John Thompson

It is with great sadness that I have to report the death of John Thompson, on 26 March at home with his family around him. He had been unwell with cancer for some time and was having regular treatment at Royal Free hospital. John had taken a turn for the worse and having 24 hour care at home before he died.

 John joined Letchworth Hockey Club, at Muddy Lane in 1975 and played initially as centre forward in the first team as well as being a very competent goalkeeper. This was before goalies wore masks and body pads and relied on cricket pads for protection.

 He was very active at a senior level on festival tours to Cardiff and Ipswich and became a founder member of the LHC caravan club, taking his family to these events and becoming a focus for the Letchworth Team along with other caravan club members.

 He was a true sportsman and after the move to Whitethorn Lane, focused on fitness, preparation for the game and healthy eating. He gradually dropped down the teams and attached is a picture of him with other LHC members at the Sevenoaks Veterans Festival in 1999. 

 John also loved skiing and was able to continue for many years in his usual professional way on the ski slopes of the French and Swiss Alps with other members of LHC

 He realised he had a medical problem and after various check ups was forced to withdraw from active hockey however until recently he came to watch games at Whitethorn Lane.

 John was a true gentleman and always very cheerful in his approach. He was committed to hockey and a dedicated member of Letchworth Hockey Club and will be sadly missed.

John’s funeral will take place on 13 April at St Katherine’s Church, Ickleford. If you wish to attend and need more details please contact Peter Nash (email Message Peter Nash)