Vale John Wilkinson
John Wilkinson passed away on Monday the 9th September, 2024.
Suffice to say, I have had the pleasure of working with John as a Presenter and Assessor since April, 2018 and prior to that John and I commenced our Umpires journey at about the same time as Level 1 Umpires in May, 2001 with the Parramatta District Umpires Panel.
John moved onto become a Level 2 Umpire around 2006 along with Michael Schwarcz and Les Watkins I think. John became a Presenter and Assessor as part of the transition from Level 2 categorisation to the current standards established for Presenters and Assessors by Bowls Australia from around 2018.
John was always available to provide advice and assistance through the numerous Umpires Panels, Zone Delegates meetings, Zone or Club events and training courses we’ve attended together and the loss of his mentorship will be sadly missed.
John and his wife Leonie were active in the Bowling community until Leonie passed away around 12-18 months ago and John’s health deteriorated quickly after Leonie’s passing.
Stephen Rochester
John was Chairman of Umpires for many years and had a passion for the rules of bowls and bowls in general.
John played at many clubs including Wenty, Rydalmere but found a home at Rosehill. He won many championships in his time, the latest was pairs with me in 2019.
He was a prickly bugger but when he finally let you in he was a great friend. Always sharing stories, people he knew (he knew everyone) and places he had been.
He will be missed by his kids and grandkids and his bowling community.
RIP mate
Darren