Dear Rocky Trail Community and Family,
It is with heavy hearts that we would like to share the news that one of our most passionate Rocky Trail Racers and Supporters John Van Den Ham has passed away after a year long battle with cancer on January 24th 2020.
Many of you will remember John from our start lines and as an enthusiastic and highly experienced and skilled mountain bike commissaire. He always lent a helping hand and always had time for a chat with a big smile on his face.
Our colleague Bob Morris said that he spoke with John in December and that he had been full of hope and joy.
John’s work as a Commissaire was too short but he contributed much. As many time race director of the Willo and as a coach his contribution to Mountain Bike junior development is immeasurable.
Bob Morris, Rocky Trail Event Manager
John was also a constant and keen supporter of every Willo and we would like to pass on these words by the Willo founder Meg Patey:
“John van den Ham was a staunch supporter of the Willo. Over the past nine years, John helped with working bees, race planning, course marking, (often marking the whole course by himself!) and was also Race Director at several Willos. John was the kind of guy everyone needs in a club. He was a keen contributor and constant member the Willo team, with valuable organizational from his military background and in recent years, with Commissaire skills and duties as well.
“John will be sadly missed by many in the MTBA community as well as all of us who have worked so closely together on nine Willo Enduro Events. Our thoughts are with Leah Childs (John’s partner) and all of John and Leah’s extended families.
“John’s funeral will be held at 2pm on Thursday the 6th of February 2020 at the Broulee Memorial Gardens. Light refreshments will be served on site at the Sidney Lounge afterwards.
“All family, friends and colleagues past and present welcome. If would be appreciated if people attending the funeral could message Leah for catering purposes.”
Meg Patey, Willo Founder
Thank you for taking the time to remember John together with us.
“Say not in grief ‘he is now more’,
but in thankfulness,
that he was.”
Photos by OuterImage at the Jetblack 24 Hour at James Estate Winery.
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