Ray Barrow passed away 10th February 2016 after a long illness and our thoughts and condolences are with his wife Betty, their son and daughter and grandchildren.
Ray Barrow
Ray was an outstanding servant to athletics at all levels throughout his life alongside his career as a teacher. He was a successful sprinter with Leeds AC and one of the driving forces behind the merger of clubs in Leeds to form Leeds City AC where he became a particularly effective sprints coach; towards the end of his coaching career he worked with rugby league teams, including Bradford Bulls, to develop speed.
Ray’s service to Northern Athletics contributed to a forward thinking governing body that worked to support clubs and their athletes. Amongst his many achievements are:
· One of the leading players in forming the Northern Men’s Track and Field League
· Track and Field Championship Secretary
· Track and Field team manager – a role he also filled for England at Commonwealth Games and other matches
· Founder and administrator of the Northern equipment grant scheme for clubs and pole vault bank for athletes
Outside athletics Ray was a skilled craftsman and wood turner and produced items such as clocks and pens which he sold at craft fairs around Yorkshire.
Regrettably Ray’s illness has touch in recent years restricted his opportunities for keeping in with the sport he loved and served so well but he will be missed by all who knew him and benefitted from his support and knowledge.
John Temperton
Funeral Details
Monday 22nd Feb at 11.00am, Cottingley Hall Crematorium, Ring Road, Leeds LS11 0EU
Off Leeds Ring Road M621
So sorry to hear such sad news about a dear and respected colleague who I always looked upon as a good friend and trusted mentor.
Ray was a great judge of form and character and a great character in himself.
i fondly recall his dour Yorkshire sense of humour and remember one occasion in particular when standing next to him on England Team Management duty at Gateshead and Steve Smith as a long hairedJunior made his first outstanding breakthrough in the high jump.
Ray wryly and shrewdly commented, ”That Liverpool lad will jump even higher if he gets his bl–dy hair cut!”.
That was the essence of the man and Athletics is the poorer for his passing.
Rest in Peace Mr Barrow. . Taught me woodwork and metal work at All Saints CofE 1979_1983 God bless
He was such a wonderful teacher
I have many found memories
Of been he a pupil at all saints
He always called me florance nightingale
Such sad news