It is with great sadness that I have to pass on the news that Ron Atton, a Life Member of Roadhoggs, passed away on Thursday.

Ron was a friend to many longstanding members of the club and a great clubman. He joined the club along with several other talented race walkers, who came to Roadhoggs so they could combine race walking with running (something that was frowned upon in race walking circles). His sons, Karl and Craig also race walked and later ran for the club.

Ron was an engineer by trade and always a great help when Roadhoggs staged races. He would act as local liaison, with his extensive contacts (often developed as a result of his love of bowls, darts and other sports that usually had a connection to country pubs), sort out signage and drive the lead vehicle. I have happy memories of sitting in the back of his estate car, tailgate open, taking pictures of our races at Glooston.

I will miss his sense of humour and can-do attitude and I’m sure you’ll all join me in sending our sympathies to Sue, Karl, Craig and the rest of the family.