Paul Naylor

Following Paul’s funeral, his wife Sandra and family would like to thank all Paul’s friends and colleagues in athletics for all the cards and kind wishes received over the past few weeks.

They have also expressed their thanks to all who attended the funeral and contributed to the collection which raised over £1,000 for MacMillan Cancer Support Nurses.
It was with great sadness that we heard of the death of Paul Naylor on Monday 12th July. Paul was best known as a Field Official but he worked tirelessly in other areas of athletics.

For many years Paul had been the Chairman of Barnsley A.C and he also chaired the Barnsley Athletics Development Group.

In the past Paul worked to ensure the successful amalgamation of the two Barnsley clubs, the Dorothy Hyman Track Club and Barnsley Road Runners to form Barnsley A.C

Along with his wife Sandra, Paul put enormous amounts of time and effort into encouraging and promoting the young athletes of Barnsley to train and compete.

Paul officiated at all levels and particularly enjoyed the young athletes
competitions. He was at his best with the manual and practical jobs, he would rake pits and chase javelins, return shots and lug hammers for ever and never ask for help.

In addition to his efforts in Track & Field, Paul was as much at home trudging round a wet muddy cross country field or sending athletes on the right road of a road race

These strengths of Paul will be sadly missed, not just in South Yorkshire but right across the County and indeed throughout the North

A paragraph or two to a man who put so much into our great sport seems
so little but Paul’s good humour and willingness to take on the any task will ensure he
is not forgotten.

Paul’s funeral will take place at Barnsley Crematorium, Doncaster Road Ardsley, Barnsley, S71 5EH on Tuesday 20th July at 11.30 am. Followed by a reception at the Dorothy Hyman Sports Centre, Snydale Road, Cudworth S72 8LH

Comments

Added: 13/07/2010 14:08:54

It was with great sadness that I learned of Paul’s passing. Paul was one of those people, who are the lifeblood of athletics. Whilst he had wide experience of officiating at major events, it is at local level that we shall miss him most. Nothing was too much trouble for Paul: he was always willing to do any job, be it mending a cage, checking equipment, digging the sandpit or putting out the hurdles. He simply wanted to help in whatever way he could. His was truly a lifetime of devotion to the sport. We shall not forget him. The thoughts of all his friends and colleagues in athletics go out to his family at this sad time.

By Malcolm Rogers,
Added: 13/07/2010 14:49:06

When i first came to Barnsley AC some 14years ago,the first person i came into contact with was Paul.He made my son and myself most welcome and encouraged me to take up being a field official.He mentored me through thick and thin and became a true friend and will be sadly missed by all.

By JULIE HERBERTS
Added: 14/07/2010 18:13:37

I met Paul initially through visiting Barnsley some years ago with the YA team. More recently I have officiated alongside him on many an occasion.People like Paul are a rarity and I know he will be missed not only locally but also in the North. The thoughts of my club and I are with Paul's family and friends.

By Arwel (Taff) Williams
Added: 15/07/2010 09:06:23

Truely a great loss to South Yorkshire Athletics. One of the nicest 'authoritarians' I have had the pleasure to meet. A true yorkshire man, and one of the finest kind. He will be missed.

By Steve Minnikin
Added: 16/07/2010 10:43:47

having known and worked with Paul over many years, he will be sadly missed, my sincerest condolences go to Sandra and their children.

By sanra white
Added: 18/07/2010 16:09:48

It was with great sadness that I learned of Paul's passing. Great Guy and he will be sadly missed. Condolences to his family.

By Karen Buck
Added: 19/07/2010 21:11:48

Paul was always willing to help out, particularly during Finals weekends. We will miss your help and sense of humour. September won't be the same without you

By Barbara & Malcom Charlish

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