JackRICHARDSON24 May 1933 - 30 May 2021 Jack was born on 24 May 1933 in Rock Ferry on the Wirral, one of four brothers and one sister. At the outbreak of WWII, he was evacuated to Wales, for safety, for the duration of the war. He returned to finish his education leaving school at 15 and began in his football career. He was called up for National Service at 18. Joining C Squadron, 13th / 18th Royal Hussars. He was deployed in the Malayan jungle as a wireless operator. He picked up his football career playing for Canterbury, Kent before returning to the north. Jack joined Southport FC Lancashire on the opening day of the 1956-57 season, turning full time professional in 1958, Jack was an ever-present, in the inaugural “Sandrounders” Fourth Division campaign. During the close season, Jack could be found at the Southport LIDO serving as a lifeguard. He moved to Wigan Athletic in 1959 and made 202 appearances for the “Latics” and a further 136 Lancashire Combination and Cheshire League appearances over the next four years during spells with Chorley and finally travelling from Formby to play for Hollyhead, Anglesey in the Welsh League before retiring from the game in 1967. In post football days, Jack was never out of work including working at the Bank of England in Liverpool as a Security Guard, then the Bank of England closed its doors, he joined TSB and then retired again. In retirement Jack was an active member of the local U3A and learned to play golf and later joined the local Crown Green Bowls leagues. Jack’s competitive nature saw him gather a clutch of trophies at team, pairs and individual levels. He rekindled his connections with former Players groups at both Southport FC and Wigan Athletic. He also joined the Regimental Association of the Light Dragoons. He really enjoyed attending reunion events of all these groups and honorary appearances at matches. In summary, Jack had a varied and full life as evidenced by his CV. Professional Footballer, Lead Fitter, Soldier, Factory Operative, Lifeguard, Taxi Driver, Security Guard, Window Cleaner, NHS Patient Transport Driver. This in addition to his family roles as Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Son, Brother and Uncle. Jack died peacefully in his sleep, on 30 May 2021, just 6 days after his 88th birthday, after a short critical illness in Southport and Formby District General Hospital. He will live on in the memories of all who were fortunate to know him.
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