08.02.1940 – 13.02.2023
The Hockey Museum is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Felton after a sudden illness on 13 February, five days after his 83rd birthday. Bill was an incredibly active administrator within hockey who was recognised for his outstanding services to our sport.
Born on 8 February 1940, he left school at 16 and worked as a shipbroker at the Baltic Exchange in London. He retired at age 55 but continued on a consultancy basis.
Bill did not play hockey but began umpiring in Essex in the late 1980s after his son, who was a junior international, went to university. For many years in the 1990s he ran the Centenary Club which organised travel for supporters to England games away from home. Bill built up an amazing camaraderie between those on the trips, alongside another fantastic servant of the sport, Kate Billson, who sadly passed away in 2020.
He was President of the East Region Hockey Association in 2008-09 and Chairman of England Hockey’s Youth Trust. In 2007 the Hockey Writers’ Club awarded Bill the Sydney Friskin Memorial Silver Goblet for outstanding service to the sport.
Bill was a tournament director and a very active match official clocking up many games in the East and in London. He was a conscientious, super-organised official who always worked closely with teams to establish a good relationship.
Stephen Barlow, England Hockey’s Competitions Manager, said on hearing the news: “Bill was a great ambassador for the sport; his friendly face was a welcome one when you arrived for a game; you knew you’d be in safe hands but a smile and a joke would never be far away.”
Bill, who lived in Hoddesdon, Herts, leaves a daughter Julia and a son Clive.
The Hockey Museum sends its sincere condolences to Bill’s family.
Bill Felton – Funeral Arrangements
Bill’s funeral will take place on Wednesday 8 March at 10:00 at Woollensbrook Crematorium followed by a Celebration of Life for both Bill and his wife Maureen at Brickendon Grange Golf Club.
Bill always wanted to have an event to celebrate his wife’s earlier passing but COVID-19 restrictions prevented that. It is fitting to acknowledge them together. They were married for nearly 55 years and were lifelong partners.
To ensure effective catering, it would be appreciated if those attending the Celebration of Life could email billfelton83@gmail.com advising their name and how many people are attending as there is limited capacity at the venue.
For those unable to attend on the day, the service will be live streamed on the web. To obtain a password to watch please email the above address.
As opposed to flowers, any donation in support of the Stroke Association would be greatly appreciated: Julia Felton is fundraising for Stroke Association (justgiving.com)
Addresses
Woollensbrook Crematorium – 9BS, Hertford Rd, Hoddesdon EN11 9BN.
Brickendon Grange Golf Club – Pembridge Ln, Brickendon Grn, Hertford SG13 8PD.
