Fechin McCormick

JOHN STALKER, former club chairman from 2000 -06 ...died on 15th February 2019 aged 79.  Like so many, John came to Sale Harriers through his daughters Colette and Francine. Progressively he became involved in coaching Primary youngsters and hosted Primary section meetings in his home in Northenden. Clearly a man of immense ability, he was elected Club chairman in 1988, a post he held until 1995. In 2000 he was elected President and wrote in the Harrier , “It’s a great honour to be elected President.  I will make sure our great club is not found wanting as we take the run up to the Manchester Commonwealth Games.” (Issue 36). 

Older members will remember John as the deputy chief constable of Gtr. Manchester who was controversially removed in 1982 as head of an investigation into the alleged secret ‘shoot-to-kill’ policy operated by the Royal Ulster Constabulary against IRA terrorist suspects. It was a huge national controversy in which he found himself up against increasing resistance and obstruction from members of the RUC. He was taken off the case at the moment he believed he was about to obtain an MI5 tape of one of the shootings.

He was just as often in the public spotlight after his retirement from the police in 1987 as he was while still a serving officer; carving out a career in the media as an expert on policing, appearing on crime-related TV shows including Crimestalker and writing his autobiography.

John was one of life’s gentlemen. Despite his demanding responsibilities outside the club, he  was dedicated to Sale Harriers and was approachable,  mild-mannered, sociable and down-to earth. Above all he was an efficient administrator who brilliantly represented the club especially in negotiating sponsorships.

Sale Harriers extends condolences to his two daughters, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His wife Stella died in 2017.

The funeral will be held at St Peter’s Church, Oughtrington Lane, Lymm on Friday 1st March 2019 at 10.45. The church service will be followed by a burial at the Dunham Lawn cemetery Altrincham, which is next to the Dunham Crematorium, and then lunch at The Swan with Two Nicks where everyone is welcome to help us celebrate the life of a wonderful man.

Family flowers only – any donations will go to the St Rocco’s Hospice where John spent his final few days.