Remembering agility friends who have passed away

Sadly every so often we lose one of our agility handlers or someone we have known from training, clubs or shows. We may have just stood in the queue with them, shared a bacon roll at a show or held their dogs while they went to check their times after a run. Some of them have been close friends, with whom we have shared triumphs, tribulations and the love of our dogs and our sport together.

Here we try to remember those people, young, old and in-between, who have shared our passion and who, by their presence, have made their contribution to the sport we love. They leave behind family, friends, dogs and, of course, memories. If you want to share your recollections of your friends with us, just email them to Agilitynet.

Zoe West

Southdowns agility club regretfully announce the tragic loss of one if it's members, Zoe West, following a tragic car accident. The accident which took place on the M6 near Preston occurred during the early hours of Friday, 4th July, Zoe passed away in hospital approximately 24 hours later. Zoe was travelling with a close friend, Vicky Pickering who passed away at the scene of the accident.

Zoe was well known around Southern agility shows where she loved running Blake her distinctive white German Shepherd.

The funeral service will be held at Holyrood Church, Gosport Road, Stubbington, nr. Fareham at 11.30am on Wednesday, 23 July, followed by a service at Portchester Crematorium. Everyone is invited to both services and afterwards to The Golden Bowler Public House, Stubbington Lane, Stubbington.

Family have requested no flowers but donations can be sent to CAMVET, Cambridge Veterinary School, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES. Cheques should be made to 'University of Cambridge Veterinary School Trust' and endorsed as 'In memory of Zoe West.

Emma Francis & Lynda Isaac on behalf of Southdowns Agility Club

From Keith Powell...
You always had the time to talk to me and your love for those white shepherds was obvious. I first met you at the Southdowns club, during obedience sessions, when your team of instructors helped me succeed with a particularly difficult dog. That smile & welcome was obvious for all to see. We shall miss you.

A Tribute to Zoe West
by Val Phillips of Valgrays 

By now most of the dog world has received the terrible news of Zoe West and her friend who were tragically killed on the M6 on 4 July 08. I am not sure how to start as, like everyone, we are still in terrible shock.

We all knew Zoe with her wonderful GSDs competing around the agility show scene, larger than life. She was such a lovely person. We always had conversations when at shows. Zoe was always interested in my rescue dogs and me always talking about her lovely sheps...

A few weeks back Zoe and I met up on the film location of Trinny &  Susannah. Nobody knew until that day who would be selected. (It was me! I was the one who was made to look a million dollars.)  It was a wonderful surprise to see Zoe and a few others I knew there.

Filming took place over two weeks and we had such fun.  Typical of her sense of humour, Zoe said that some of her inmates would be better running this film unit then the ones now! We were all asked to go to the studios in London. The waiting around was a long time. Again Zoe began to play about and we both got told off and asked to keep the noise down.

My last thought of Zoe was when we had to travel back from London. We were put into this very posh taxi laid on by ITV.  Keith, my partner, Sky and I were in the front row and Zoe and her lovely black Shepherd were in the back. We only travelled a short distance and a smell in this taxi overcame us. I did not want to say anything as I thought someone had farted! Anyway eventually it got so bad we had to open the windows. Then a little voice in the back said, 'Opps, sorry. I’ve got a poo bag in my bag.' I said, Why on earth did you not leave it in a skip?' She said she forgot to. So we travelled all around London to get to Waterloo Station, gagging!  Zoe and I laughed so much.

On the last day of filming, we let our hair down. My friend Marion took some lovely pictures of Zoe, me with Trinny. At the end of the day, we took our shoes off and ran our dogs around an agility course which had been set up in posh dresses and no shoes. This was the real us.

I have wonderful memories of Zoe and our filming days together. The dogs had also a great time.

The news which eventually came to me about this terrible accident has just numbed me completely.  My thoughts are with her family, her friends and all who knew Zoe.  Her dear dogs will miss her as well.  So to Zoe...

No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say goodbye,
You were gone before we knew it,
And only God can tell us WHY.

One thing I'll always cherish
No matter what life sends,
A memory of the times we spent,
Just being good friends.
 

Remembering Zoe West
By Annette Foulkes

I met Zoë at Raghley Hall in Warwickshire on the first of a three day film shoot for Trinny & Susannah Undress the Nation. There I met some new people whom I had never met before - Sharron, Kirsty and Kirsty's dad. When we got to the venue, we walked the dogs in what was a picture postcard setting. It was a day I will never forget. The venue, the weather, and these new friends were brilliant. It was a hot sunny day like the ones I'd almost forgot about. I parked under the trees for shade as all  my dogs were there with me. It was going to be a long day for us and our dogs.

