Sadly, June passed away last week after a long and courageous fight against aggressive and encroaching cancer. All the officials, players and staff at our club are taking this opportunity to pay tribute to the contribution that she has made to ensure that the club survived and prospered during the many years of service that she has given us.
Unusually but not uniquely June became involved with her husband Stewart in the 1970’s when Thackley had not long been in the Yorkshire League. I say unusually because from the very outset she encouraged and supported Stewart, accompanying him to every game and supervising his administrative secretarial duties of a club that was encountering change as it had never done before. Things like the changes to the league structure, the Pyramid System and ground grading requirements, to name just a few. She was well aware of the unceasing hard work and selflessness required from volunteers at a club like ours. She undertook these tasks enthusiastically and effectively. That the club has moved progressively forward is testament to the contribution she made.
June was the face of our club and was popular throughout the league for the warm welcome she extended to all members of the opposition. Her catering skills were employed for many of our home games and, I think it’s fair to say, were often praised by many of our visitors. Certainly the home supporters were very appreciative of her efforts. Her value to the club was endorsed by the efficiency and consistency with which she performed these necessary duties.
In the next few months we will begin to recognise the loss that the club has suffered with June’s passing and the void that her work and commitment have left behind. We send our deepest sympathy to Stewart, Jenny and David and hope that they are comforted by this expression of gratitude and respect that we extend now to June.
June’s funeral will take place at Nab Wood Crematorium, Saltaire, BD18 4BG on Thursday 25th January at 12:40.