We regret to announce that Joe Shellhorn passed away peacefully at home overnight of 2/3 April, aged 86. He was awaiting a heart valve replacement, which sadly did not take place in time.
Joe Shellhorn
Joe, who was born in Doncaster, was widely known in athletics largely due to his role as a Field Events official. Joe came into athletics in the early 1970’s due to his two daughters’ participation in the sport while at school. Moving to Chester in 1972 from Cheltenham, along with his wife Ruth, they soon became involved in helping and officiating. They rapidly became known as accomplished officials and Joe mentored many officials over the years he was involved in athletics. Joe was due to receive the British Athletics long service award in recognition of his 40 years’ service as an official at the annual Officials’ Conference on 19th April 2015.
Although Joe’s wife sadly passed away in 1988, he continued his involvement in the sport and officiated at all levels. He was involved with his local club, which is now West Cheshire AC, taking on a number of
Joe Shellhorn
committee roles throughout his time in Chester and was its current president. For many years he was the officials secretary for Cheshire County AA and was instrumental in ensuring that the county and its clubs, recruited officials. He was also the current President of the Cheshire County AA.
Joe enjoyed the sport immensely and made many friends in all parts of the World. He was just as happy at a local schools event as being at an International level meeting. On a number of occasions he was at the World Master’s T&F Championships in a variety of countries working with the technical team of officials – with many amusing stories to tell.
We will miss him greatly and we send our condolences to his family. The words sent by Malcolm Rogers on learning of the news sum up Joe : : “Sad news indeed. Joe was a mentor to hundreds of officials and was one of life’s absolute gentlemen”.
Joe’s funeral will be held at Blacon Crematorium, Chester at 2pm on Friday 24th April. There will be a celebration of his life after the service at a venue to be decided. In order to gauge numbers would all who are intent on attending please send an e-mail to Joe’s daughter : [email protected] ASAP. Thank you.
The family have requested no flowers. Donations can be made to the British Heart Foundation and the Chester Heart Support Group with which Joe was involved.
Alan Morris & John Driscoll
Joe was a regular face at many meeting in the north over so many years. A focused man who was willing to turn out and support events, he always had the time to offer help and advice to those learning the ropes on the officials ladder. Joe will be sadly missed his efforts and contribution will serve as lasting memory.
Joe Shellhorn was a gentleman, a person with whom I found it impossible to fall out over anything to do with athletics. Knowledgeable, courteous, calm, the epitome of the volunteer official who loved the sport and put other people first. It was a privilege to have known him and a great sadness that he has passed away. Sincere condolences to his family.
Joe mentored many a younger official over the years. He was a gent and will be sadly missed.
Very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Joe was a tremendously generous and supportive man who always made time to share his experience and offer kind words of encouragement. His love of the sport was infectious. He will be sorely missed.
Joe summed up the gentleness and courtesy normally associated with a bygone era. As a Field Referee he exuded an air of calmness that diffused the occasional tense competitive situation. I will particularly miss our conversations on the state of the sport, his perceptive comments I treasure. We will miss you Joe. Condolences to his family.
Joe will be sadly missed by all his friends and colleagues in athletics – and there are very many of us. Like many other officials, I was supported and mentored by Joe and was privileged to count him as a friend. Joe’s contribution to athletics at every level, from local schools’ and club meeting to the national and international level, is immeasurable. A very sad loss and I will raise a glass of port & brandy (Joe’s favorite tipple on our ‘warm weather training’ trips to Portugal) in his memory.
Very sad news. Joe was a wonderful gentleman, he mentored me when I was officiating for west Cheshire athletic club. My thoughts go out to his family and close friends, he was be sadly missed.
Joe was a man of generous spirit and old-time courtesy. It was always a pleasure to meet and talk to him.
Very sad to hear that we have lost Joe. I will remember him for his generous support and advice when I first got to know him (now many years ago) and his energy and friendship in more recent years.
Had some great laughs with Joe. He taught me the C of C duties back in the early 90’s. Always had time for questions on how to do things correctly. Great mentor.
May he R.I.P.