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arrow pointing leftBack 04 January 21 - by England Squash

John White MBE: 1937 - 2020

John Raymond White MBE obituary

Words by Kevin White

John passed away on 27th December 2020 after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born in Ealing on 6th April 1937 to Yvonne and Eric and was younger brother to Ralph.

John attended Ashby-de-la-Zouch grammar school before studying dentistry at Birmingham University, graduating in 1960.He completed National Service in the Royal Navy in 1964, and for the remainder of his career, was a Dental Practice Partner in Matlock until retiring in 1993.

He met his wife to be, Pauline Drew, at junior Wimbledon in 1951 and they married in 1960. In 1965, they established their family home in Duffield. Their first son Simon was born in 1967 and two years later, Kevin arrived.

John was a racket sports enthusiast and joined Duffield Squash Club in 1957. In 1965, John became Secretary of the squash club and for the next 33 years he was the driving force in turning the single court club into a thriving five-court club that is renowned throughout the country. England Squash recognised his achievements with the Hawkey Award in 2000. In 2008, he was awarded an MBE for Services to Squash by the Queen.

John White MBE

John won the Derbyshire County Squash Championships 13 times, represented England Squash at Masters level as well as winning 9 County Tennis titles. John found a new passion in golf and he was a single-figure handicap golfer even in his 80s.

John was a faithful, loving husband and a devoted, caring father and grandfather. His energy and selflessness will be greatly missed.

John is survived by Pauline, Simon, Kevin and brother Ralph.