 I was only there to prove a point. When I told someone that I was going to go out for the show, that person said to me - and in their own words - 'They won't have you and Tanya (my border collie). So off to London Tanya and I went on the train to the ITV studios to see if they would pick us to go on the show. When I got home I had a message to say I was on. If I had not gone, I would never ever have been given the chance to meet such a wonderful  person as Zoe. 

I was at breakfast after walking and sorting out my lot and sorting them out first when I first met Zoe and her friend who were sitting down at the next table. She asked to join us. We were like kids, laughing and joking about. Kirsty and I were saying that we were worried about rumours that we might have to strip of to our underwear. I am not telling if we had to or not. You'll have to tune in to see. Poor Zoe said she was a prison officer and told us about the stick she would get if she had to strip.

Then we all went of doing our bit of filming. That's when I met  Val Philips who was standing by my van with her dog sky. Even though we had never met before, she asked if I would like to stay at hers overnight when we had the next shoot in London. What a great lady and a friend for life.

I will never forget about that day was the photo shoot -nightmare or what. This is what I remember. While Tanya is great of the lead with other dogs, on the lead I have to watch her as she eyeballs other bitches. She is a cow at doing it to larger dogs than her. Zoe was sitting down on the bench in front of the table with Blake and her bitch Raven along with others who were standing on the table with their dogs. It was only me and my three dogs left to join them. It should of been simple; it was not.

Zoe could see fear in my face. I was worried about sitting next to her and her well behaved dogs. I asked if she had a bitch just as Tanya had set her eyes on something. Lo and and behold she had spotted Zoe's youngster Raven, a black bitch five times her size. Kind hearted Zoe offered to move on to table. A lab and his owner took her place. Sitting down on the bench with Zoe up behind me was fine or so I thought until I heard a grumble somewhere behind my ear. I looked around to see what was up. There I was, faced with Raven, growling down at Tanya. She was  showing her teeth. I asked Zoe if she had a good hold on this youngster of hers. Laughingly, she told me not to worry. I will not tell you my reply.

So there I was leaning forward away from Raven, trying to keep Tanya in check. The photographer told me to sit up right when my other collie Tammy decided to flirt with the lab next to me. They were bouncing off each other, so I gave Tammy to someone to hold as I could not cope with her and Tanya at the same time. Star, my youngest, was still laying down in front of me behaving like an angel.

Then when we were all ready Raven and Tanya were sods. It was the nightmare from hell. After the photos were done we walked away together. I remember Zoe laughing her head off. I will never forget her words. She asked me if I was alright. 'Are you okay. You look a bit white. Was there a problem? There was a lake behind her and thought about throwing her in. The only thing that stopped me was having to get close to her we both had the dogs. We walked back to the vans, laughing and joking about.

She had a lovely nature and was good fun to be with but, best of all was the love she had with her wonderful,  well-behaved dogs. Raven was as good as gold even though she and Tanya did not see eye to eye.

Wherever you are Zoe,  you are - and always will be - so sadly missed. She was a great lady and a great friend. I am so glad our paths crossed for the three days. I knew you it felt it too. It was as if I had known you all my life. God bless, Zoe.

Another tribute to Zoe West
By Sharon Sutherland of Witchgait Shar Pei

Like Annette and Val, I met Zoe and her best mate Vicky at the 3 day filming of the Trinny & Susannah Undress the Nation Show. I remember them both with their smiling faces and always there were Zoe's beloved GSDs.

I remember on the last day of filming. Vicky kindly looked after my Shar Pei Tippi whilst I had my make over. Just before that we had shared some laughs and stories whilst eating.

You were both taken too soon, but you are in a good, kind place now with no worries. All that is missing in your lives now are your family, friends and your beloved dogs. One day you will all be together again - a big happy family. RIP both of you. I will never forget your smiles and friendship. (21/07/08)

Zoe West
By Jo Driver & Fliss Hopkins

Friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly

My friend and I first met Zoe on location filming for Trinny & Susannah.  Long days waiting around for filming were spent chatting away about our dogs and people watching. What fun and laughs we all had!

