John Pearson.
It was with great sadness that we learned recently of the death of John Pearson.
The word “legend" is often bandied around when talking about stalwart members of any club, but in John's case it is entirely appropriate.
In a playing career spanning almost 50 years JP almost certainly played more games of hockey than any club member; having not only played on Saturdays, but also regular Sunday "Stags" games, tours to Worthing and Cardiff every year, and also playing for Old Chomleians and Southgate Pistons in the summer. He also played in the annual Old Fullerians matches against Watford Boys, with the honour of presenting the trophy often falling to him.
Away from the pitch John held posts on the committees of both the hockey club and West Herts Sports Club. For many years John was Fixture Secretary, attending the old Fixtures Conference up in London showed how popular he was in the hockey community as he was greeted warmly by one-and-all.
He also performed the unenviable job of Membership Secretary- sans computer!- and would gently chase non-payers by sidling up to them in the bar, or pitchside, and giving a nudge on the shoulder. Upon payment one received the fixture card with a handwritten name and number on the cover...you were "official"!
His trademark pre match attire of cricket Jersey, raincoat and university scarf and his English stick were immediately recognisable.
He was also a travelling fan- appearing unannounced in such far away places as Tiverton to watch cup matches. There was always an early season request for the cup dates so he could attend.
Then there was JP in the bar, tweed jacket and tie- pint of cider (or Perry- steward John McGinty would buy a barrel especially for him!) in hand- giving post match advice to younger players or just joining in with the general chat, whether it be with the mens 1s or 6s or the ladies section. There often appeared to be some bemusement on his part.
John finally hung up his stick in the early 2000s and used his enormous experience to help out with Club umpiring.
John was a gentleman of the game, I don’t recall ever in the years I played with or around him that I heard him swear, he just enjoyed the game and then the post match social.
He accompanied the mixed touring side to Verona in the 90s, and the sight of him relaxing pitchside with his trousers rolled up in 90 degree heat will live long in the memory. In the evening, while the "youngsters" partied away, John took himself off to the opera, entirely happy in his own company.
John’s wife Judy wasn’t often seen anywhere near the clubhouse, preferring to watch her beloved Watford, and John accompanied her when there was no hockey. We send Judy our deepest condolences.
There are so many stories which involve JP they would fill many pages, hopefully we can get these together as a memorial to him; losing him in the Club’s centenary year seems especially poignant.