! most of the people I know call me Sol and
it was Jim who gave me that nickname when I first came to
Ilford AC! Well, it started off as Solihull and then got
shortened to Sol!
My sincerest condolences to Gina and family but also my
deepest gratitude for helping him be the man he was to us
all.
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I have only recently heard the very sad news about Jim and would like to add my small tribute. We were colleagues at Sharps Pixley Ltd, which I joined as a nineteen year old when Jim must have been in his early forties, until his early retirement. Jim was a good man, always giving advice and encouragement, and his larger than life personality and wacky sense of humour, or let me put that another way young Elvis, his unique brand of humour, contributed to a fantastic atmosphere – people like Jim should be cherished as they rarely come into our lives.
I still can't believe that he has gone.
If it's too late to add to the tributes then please kindly pass on my sincerest condolences to Gina, Helen and Claire – they must miss him terribly.
Andrew Betkowski
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Dear Martin and All at Ilford
AC
Thank-you for the wonderful messages about Dad. I have always thought of
my Dad as my hero, an inspiration, and it is fantastic that so many
other people thought so too. Ilford AC has been like Dad's second home
(although Mum would argue that he spent more time at the track then at
home....)
Warmest Thanks,
Gina, Helen and Claire McNamee
Mum, Claire and I would like
to say thank-you to everyone who attended Dad's funeral on
Monday 15th October. It was definitely a celebration of his
life, and the fact that so many people attended helped to make a
difficult day easier to cope with.
Special thanks also to all the club members who completed a lap
of honour for Dad - that was a truly touching moment.
And you never know, there may yet be a McNamee training at the
Club again - just don't expect me to be as good as Dad -
that would be impossible.
Helen McNamee