 On one of the days filming we had to go to the studios in London by train and take one of our dogs with us. Unfortunately my dog really couldn’t cope with the train journey and consequently when I finally arrived at the destination, I was a jibbering wreck.  Zoe was there and instantly came over and hugged me. She could see how upset I was. After a cigarette and a drink together, I soon felt so much better.  Zoe had an obvious natural gift to help people and knew when they needed support.

On the final day of filming, we all had so much fun together. We exchanged mobile numbers between us so that we could stay in touch. We had arranged to meet up in July and August at a couple of agility shows.

Just like others, we are still in shock and utter disbelief that we won’t be seeing each other again. When we said goodbye on the final day, we would never have dreamt that it was our final goodbye. (23/07/08)

Darien Frankham

Darien Frankham lost her brave fight against cancer this Wednesday, 25 June. The funeral will take place on Friday, 4 July at 3pm at

Crownhill Crematorium and Cemetery Office
Dansteed Way
Crownhill
Milton Keynes
Bucks MK8 0AH

Our thoughts are with Miranda at this very sad time and I know the Agility community will support her in anyway they can. Darien - rest in peace now.

Sharon Wild

Darien Frankham will be sadly missed. My memories are of many happy times competing against Darien particularly in mediums with Muffin who would quietly listen to every command from Darien and make the 'course from hell' look easy. My thoughts and support are with Miranda now and in the future.

Sharon Brewster (28/06/08)

I have lost a very dear friend and will miss her very much. It is through Darien and Miranda that I got Tarot, my tricolour Sheltie, followed by Tipsy. We camped together many times and I will fondly remember the evenings I spent in their caravan, eating, drinking, playing cards, watching TV or just chatting.

Darien had an excellent eye for walking a course and helped me on many an occasion.

She was such a strong and private person, so courageous in her battle against cancer. You are free from pain now, Darien.

My thoughts are with Miranda now.

All my love from Christine (30/06/08)

I too would like to add my message of condolence for the loss of Darien - a very sad loss to agility. Darien's knowledge, training and competing was awesome and I shall sorely miss our discussions on agility issues etc. Miranda my thoughts are with you and hope that we will see you on the agility circuit soon.

Enid G  (30/06/08)

Maurice Malyon

Izzy Gilbert

Issy Gilbert past away suddenly on Sunday, 16 March.

Agility was Issy's life, and she never let her failing health stop her from travelling and competing at as many shows as possible. The tribute posted by Rosemary and Ian Stowers perfectly sums up the Issy we knew. 

Her funeral will take place on the 2 April at 3.30pm at St. Faiths Crematorium, Manor Road, Horsham St Faiths.  No flowers please but donations, if desired, to F.A.I.T.H Animal Rescue, Stubb Road, Hickling, Norfolk NR12 0BW.

Toni & Peter Harrison-Jones

A Tribute to Issy Gilbert
from Rosemary & Ian Stowers

Izzy was such an inspiration to all of us.

She clearly had health problems, but through all this she ran all of her dogs and got phenomenal results with her dogs.

She always helped at our shows and was such a lovely person.

I want to pay a huge tribute to Izzy.

She loved her dogs but, above all, she loved competing with her dogs.

Izzy will be remembered for her competitive spirit and her love of her dogs.

She was such a lovely person.

Les Parker

Les, my lovely husband of 32 years, died instantly on Tuesday 12 March whilst cleaning the roof of our motorhome. Don't know what it was yet but he was a fit as anything one minute and then I found him. Paramedics tried for 20 minutes to bring him back. All the doggies said goodbye to him on the back lawn.

I'm so devastated. I can't begin to say what a soul mate he was to me, constantly by my side. We did everything together, run businesses, travelled the world, hobbies etc. The one constant throughout his entire life were dogs. He was born into a house with 13 GSDs and always had dogs. I don't know how i'm going to finish my life without him at the moment.

His funeral is at 3pm on 19 February at Chichester Crematorium. Any donations should go to Battersea Dogs Home.

I still intend to 'do the circuit' - it's all I have left now but oh how hard it will be without him. Everyone will remember him always being at the Start and Finish line for me. I would like people to come speak to me to help me through this tragedy.

Lynn, Jimmy, Cassie, Jessie & Hooch xxxx

Marianne Burrows
Posted on behalf of the family of Marianne who passed away at Barrow Show last year.

You may remember Marianne Burrows who passed away at Barrow Show last year. So many people said that they knew the name but couldn't put a face to it, so am including a photo of her.

