John DysonFormer Club Treasurer, Chair, and SWOA Chair
It is with sadness that we have to announce that John Dyson passed away on 17th February, aged 82 years, in Sidmouth Nursing Home.
After moving to the SW from Yorkshire in 2003 with his wife Ann, John was Devon OC Treasurer for a few years before becoming the Chair (2011-2013) and SWOA Chair (2012-14). Nicholas Maxwell recalled how John had led the celebrations for the DOC 40th Anniversary in Ashburton. Bryan Smith and Ben Chesters recalled that John’s involvement in orienteering and ability to negotiation with the relevant parties (East Devon District Council, Sidmouth Town Council, The National Trust and The Sid Vale Association), enabled him to ensure a permanent orienteering course in The Byes, Sidmouth, was established (and is still functioning today), and we gained access to orienteering areas across E. Devon.
John has not been involved in orienteering for a number of years but many of the longer standing members will remember him for this and other important contributions to the club.
The funeral will take place on Monday 18th March at 1.30pm at the East Devon Crematorium, Whimple. The family ask for no flowers but any donations to Sidmouth Arboretum and Hollybank Trust (Yorkshire) via www.potburys-funeral.co.uk would be welcomed.