Remembering friends who have passed away...

Tracy Runyeard
Died December 2025

A hard thing to write but today I said goodbye to the best friend anyone could ever have - Tracy Runyeard. We met at my first obedience club when I was 17 and been the best of friends ever since.

She was brave throughout her illness. She was loyal to a fault, always put others first and was a born optimist. I couldn't have got through the tough times without her never ending support.

We went to the IFCS World Championships together many times and won medals together, too. She was my bestie and life will be difficult without her.

I was lucky enough to go to the USA with her a year ago during her one remission. We had an amazing time both in Florida and California. The photos don't do it justice but Tracy hated her photo taken! She met my friend Meha and they were friends instantly.

I was blessed to be asked to take her precious boy Medley into the funeral so he could say goodbye too. It's been hard on all of us but especially so for Paul and both sides of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with them all at the moment. Tracy is a huge miss to everyone that was lucky enough to know her.

God speed, Tracy.

Dawn Weaver


 

Cathy Keith
Died December 2025

I am truly saddened to hear of Cathy Keith's passing.

Cathy was one of my greatest supporters throughout my judging career, encouraging me to apply to judge Championship classes and always being there to offer her support. I truly believe I wouldn’t be judging at the level I am today without her encouragement and support.

She contributed so much to agility, and her fierce determination never to give up was an inspiration to us all.

Thank you, Cathy, for everything you did for agility and for me. 

Hannah Louise Wade

Mum’s funeral will be held on 16th December at 3pm at East Lothian Crematorium, Old Craighall Road, Musselburgh EH21 8XB. Family and friends welcome. There will be a web link for those who wish to say farewell but are unable to attend in person. Family flowers only but there will be an opportunity to donate to St Columba's Hospice Care if anyone wishes.

Pamela Keith


 
Gladys Tombs
1st June 1940 - 13th November 2025

I have some sad news. Gladys Tombs has not been in the best of health thus year. About four weeks ago she went into hospital where she died. Her daughter has asked me to let as many people in the agility world as possible know who have known her over the years.

Rosemary Stowers said, 'Such a shock. An absolutely lovely, genuine lady who was a great support to us as a friend and a judge at our Orchard Shows and out Summer Time Open Show. Gladys and Derek were always there to support us and now they are back together again. Heart felt condolences.'

Penny Heal added, 'I have many happy memories of agility in the company of Gladys and Derek, always smiling, teaching, helping, organising, and generally a fabulous person. She was a very giving person but took no nonsense! Everybody I have spoken with has special memories of her, particularly when they were starting out.'

Her funeral will be on Wednesday, 26th November at Watford West Herts Crematorium, South Chapel at 3pm and everybody welcome afterward at the Aldernam Golf & Country Club. For catering purposes, please email Jackie Bone at jackie.bone@btinternet.com or send a message on 07702 082027.

Barbara Edlin with additional comment from Rosemary Stowers and Penny Heel



Pat Kidd
Died 8th November 2025

It is with a heavy heart that I need to let her friends know that sadly Pat Kidd died in hospital in the early hours of 8th November.

She was a big part of Rugby Dog Training Club and enjoyed huge success with her beloved Becks at both agility and hoopers.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, 19th December at Midday at Rainsbrook Crematorium, Ashlawn Road, Rugby CV22 5QQ. This will be followed by an informal gather and buffet at The Bell Inn, High Street, Hillmorton, Rugby CV21 4HD.

Please confirm your attendance by 10th December by email to patkiddrip@gmail.com or by Messenger or leave a voice mail on 07734 592302,

We re requeat that only immediate family send flowers. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one of Pat's favourite charities by visiting judtgiving.com/page/patkidd

Saffy Melton and Ann Howkins



Pam Lapworth
Died November 2025

Just to let anyone who knew my mum Pam Lapworth knew that she sadly passed away this week.

