It is with great sadness that Presteigne St Andrews FC reports the death of John Owens who passed away peacefully in the Kington Nursing Home on Sunday evening.
I am indebted to Les Pitt who has provided me with almost all of the following information about someone who has had a close connection with the club over a number of decades.
As a Presteigne Primary School pupil it soon became evident John would become an accomplished all-round sportsman and he went on to represent his school and local clubs at both football and cricket in the 1950 and the 1960s.
However, it was at football that John was to excel above all other and he was offered an apprenticeship by Arsenal FC but instead chose an academic path by gaining entry to Loughborough University to take up a sports degree.
Very sadly John (JO to his school friends) suffered illness during his university days from which he was never able to make a full recovery and this was compounded in later life with the onset of MS.
In more recent times – during the 1980s and early 90s – John was a very keen ‘bucket boy’ and supporter for the Colts and then Reserve teams and this led to his being held in great affection by a whole new generation of Presteigne footballers.
I am sure the older members and supporters of the Club will remember John and his talents with great fondness and the club’s thoughts are with his daughter Gemma and sister Hazel at this very sad time.
George Lancett advises me the family has informed him that John’s funeral will take place at 1.00pm on Monday 6 December at St Andrews Church in Presteigne.