We have now received letters of thanks and acknowledgment from the two Charities which benefited from the money which was contributed instead of flowers. The breakdown was Christies received £500 and Border Collie Trust received £550. Thanks to all who contributed. She would have been so pleased that so much money was raised and that these two charities have benefited. We still miss her dreadfully.

Sharon Hardman

Sharon Hardman passed away peacefully in the early hours of New Years Eve, after her brave battle with cancer. She was a lovely person, She knew how to make us laugh, sometimes with her, sometimes at her. She was brilliant at coming over the finish line, cheering and waving, only to be told she'd missed a couple of jumps out.

Her middle name was Joy, and that was what she was - a joy to be around, and a joy to have as a friend. Her cheery face will be missed by so many people.

Her dog, Drum, has gone to live with Mike and Jackie Richardson who bred him. Cap has gone to a friend of ours who lost hew own collie a few weeks ago. Both dogs have settled in their new homes really well. This was a great comfort to Sharon.

Sharon's funeral takes place on Tuesday, 8 January 2008 at 12.45pm at Overdale Crematorium, Chorley New Road, Bolton  BL1 5BU. Directions can be found on their website. No flowers please, but donations, if desired, to the East Lancashire Hospice, Park Lee Road, Blackburn.

June Burrow

Thank you ...
Sharon Hardman's Mum Joyce and her partner Ged would like to pass on sincere thanks to all of her agility friends, for their kindness, cards of condolence and donations received after her sad loss.

Mike Webb

Over the past nine years, Mike Webb has been on the agility scene along the South Coast from East Sussex to Dorset and up to the Oxford area with his big blue merle border collie Tenita Happy Herbie.

Herbie gave him success by winning out of Elementary and then the next year winning out of Starters twice in three weeks. As Herbie had arthritis - he was coming up 11 years - Mike decided to do the judging course to put something back into a sport that he really loved. However, that was not to be as he died suddenly on 29 December.

At the moment there are not any arrangements for the funeral as everything is behind because of the Christmas backlog but you can contact Nola Webb on her email at Nola Webb [nolaw@hotmail.com]

Nola Webb

Chris Last

Last night a great friend and an inspiration to all that knew her lost her battle with cancer. Chris last made us laugh with her antics and filled us with pride when we watched her run her beloved Miniature Schnauzers. Despite everything, she always had a smile and a good word to say to everyone and still enjoyed camping and celebrating agility wins with her friend's right up to the end of this season. She could often be seen around the rings in her buggy and in the rings with her dog's, even this year at Supa dogs she didn't let the mud and rain dampen her sprits.

Chris was a lovely person and, if you were lucky enough to call her your friend, she enriched your life. She leaves behind her husband, daughter (Helen Flatt) and four lively little schnauzers and will be missed by all her friends especially those at Barking Mad Agility.

The funeral will take place on Friday, 21 December at  3.00pm at Helmingham Church. Family flowers only please. Donations to St Elizabeth's Hospice.

From Den Keeler...
Chris Last was one of the best. She didn't have a bad word to say about anyone. Will miss her loads. She loved this picture and still won limping. A great woman. (17/12/07)

From Soraya Porter
Chris Last was a dear, dear friend. I first met her when I returned her daughter - then still in her early teens - home rather apologetically, after my donkey had skimmed Helen across the field, like some people skim stones on water. Helen was my youngest sister's best friend at school, and the family lived just up the road from us. When I met up with Chris again at Nigel Rudd's agility club, we became firm friends.

I have too many treasured memories of my times with Chris to write here, but I shall always think of her juggling Schnauzers at club; telling me they were all attached to a ground stake, as they careered off in several different directions across the field; her delight on winning a class; her tears of joy when Helen qualified for Crufts.

Chris had amazing determination, and agility was her whole life. Her love of the sport helped her to cope with the increasing restrictions that her illness caused. I will never forget her telling me that because she was not as mobile as she used to be, she was going to retrain her dogs to work with her new handling techniques, and with that she went off and did it! Seeing her work Zebbie from the middle of the ring at Masters brought me to tears, and she was a testament that nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it!

The agility world has lost a lovely lady who touched many people's lives, and will always have a very special place in the hearts of those who knew her.  (18/12/07)

To contact Agilitynet click here for full contact details.
Please do get in touch - we love hearing from you, even if it's only to tell us that one of the pages has gone wrong!