Vale: John Atterton, coach, athlete, NSWIS contributor

John Atterton, the former coach of NSWIS athletes Lachlan Renshaw, Anneliese Rubie and more recently Georgina Wassall, passed away on November 22 after a battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

A life member of Athletics Australia, Atterton was 81 when he died and was until very recently still coaching many young athletes.

The NSWIS will remember Atterton, who is survived by his wife Nancy, and family including daughter Stacey, who are both well known throughout the athletics community, fondly for his caring and hard working nature.

John’s involvement in athletics extended well beyond his love of and commitment to coaching.
He was a high achieving athlete himself – winning the 1957 and 1958 New South Wales state titles and the silver medal at the 1962 Australian championships in the 3000m steeplechase.

John also ran as a professional – becoming the Australian one mile and two miles champion in the then divided sport. He enjoyed success in army and inter-service competition at both 880 yards and the mile. His love of running continued on, becoming masters’ 800 and 1500 metres champion at Oceania level.

A private service for John Atterton was held today with a public service set down for Wednesday.

Public Service for John Atterton

The Memorial Service will be held at 5.30pm for 6.00pm on Wednesday 30 November at Futter Hall at The King’s School, 87-129 Pennant Hills Road, North Parramatta, NSW.

(PIC: Athletics NSW)