Death of John White

WELL known Warrington businessman and sports personality John White has died aged 74.
He died peacefully at his home in Croft, Warrington on Tuesday, November 3.
John was best known as the former co-owner of White’s Sports, which he ran with his younger brother Paul, who died two years ago.
He joined the family business J E White of Sankey Street in the 1950’s. White’s was a men’s outfitters and sports shop which at one time also had branches in Knutsford and Stockton Heath.
The Sankey Street store was demolished in the early eighties to make way for the Golden Square development and the business transferred to Warington Market where it continues to trade, run by Paul’s widow Susan.
John was enthusiastic about all sports and for over four decades sponsored numerous competitions from crown green bowls through to football, cricket, darts and squash.
He was a highly competitive and gifted sports man and in his younger years boxed at a high level. Squash however was his real passion. He introduced many people to the game, passing on his skills and enthusiasm to numerous friends including Warrington Rugby legends Alex Murphy and Ken Kelly. He played competitively for over 25 years, captaining teams at Warrington Sports Club and Wilderspool.
He was ambidextrous which enabled him to switch his racket from his left to right hand with ease. Even his late fifties he was able to regularly beat men half his age.
In later years this competitive streak was redirected to bowling. He played for The Bulls Head, Farmers Arms and finally Croft Bowling Club in his home village.
Son , Nick remembers: “Growing up it seemed to me that everyone knew my Dad. When me and my brothers would walk through town with him it was like hanging out with a local celebrity. We couldn’t walk 10 yards without someone greeting or stopping him for a chat. He was a proud member of many local organisations a keen supporter of local charities.
He was a lifelong fan of Warrington Rugby League team. In recent years a heart condition had prevented him from getting to games on a regular basis but he still enjoyed watching from home and was delighted to see the fantastic Challenge Cup victory earlier this year.
The final words go to his three sons, Nick, Jeremy and Noel. “Above everything else, our Dad was fun. We loved him and will miss him greatly but he leaves behind a legacy of smiles and joy and a vast ocean of happy recollections.”
His funeral takes place this Friday, November 13 at Walton Lea Crematorium at 11am.
A celebration of John White’s life takes place at 2.30pm at Croft Memorial Hall, Mustard Lane, Croft . All welcome.
Pictures show (top) John White (centre) with younger Paul (left) and former England manager Don Revie at a football boot promotion and John in typical pose.