She started agility in the mid-80's with her gobby Border Collie, Pinto. Then followed a switch in breeds to even more gobby Beardies. Tio, Zephyr, Sam, Bridie and Tally all graced the agility ring with Mum - some with more success than others.

Mum and Dex would be at most shows in the South West with their trusty caravan.

Mum's celebration of life will take place at Weymouth Crematorium on Thursday, 27th November at 1pm. Black doesn't have to be worn. Mum's favourite colour was purple so it would be nice if some purples could be worn (scarf, jewellery etc.) Mum insisted that dogs should be there so well-behaved ones on leads welcome.

Family flowers only. Donations to either Weldmar Hospice or Margaret Green Animal Rescue would be welcome.

Vicki Hanger



Ian Gray
9th November 1924 - 29th September 2025

For those who knew him, Ian Gray has passed away, six weeks before his 101st birthday. He has had the most full life and contributed much through his teaching in the canine world.

For those who were there, Ian was the captain of the Orange group at The Agility Club Judging Seminar in April 1990 at The Veterinary College, Potters Bar, Herts.  In the photo, he is the man wearing his hat on the right hand side.

 Thoughts and prayers go to his family in New Zealand.

Kate Wykes



Don Sumner
Died 18th September 2025

For those of you who attended the many Supa Dog Agility Shows we held, it is with great sadness that I have just heard that Don Sumner, one of our regular helpers, passed away peacefully in hospital at 5am this morning.

Don will I’m sure be remembered at the shows as your resident speeding guru shouting at people to 'slow down.' Both Don and Grace, who did the catering,  were not just part of the Supa Dog family, but close friends.

Adrian and I send our love to the family at this sad time.

R.I.P. Don. You are with your Belgians now.

Linda Croxford

On Saturday, 22nd November. Don's family is holding a celebration of his life' It will be at the Glentwoth Ex Service Club, 154 Lowfield Street, Darfork,Kent DA1 1JB. between 12-4pm. As Don requested before his death, no black clothes are to be worn - just bright colours and casual clothing.

There will be a collection box so people can donate to the RNLI. This was Don's last request.

If you are thinking of coming, please ring 07749 300971.



Pat Duffy
Died September 2025

It is with a heavy heart that the YKC has heard the passing of Pat Duffy at the weekend. She was part of the YKC from early KCJO days and dedicated her time to Crufts, camps and other activities as well as being part of the management team.

Every year Pat and Ray Morland lead events from Newark to Birmingham National regardless of all weathers, never missing an event. Every summer, they attended summer camps, giving up their time to help and train young members of the future.

Pat was a wonderful, kind hearted person who gave so much of her time to the YKC. She would help at any event she could and always with laughter and a smile.

We will miss her greatly and will not forget all that she did supporting the YKC members and the YKC team past and present.

Our thoughts are with her family.

YKC


 
Permission from her lovely family to use these photos.

Joanna Crumbley
8th September 1967 - 29th June 2025

Always smiling, always kind, Jo was a light in the agility world. Her generous spirit, friendly nature and infectious happiness made her a joy to be around, whether she was running alongside her beloved Vizslas, Amber and Jade or lending a hand as part of the ring party.

Jo' s love for dog agility was clear to all who knew her. She gave her time freely, shared her laughter generously and built friendships that will be cherished forever. Her presence brightened every field, every show, and every gathering.

Taken far too soon, Jo leaves behind a legacy of joy, friendship, and passion.

She will be deeply missed by all in the agility community.

Rest in peace Jo.

Jo' s family have shared her favourite charity which was Vizslamentes. Her daughter said she used to always bid on the raffles and show me the pictures of the rescued dogs. Any donations will go to https://vizslamentesuk.org/.

Sam Hatcher
Posted with permission on the Kelluki agility Facebook page.

Even as I type the words, I struggle to believe it' s real. To one of the kindest people in agility, always with a smile and a nice word to say about everyone; you are already so very missed. I can' t believe I won't see you at the shows again or catch up with you on a training day.

