17.09.1953 – 13.10.2025
The Hockey Museum reports with great shock and sadness the death of John Willmott on 13 October 2025.
John was a highly regarded, colourful character familiar to many in the hockey world, and his passing is a great loss to the community. John joined the museum as a trustee in 2019 prior to becoming its chairman in 2020, a position he held until 2024. The legacy of his tenure includes a refreshed and diversified board of trustees, a new operational structure and the installation of fire safes to preserve the museum’s most unique and irreplaceable heritage items. John remained a museum trustee after concluding his chairmanship, until his death.
Richard Beechener and John Willmott, past presidents of Southgate Hockey Club, at The Hockey Museum’s fundraising city lunch in March 2025.
John Willmott had hockey in his blood. He was a long-time member, former chairman and past president of Southgate Hockey Club. He was known for having attended hockey matches most weeks of his life since birth. John was regularly spotted wearing his trademark brightly coloured, eclectic suits in attendance at festivals, both at home and abroad.
John will undoubtedly be remembered for his dedication to Southgate and for his attention to detail – traits epitomised in the design of the Southgate pitch and clubhouse. When re-designing the facilities, John was adamant the clubhouse be aligned with the centre of the pitch to provide an ideal vantage point for viewing play; to prove this had been achieved, the centre line of the pitch continues off the side, through the stand, and into the clubhouse itself, finishing behind the bar. This quirky feature has become a valued element of club culture and is a testament to John’s aptitude, attitude and sense of humour.
John Willmott was known in hockey for his eclectic wardrobe.
Photograph courtesy of Warlocks HC.
John served as the Stadium Director for the 1986 men’s Hockey World Cup in Willesden, London and volunteered with Great Britain Hockey and the British Olympic Association during the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. In 2020 he became president of the World Grand Masters Association (WGMA) where his enthusiasm for blending competitive hockey with a festival atmosphere provided fun for both players and supporters.
John’s hockey involvement embraced the social side of our sport and extended to ‘Sunday sides’, touring teams and veterans hockey. His club affiliations were numerous: he was a High Llama of Llamas Hockey Club, a vice president of Warlocks Hockey Club, and a member of Hornets Hockey Club, Members Hockey Club and an honorary member of LX Hockey Club. John also played veterans hockey for Southgate and summer hockey for Pistons Hockey Club, the latter formed by Southgate members including his father, Robin.
John hosted the Grand Masters Hockey European Cup on behalf of Southgate Hockey Club in 2015. He travelled extensively in support of masters hockey and was the team manager for the Over-70s men’s Alliance team at the 2023 European Championships in Valencia. He was heavily involved in organising the Six Nations International Veterans Tournament, which has run since 1972.
Complementing his career in the building and property industry, John worked as an artificial pitch consultant. For a time, he also sat on the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) Equipment Committee. John consulted on many of the elite hockey installations throughout the UK and for a variety of school and university sports facilities, including making many grant aid applications. He and was also appointed to install the two-pitch hockey training facility at Chigwell for the London 2012 Olympic Games, which was then replicated exactly at Riverbank, Olympic Park.
John’s community mindset was displayed through his involvement with the ‘Smarten Up Hungerford’ movement – a group of Berkshire volunteers, residents, and schoolchildren working alongside local businesses and organisations in a dedicated effort to help maintain the town as a clean and welcoming place.
John’s extensive and valuable contributions to his sport and his community will be remembered fondly, as will his vivacity, passion, and energetic spirit. The Hockey Museum trustees, staff and volunteers extend their sincere condolences to John’s wife, Rafia, and five children.
In Loving Memory of John Willmott
A tribute by John’s wife, Rafia.
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend, loving husband and father, John Willmott.
John was more than just a passionate hockey player — he was a true teammate, a loyal friend, and someone who brought warmth, humour, and kindness wherever he went. His love for the game reflected his approach to life: full of energy, dedication, and generosity of spirit.
We will remember John not only for his skill (or lack of) on the hockey field, but for the friendships he built and the way he inspired those around him. His presence will be deeply missed, yet his memory will stay with us — in every story, every smile, and every match played in his honour.
Rest in peace, dear friend. You will always be part of our hearts.
