LES THAIN

Les Thain

News has reached the club on the passing of long serving
Morpeth Harriers & AC member Les Thain.
Sadly Les passed away in the Palliative Care Unit at
Wansbeck General Hospital on Monday 10th April 2017, aged 70,
following a long hard battle with illness.

Les will be most affectionally remembered as a “real character,”
who for many years took particular responsibility for encouraging
new beginners to the club, especially during the running boom of the 80’s.

He also took personal responsibility for carrying out some of the tasks
that were required in keeping the clubhouse in order, and until illness
took over in early 2016, could be regularly seen in the clubhouse on Monday evenings.

One of Les’s initiatives was to establish the clubs original Veteran’s Grand Prix competition,
and he was appointed official scorer, making regular use of the clubhouse blackboard,
although it has to be said, his personal artistry sometimes left a little to be desired.
Les, was also involved in making sure that on course arrangements
were in place for the clubs two road races, amongst other events,
and very often despite adverse conditions, could be found knocking in posts,
and erecting Start and Finish areas, nearly always with a fag in his mouth for added warmth.

His own running career was relatively modest, although now and again
he would figure prominently in age group results that were posted.

He will be very fondly remembered by lots of Club Members, and in line with that,
Morpeth Harriers & AC send Many Condolences to his close family.
​
Les Thain Funeral Arrangements
The funeral will take place at St. Bartholemews,
Newbiggin by the Sea, NE64 6DP
on Thursday 20th April.
Meet from 10.00 for a 10.30am Humanist service
that will take place in the churchyard before burial.

Directions