
John Bowness 07903 025761 or john44bowness@hotmail.co.uk
Top Spin
NEWSLETTER FOR TABLE TENNIS IN THE LEICESTER AREA INCLUDING
THE LEICESTER AND DISTRICT LEAGUE AND THE COUNTY ASSOCIATION
TRIBUTES
STEVE ZANKER
Steve died on 19th March after a long illness which he fought with his remarkable courage and tenacity.
I first met Steve at Leicester University in the late sixties playing table tennis. As a local, he knew the Leicester scene and played for Leicester Electricity unlike me who played for Leicester University then. We both eventually lived in the west of the City and our elder daughters became friends at school
We both played Leicester and District League – Steve being much better than me !- and enjoyed our sport. It is recalled that he had a particularly good backhand.
In 1983/84 , Steve became Secretary of Leicester Electricity -his only club - and remained in that role until 2004/05.
In 1984/5, Steve became a Divisional Secretary and then was elected Vice – Chairman of the League in 1991-2 when I was elected Chairman. He remained in that role as a great and thoughtful support being particularly skilled in handling appeals. He succeeded me as Chairman in 2001/ 02 and held that role for 3 years before in turn being succeeded by Peter Wilson- the current Chairman.
As a school teacher, he combined 2 of his interests in acting as the County Schools Secretary running county schools competitions annually in the 80's and 90's while also acting as one of the Schools and Junior League organising team in the 1990's with competitions at Knighton Park and Rushey Mead. He also supported the Closed Championships annually
Steve was elected a Vice – President of the League in 2004 recognising his contribution over many years -a contribution also recognised by Table Tennis England with the Maurice Goldstein Merit Award. He was awarded the Phil Reid Memorial Trophy in 1998/99 for outstanding services to the League and the AF Hayes Trophy for Secretary of the Year twice -in 1991/92 and 2004/05 on his retirement.
Steve was a man of great integrity, thoughtfulness and clear thinking; we were privileged to know him .
Our deep condolences go to his widow Jan , their children Jo and Becky and their families.
The funeral will be held at St Annes Church , Letchworth Road , Western Park , Leicester
LE3 6FN at 12-30pm on Tuesday April 12th followed by cremation at Gilroes at 2pm
Donations to LOROS and tributes in Steve's memory may be placed on the MUCH LOVED website giving the name Stephen Zanker.
Mike Smith
TONY FOX IS THE ONE WITH AN ASTERISK OVER HIM.
IN THE MIDDLE IS JOHNNY LEACH FLANKED BY HELEN ELLIOT AND DIANE ROWE.