Club News
Davies Remembered for his Generosity of Spirit 29 Jul 2003.
From Simon Panckhurst
26 July 2003
Olympic athlete, champion trainer and New Zealand Olympic Committee president John Davies was farewelled by hundreds of mourners in Auckland yesterday.
For Dick Quax it was the hardest assignment Davies had given him: speaking at his mentor and best friend's funeral.
Quax, a one-time world 5000m record holder, said asking Davies to be his coach had been the best decision he made in his life.
"John Davies was an extraordinary man"
"A gifted coach and administrator, commentator, writer and broadcaster."
Davies, 65, died on Monday after a battle with cancer.
Visibly upset, Quax spoke of Davies' loyalty and honesty and his generosity to others whether they were a world class athlete or "Joe jogger".
He remembered many conversations over the barbecue - "he often took the contrary position just to keep the conversation lively" - and their monthly game of cards.
Broadcaster Brendan Telfer said Davies saw sport as more than just a result; "he saw sport as a humanity".
Richard Davies said in the days before his father died, he told him the bronze medal he won at the 1500m at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 was "really just a souvenir".
The greatest experience was the friendship and unity of the games.
"He said every day he would like his children, his grandchildren and the children of New Zealand to go forward with the purpose of being better in themselves."
Bronwen Davies remembered her father's warmth, kindness, sense of humour, passion and love of life.
"I often think I wish I was more like you."
Former Olympic team manager Joe McManemin said Davies embodied the Olympic ideal, always striving to better himself and working to help others be the best they could.
"John Davies was successful because he lived well, laughed often and loved much... he leaves this world better than he found it.
"He looked for the best in others and gave the best he had."
Words such as integrity, intelligence, calmness, admiration and respect littered the messages from Olympic gold medal winner Peter Snell and two of Davies' champion runners, Anne Audain and Lorraine Moller, all three of whom now live in the United States.
"Everything I became is because John Davies said "yes" when I asked for help," Audain said.
Speaking directly to Davies' family, Murray Halberg said if anyone ever asked how best to honour their father, grandfather and husband, it was easy.
"John Davies: Olympian."
With many of us knowing John personally if any readers have something special about John they would like to share please email Simon and he can send it round.
[Simon Panckhurst] [John Davies - Profile]
26 July 2003
Olympic athlete, champion trainer and New Zealand Olympic Committee president John Davies was farewelled by hundreds of mourners in Auckland yesterday.
For Dick Quax it was the hardest assignment Davies had given him: speaking at his mentor and best friend's funeral.
Quax, a one-time world 5000m record holder, said asking Davies to be his coach had been the best decision he made in his life.
"John Davies was an extraordinary man"
"A gifted coach and administrator, commentator, writer and broadcaster."
Davies, 65, died on Monday after a battle with cancer.
Visibly upset, Quax spoke of Davies' loyalty and honesty and his generosity to others whether they were a world class athlete or "Joe jogger".
He remembered many conversations over the barbecue - "he often took the contrary position just to keep the conversation lively" - and their monthly game of cards.
Broadcaster Brendan Telfer said Davies saw sport as more than just a result; "he saw sport as a humanity".
Richard Davies said in the days before his father died, he told him the bronze medal he won at the 1500m at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 was "really just a souvenir".
The greatest experience was the friendship and unity of the games.
"He said every day he would like his children, his grandchildren and the children of New Zealand to go forward with the purpose of being better in themselves."
Bronwen Davies remembered her father's warmth, kindness, sense of humour, passion and love of life.
"I often think I wish I was more like you."
Former Olympic team manager Joe McManemin said Davies embodied the Olympic ideal, always striving to better himself and working to help others be the best they could.
"John Davies was successful because he lived well, laughed often and loved much... he leaves this world better than he found it.
"He looked for the best in others and gave the best he had."
Words such as integrity, intelligence, calmness, admiration and respect littered the messages from Olympic gold medal winner Peter Snell and two of Davies' champion runners, Anne Audain and Lorraine Moller, all three of whom now live in the United States.
"Everything I became is because John Davies said "yes" when I asked for help," Audain said.
Speaking directly to Davies' family, Murray Halberg said if anyone ever asked how best to honour their father, grandfather and husband, it was easy.
"John Davies: Olympian."
With many of us knowing John personally if any readers have something special about John they would like to share please email Simon and he can send it round.
[Simon Panckhurst] [John Davies - Profile]