Tributes paid to Doncaster Hockey Club stalwart John Marshall

Marshall played for the club and went on to become secretary, treasurer, chairman and president.

He also served as secretary and president of Yorkshire Hockey Association.

An online fundraiser set up by Doncaster men’s captain Matt Gibson is hoping to raise £500 for a permanent tribute at their Town Fields home.

"Friends of Doncaster Hockey Club, and indeed the wider hockey community, were sad to learn of the recent passing of dear friend, John Marshall,” wrote Gibson.

"John has been the the life and soul of the club for decades and will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. John led a wonderful life and was an example to us all in many places and in many ways. We are all far richer from knowing John.

"As well as playing for the club, John was Secretary, Treasurer, Chairman and President and truly lived and breathed Doncaster HC. I’m sure we’ve all been regaled with one or two of JSM’s famous stories!”

Alan Stoves, Doncaster Hockey Club’s current president, said: “John was the same age as my father and truly became my hockey dad. He was ever present for my playing career with Doncaster and Yorkshire, celebrating every success and offering consolation at every failure.

"He never played in the National League but he was the true embodiment of Doncaster Hockey Club, always welcoming to opposition and wanting to share a beer or in later years a glass of red wine irrespective of the result.

"Wherever I have gone in the country, hockey people always asked me "How's John?" - a true measure of the man.

"As the current president of Doncaster Hockey I am so proud to follow in his footsteps and hopefully uphold his values, although I will never be able to fill his shoes.

“John you will be sorely missed by everyone who knew you but the legacy you have created will live on forever and we are far richer for having known you."

In a statement on the club’s website, Tim Hawkins wrote: “John led a wonderful life and was an example to us all in many places and many ways. We shall all miss him greatly but he will never ever leave our thoughts. Thanks John for being John Marshall.”

John Lomas, former president of the North Hockey Association, said: “I along with many others am proud to have called John a friend and he was always someone you wanted to see in his beloved Doncaster, Yorkshire events and at many dinners.

"He has created some fantastic memories for all who knew him and was one of the nicest people you could ever meet.”

Ian Watson said: “John was one of the great names of Yorkshire Hockey.

"I had the honour to know John over many years. He was a real gentleman. Wise but self-effacing. A lovely man to know.”

Andy Tapley said: “You always knew when John was in a venue with that distinctive voice and laugh.

"I, along with many, many hockey players and officials, will miss the joy of his company, the fun and the laughter.

“He represented the very best in the social aspects of our sport beyond the intensity of club and county rivalries, although you would never forget which colour rose he supported!”