OBITUARY - Life member John Barrett
OBITUARY - Life member John Barrett
The club is saddened to report the death of our oldest continuous serving club member John Barrett aged 86 years on Thursday 3rd October 2024.
John's association with football locally began in the early 1960's as a player with the Johnson Villa club (see photo attached, middle row, 2nd from right) and continued into the 1970's as a player and coach as Johnson Villa merged with the Onslow (senior) club to become North Wellington. John's commitment to the Club saw him join the Management Committee, initially as Secretary, and he provided a mainstay on committee for 25 years culminating in his time as President from 1980-87 along with continuing his playing days through to the mid-1980's.
Under John's stewardship the club was able to repay its mortgage on the 1976 purchase of the Phillip Street clubrooms providing future freedom of funds for members and generations to come.
He was recognised by the club with Life Membership and continued to be a keen sideline supporter at Alex Moore Park as well as attending club Prizegiving events right through to 2022 only stopping when his health prevented him from doing so.
John took pride in wearing the traditional colours of North Wellington with his claret jersey, a throwback to the 1980's. He had an affable personality and was always willing to provide guidance and counsel when it was sought from him along with freely sharing his deep knowledge of the club and its history.
Since 1979 through to recent years the club has awarded the John Barrett Trophy as part of its annual prizegiving which is an enduring testament to his 60+ years of service in a variety of significant roles to the club which benefited many hundreds of football players.
The club wishes to express the sympathies from past and current members to his wife Avis and the Barrett family as they remember John fondly as will those who knew him and acknowledge with gratitude his work, time and love for our club.
The funeral service for John will be held on Thursday 10th October 2024 from 2pm at the Guardian Funeral Home, 4 Moorefield Road, Johnsonville (details are in the Post newspaper on Tuesday 8th October 2024).
Information provided by life member Warwick Smith
