Very sad news about DJ

steven · Tennis legend

Very sad news about DJ

Stircrazy · Tennis legend

Thanks, if that's the right word, for that, steven. I'm too stunned to say much more, but I certainly had been wondering what had become of him. He was a terrific sparring parting partner & his wise & frequently witty contributions to this board will be sorely missed. RIP, Derek...

Count Zero · Tennis legend

that is very sad news indeed, Rest In Peace DJ

James · Satellite level

I can't profess to having known DJ but it is very sad news, especially when it appears he had been an important cog in many people's lives.

goldfish · Futures qualifying

Thank you for passing this news on, sad as it is. Interesting that the obituary mentions rugby frequently but his enthusiasm spilled into other sports, notably for us into tennis. How nice to have something so positive to remember him for - the success tables, started when he was obviously already in poor health. His life was clearly one that added much value to all around him. Good to have been included.

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

Yes, indeed, unfortunately that does seem to be our DJ. He stopped off on his way from Scotland a couple of times and took me through to the Sunderland Futures when it got too difficult for me to get there. My memory is appalling but the names of wife and children do ring a bell.

The only thing that strikes me as strange is the accent - he definitely sounded Scottish, not Liverpudlian. Still I suppose living all those years in Scotland the accent might well have "rubbed off" on him.

He did tell me in an email last autumn that he would not be able to get to Sunderland as he was too unwell, but at that time they still did not know what was wrong with him. I suspected something like this when he disappeared from the board, because to go from such enthusiasm to complete disappearance - I couldn't think of another reason.

helki · Futures qualifying

I was saddened to hear this news as I enjoyed reading DJ's updates on the "successes" thread. He appears to have had a positve and stimulating effect on all who came into contact with him. I'm sure he will be sorely missed by all who knew him, whether personally, or just through contact on boards such as this.

wolf · Tennis legend

That's very sad news; he was a great member and will be missed.

gazzpash · Club Coach

Very sad to hear this and my thoughts are with his friends and family. A great member and reading through the obituary a great man. RIP

Vandenburg · Futures level

very sad.... RIP.

Smidster · Challenger level

Didn't know him myself but it is always very sad to hear of the passing of someone who has impacted so many people in such a positive way.

He will certainly be missed by many - which is the hallmark of a good person.

Drew · Mar 13, 2009

Been reading some of DJ's posts...claiming to be Imoens no 1 fan....winding up Steven...and apologising to Wolf regarding his bad spelling. He liked to celebrate when people got to new 'highs'...thats why he started the SUCCESS threads.

His last post on November 10th 2007 was a regular post updating us on some new doubles career highs.

Im sure he had numerous 'highs' within his life and 'we' knew little of him really. But when he was on here he added to 'us' and will be missed.

His first post was a report on the days play at the Sunderland F22 in November 2007.

The last paragraph....very funny !

"Ian has now become furious with himself - "I don't want to be in this F*%$£!+ hole anyway" - and Sunderland seems quite a nice place, 'the safest city in the north of England", it brags. Concentration has now totally gone and with it, the match; at the end, Flanagan takes out his ire on his racket- hammering it into the ground over and over again, apparently quite calm now, but intent on dismembering the offending item."

I have left a little message on his 'whiteboard' (click on his name 'DJ' in any post and it will take you to his profile). It might be a nice way of leaving best wishes etc. His family may stumble upon it sometime in the future and they would be able to read our appreciation.

Rest in peace friend.

Drew

kundalini · Specialist Reporter + Intermediate Club Player

Very sad

S&V · Club Coach

Very sad news, respect

steven · Tennis legend

Drew wrote:
Been reading some of DJ's posts...claiming to be Imoens no 1 fan....winding up Steven...and apologising to Wolf regarding his bad spelling. He liked to celebrate when people got to new 'highs'...thats why he started the SUCCESS threads.

The first sentence sounds like just another typical day on the board smile

- he certainly knew how to fit in! He seemed very amiable most of the time but was certainly able to give as good as he got when he needed to.

I imagine the success threads as a continuation of his days as a headmaster, when no doubt he would read out of those who'd done well in sports, etc, every Monday morning in assembly, or something like that. They're a nice addition, anyway, and the success lists are easy enough to keep going, especially with the help of the various specialists here.

Thanks for reminding me of that Sunderland report, I remember laughing out loud when I read the bit about Flan the first time. biggrin