I'll always remember your laugh and I doubt there will ever be a day that I don't think of you. In your final moments, you were surrounded by people who would have done anything to save you and in time, we will find a way to honour you and your love for our sport and your beautiful dogs.

Thank you for your support over the years. You are missed by so many people.

Please all join in celebrating Jo's life with a service at 10am at All Saint's Church, Onslow Gardens, Sanderstead CR2 9AB on 30th July at 10.00am. The immediate family (in Limousines only) will then attend the cremation. There will be a celebration of her life after at Farleigh Golf Club, Old Farleigh Road, Warlingham, CR6 9PE, any time from 11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Vizslamentes or The ROyal Marsden Cancer Charity in Joanna's memory.

Livestream will be available.

 Lisa Jordan



Kate Sutton
20th March 1968 - 24th May 2025

I have been asked to let everyone know that sadly Kate has passed away after a long illness which she bore with great bravery and fortitude.

A truly lovely person and my dearest friend for nearly 20 years, I will miss her terribly.

Sending love to to Jessica and Jan, Keith, Emma and her extended family.

Hillary Meyer

Taking a moment today to remember Kate Sutton and the inspirationally kind and beautiful person she was.

Kate has been there for me over so many years, a key part of my 'agility family', always a massive support, celebrating highs and being there through the lows to tell me to get back up and keep going when I needed it most. I cannot count the number of times I turned up to a show late on a Friday after a long week at work only for Kate to be there to help me onto my pitch and then offering me a hot, delicious home cooked meal and an evening of great chats.

Kate's influence with respect to how kind and supportive she was taught me so much and has inspired me to try and carry that manner in myself, something I will continue to take forward in her memory.

Thank you for everything Kate. You will be so very missed.

Lisa Bates

Details of the Kate's funeral

  • Date: Wednesday, 18th June

  • Time: 1.15pm

  • Place: Huntingdon Crematorium and Cemetery, Sapley Road, Kings Ripton, Huntingdon Cambs. PE28 2NX

No flowers please, but donations to Many Tears Animal Rescue . The Order of Service will have a link for any donations. https://donate.manytearsrescue.org/.../website-donation.../

The wake will be at Abbots Ripton Village Hall, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon Cambs. PE28 2PF from 2pm - 4pm.

To help with catering arrangements, anyone wishing to attend. Please RSVP by Facebook messenger to @ Roxanne Em



Queenie Teather
Died March 2025

For those who knew her, Queenie Teather has passed away.

So very sad at the loss of this lovely lady. We will always remember the good old days and the fun we had.

Condolences to Les and the family.

Chris & Jeff Bolton



L-R Gerald Fox, Kevin Foster, Stuart Gillam, Albert Davies (Team Manager)
Out of picture: Peter Meanwell

Gerald Fox
Died March 2025

Gerald Fox has passed away during Crufts Week. He was one of the members of the Lincolnshire Alsatian Association All Breeds Training Society that took part in the first agility demonstration at Crufts.

He was almost 93 years of age.

To read more about what really happened at first agility demo at Crufts, go to Gerald Fox of Lincolnshire

Cindy Osborne


 
Pauline Baltes
Died April 2025

Finally, I have found some time to sit down and write my thoughts about Pauline Baltes.

We have been so busy trying to fill the very large boots of our beloved Pauline Baltes. Some say that she had been involved with agility for at least 49 years but it could be more.

In some ways it is overwhelming to sit here and try to sum up Pauline in a few words. It really has been a very sad loss and difficult to come to terms with! It has been so difficult to minimise what I wanted to write but I could literally write a book on her! 

She was such a lovely lady and a very important part of the agility world.

Sue Dickinson & Ribble DATC

She trained Clive and me when we joined Newton Heath along when our young, High Peak, was left without a training ground. I admired her from the start. Her bark was always worse than her bite. She was full of common sense and not afraid to speak her mind. We loved the tricky agility courses she put up when she was judging.

Rest in peace Pauline, a person never to be forgotten.

Dorothy Foden


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