Obituary - Sue Jenkins

It is with sadness that I have to report the death of Sue Jenkins of Fawsley, Northamptonshire, following a short illness on 17th December 2008.

Sue was a wonderful, clever, funny person who shared her interest and eccentricity with all those around her. She had an indomitable spirit which she amply demonstrated in her later years, never giving in to the pain and disability associated with her arthritis.

She came into the world of dogs after finding riding difficult. As a young woman in her twenties Sue was one of the finest lady riders, competing at the top level with her horse Echo, both at Horse of the Year Show and in the Newmarket Plate. Once riding became difficult she turned her attentions to other things at which she could excel.

Firstly with her dogs, succeeding both as a breeder with her own champions and also in becoming a qualified champion show judge for Ibizan and Pharaoh hounds. She judged Ibizans at Crufts in 1983.

Sue bred Whites, and was a founder member of the Ibizan Hound Club and remained their Treasurer for many years.

Ivicen Cleopatra won many awards prior to CC status in 1977. Mated with Leo the Brave, Cleo produced homebred Ch. Ivicen Julius who was the first British Ibizan hound Champion by winning the first three dog CCs on offer for the breed in 1977. After he won his crown, Sue immediately retired him from the ring for the rest of the show year in order to give others a chance. So typical of Sue! Other famous Ivicen’s include Julius’s son Papyrus 2CCs,
When the KC Breed Standard was revised in the 80’s, Cleopatra was used as the breed example with her photo on handouts.

In later years Sue ‘down sized’ to smaller breeds and became involved with Cavaliers and Pekingese; a few oldies remained with her over the last few years.

She acquired yet another interest, being one of the first people to take up the cause for traditional farm animals, developing her skills with a variety of rare breeds. This saw Highland cattle, Jacob’s sheep, assorted goats and bantams at her Fawsley home. In addition were her beloved Longhorn herd with which she was so successful, even winning a class at the Royal Show in 1987. When she could no longer show cattle at the Royal Show she took pleasure even in submitting and winning with a plate of eggs. For Sue it was always taking part, doing your very best and above all having some fun on the way.

But there was so much more to Sue. She was always keen to use her knowledge and skills to help others and the wider community, such as improving access to services through the Northants NHS disability group.

Sue was a very special person, who will be sorely missed.

Her funeral took place at St Mary the Virgin Church, Fawsley on Friday 9th January 2009. Donations in memory of Sue can be made to her favourite charities – The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (Reg No 209617), and The Injured Jockeys Fund (Reg No 1107395).
Peggy Garner, Mialeah Cavaliers

Ros Loades, Rosirius Cavaliers

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