(Updated 10/03/01)

Obituaries

Mr Haworth Hoch

IT IS with sadness that I have learned of the death of Haworth Hoch at the age of 92, which occurred in St. Louis, USA, on February 23rd.

Haworth was Chairman of the Board of the American Kennel Club at the end of the 1970s and the early 1980s. He was a delightful American gentleman with a keen sense of humour and a high regard for Britain: a successful businessman: a good dog man and an all breeds judge: is contribution to the dog game was considerable.

He was not able to come to the first World Conference of Kennel Clubs in 1978 but it had his full support and the AKC was represented by its Executive Vice-President, Bill Stifel. However, with Bill Stifel, he came to a subsequent conference at the Kennel Club in November 1980 the purpose of which was to secure an international unification of breed standards where, besides the representation of Brigadier Campbell, Owen Grindey, Geoffrey Farrand, Mike Stockman and myself from our own Kennel Club, the FCI was represented by its President, Henri Lestienne, Secretary Jean Catzenstein, Dr Wirtz (Germany) and Dr Aasheim (Norway).

Following two days of intense discussion, a comprehensive document was produced with detailed recommendations for consultation with all the countries who had taken part in the World Conference but, regrettably the document was not actioned and nothing came of it.

Although retired from the Chair of the AKC, Haworth Hoch was a member of the organising committee which hosted the third World Conference in November 1984, and was a judge at the AKC Centennial Show held concurrently in Philadelphia.

In 1985 he came as the first overseas judge to judge the prestigious Viscount Chelmsford Memorial Champions Stakes at Houndshow and awarded the bitch trophy to Mrs Irene Terry’s Basenji Ch. Zizunga Satin Doll. She fondly remembers his comment to her that “when that little dog came into the ring I knew it would take a very good one to beat her”, but there was none and she treasures her win.

Another great personality has departed from the world dog scene but he left his mark and will be well remembered by all who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing him. My sympathy goes out to his wife Peg, and his son Hochi.

Leonard Pagliero

Mr Richard O’Grady

IT IS with the greatest sorrow we report the tragic and untimely death of our very special friend, Richard O’Grady, from a massive brain haemorrhage, on March 1st, at the age of just 54. There can be few animal lovers in Scotland who will not be mourning his loss.

Richard was a most caring curator and director of Glasgow Zoo for some 29 years during which time he raised the standard of the Zoo and turned it into an educational flagship and recreation centre. Under his direction the Zoo gained plaudits for his efforts with endangered species and his many innovative programmes.

But for us, and many many animal lovers and Charities throughout Scotland it was through his weekly pet column in Scotland’’ widest read tabloid newspaper The Daily Record that he will be remembered. Richard never failed to give publicity to any worthy cause or problem within the animal world and his help was invaluable to us all.

Everyone, but everyone, read the column and speaking personally we were always so grateful for the publicity he gave our Exemption Show which invariably resulted in a great turn-out and quite a few new members! We were not alone in this, of course. And whenever we had anything new, or a special project, leaflet, video, whatever, we could always rely on Richard to spread the news. He used to ring me occasionally to discuss aspects on the dog scene that were contentious so that he could form an opinion for his column.

In 1994 the Trust presented him with the Iain Whyte Memorial Award for his services to - not just dogs - but all animal causes throughout Scotland. He will be sorely, sorely, missed.

Marjorie Henley-Price, Chair of Trustees Canine Concern Scotland Trust

Mr Jack Pearson

IT IS with deep regret that I write regarding the death of Mr Jack Pearson, who passed away on the 26th February 2001 age 84 years.

Jack was more than a personal friend to everyone who knew him, he was a true ambassador of his favourite breed the Rough Collie, giving most of his time in dogs to this breed, but not all his time, he was an active committee member of The Bolton Canine Society and was seen on many occasions at the Bolton Shows organising and welcoming all to the shows.

Peggy and I have a personal moment to remember Jack when he made up our first Rough Collie champion when he judged at the Blackpool Championship show in 1976, again we remember Jack making up one of his champions under the late Stanley Dangerfield at one of the Dumfries Championship shows. The applause at ringside that day was tremendous.

Jack was a one time Vice Chairman of the Lancashire and Cheshire Collie Club and an Honorary Life Member. It was very good to see a lot of his friends at the service held at the Overdale Crematorium from the club along with his many friends and colleagues from Bolton and the world of dogs in general.

One of Jack’s great attributes was that he would advise and help anyone in the well being and the running of every aspect of the world of dogs. A great man in every way he will be missed by all. To his son Terry and all his family we pay our respects and send our sincere condolences.

Peter Bailey

Miss Betty Penn-Bull

I HAVE just received the sad news of the passing of Miss Betty Penn Bull (Kennelgarth) during the early hours of last Monday morning. Betty had returned to her home being in a nursing home for a while and was very pleased that she had managed to do so. Betty was 90 last August. Full obituary to follow.

Maureen A Micklethwaite