Obituary for Radcliffe Athletic Club President Terry Nortley

Date published: 21 November 2011

President of Radcliffe Athletic Club Terry Nortley has died at the age of 82.

Terry Nortley's funeral will be on Monday at Radcliffe's Crematorium at 11.00am.

A well-known and respected running coach for more than 50 years he died peacefully at his home in Arley Street, Radcliffe on Sunday after a long illness. Despite his condition in later life he could never be kept away from his beloved athletics and even in the coldest weather was always seen, immaculate in collar and tie, urging on Radcliffe competitors.

He had an illustrious running career of his own in his younger days which included fell running in the Ben Nevis and Snowdon races. But most will remember him for his superb coaching and endless encouragement. In 2008 runners from many clubs gathered for a special race to mark his lifetime of service to athletics, The Terry Nortley 5K Road Race, at Littleborough. He not only started off the event, he also presented the prizes and received two awards himself. He was presented with a plaque from a woman runner he had trained in the past to international level and received a trophy from the organisers marking his service. And more than 50 runners, past and present, said a big ‘thank-you’ to him when he took his last coaching session at the Radcliffe AC's Cams Lane Track.

When he became club president he still continued to enjoy his love of cross country, always travelling to events to cheer runners on. Although he suffered from cancer and often felt unwell he attended many club functions and committee meetings. He joined in wholeheartedly with a running initiative at Close Park in Radcliffe, being run by Bury Council with the help of Radcliffe club members. A mile circuit had been marked out in the park and once a week club members were helping beginners to jog round the course. It had been hoped he would be fit enough this Sunday to see a plaque placed on the circuit, naming it The Terry Nortley Mile.

In the early 1950s he was a force to be reckoned with on the running scene. He was a cross-country champion and also a ten-mile champ. He had joined the old Radcliffe Harriers in 1946 and was made a life-member in 1956. That same year the club amalgamated with Bury and he was secretary for three years. 

During that time Terry qualified as a club coach. He later coached at Bolton United Harriers AC for many years, where he was president for two years, and then carried on the good work at the reformed Radcliffe Athletic Club.

Vice-president of the club, former chairman and a close friend Tom West said: "In 1984 when the club was reformed Terry was the first one there and was so pleased saying it was the best thing that had happened to Radcliffe. He was an inspiration. He lit up the athletic club.” Club chairman Mark Emmett said: "Terry will be sadly missed, an inspiration to many runners he coached over the years and one of life's true gentlemen."

He had been born in Bury and moved to Radcliffe in his teens. He worked in sales before his retirement and was proud of his service in 1947 (correct) with the Royal Army Service Corps in Palestine and Egypt. His other interests included Radcliffe Probus Club of which he had been president and press officer.

Whatever he did he was always quietly supported by his wife Vera and the couple had been married 61 years. They had met at Sunday School and each year Vera said they had always marked that special day of their first date.

He is also survived by his son Chris, daughter-in-law Ann and grandchildren Tam and Bethany. Also surviving him are three brothers, Stanley, Harry and Stuart and a sister Irene.