Duffield driving force is mourned

JOHN White MBE, the driving force in turning Duffield Squash Club into one of the most highly-respected clubs in the country, has died at the age of 83.

A multiple county champion at squash and tennis, John was born in Ealing in 1937 but had lived in Duffield since 1965 with his wife, Pauline.

John attended Ashby-de-laZouch Grammar School before studying dentistry at Birmingham University, graduating in 1960.

He completed National Service in the Royal Navy in 1964 and spent the rest of his career as a dental practice partner in Matlock until retiring in 1993.

He met his wife-to-be, Pauline Drew, at Junior Wimbledon in 1951 and they married in 1960.

In 1965 they made their family home in Duffield. Their first son, Simon, was born in 1967 and, two years later, Kevin arrived.

John was a racket sports enthusiast and joined Duffield Squash Club in 1957. In 1965, he became secretary and, for the next 33 years, led a drive to turn the single court club into a thriving five-court club that is renowned throughout the country.

England Squash recognised his achievements with the Hawkey Award in 2000. In 2008, he was awarded an MBE for services to squash by the Queen.

John won the Derbyshire County Squash Championships 13 times, represented England Squash at Masters level and won nine county tennis titles.

Latterly, John found a new passion in golf and he was a single-figure handicap player even in his 80s.

John was a faithful, loving husband and a devoted, caring father and grandfather. His energy and selflessness will be greatly missed.

He died on December 27 after a valiant battle with cancer and is survived by Pauline, Simon, Kevin and brother Ralph.

The family has requested that messages of condolence are sent by post and not by telephone.