Young P.C. John Van de Weg
We are deeply saddened to report that our good friend, retired Sergeant John Van de Weg, died in King Edward Hospital early this morning after being admitted for an apparent heart attack.
A native of Middlesbrough, John had served in the Royal Air Force in Communications before joining the Bermuda Police on 7th July 1967. He retired in March 1997, after 30 years of service in a variety of departments including Central Division, Prosecutions, Training School, Operations, as OIC Central Parishes, in "A" Department, and later in the newly formed Computer Section. He had been promoted to Sergeant in September 1976 and was an exceptionally popular officer.
John was an avid sportsman who played tennis and cricket in our Police Teams, but he really excelled as a great rugby player - a formidable 2nd row forward - who went on to captain our Police Rugby Team at a time when it was second to none on the Island. By coincidence we recently published a photo of the Police Rugby Team that won the Nicol Shield back in 1973 with John as Captain. The first copy sent to us was rather poor but we just received a much better colour copy from Pat McBride (see below). For more information about the team and their victory against Teachers Rugby Club that year go to our "Who, Where and When" column headed "How good was this rugby team? It can be found at http://expobermuda.com/index.php/who-when-where/398-how-good-was-this-rugby-team
Police Rugby Team 1973 with their trophies for the year, led by John Van de Weg
Sadly, John was struck with a debilitating long term injury after receiving a flu shot in the 1970's which left him partially paralysed. He was never able to play sports again but he persevered with extensive rehabilitation and treatment, and much to his credit and determination, John was able to continue his career in the Police Force carrying out various office duties with great professionalism.
Mary and John at one of our Expo functions
John made every effort to continue to socialize, and with the tremendous help and support of his wife Mary, he would often attend our ExPo functions. His condition had deteriorated in the past few years, but even when he could not move about without a walker, he was as determined as ever to make the most of his situation, and was always a firm fan of the Yorkshire cricket and rugby union teams and always looked forward to visits from his Yorkshire buddies, Dave Garland and Ron Beech. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
We extend our sincere condolences to Mary, and to their three children, Simon, Rachel and Nicholas, and their two grandchildren.
We will publish details of funeral arrangements as soon as we receive them.
3rd March 2016
We have just received this email from John Arlott:-
Hi All ,
The captain's curse! I played under three captains during my time, John Williams, Bill Buchanan and John Van de Weg. Such sad news. I remember as a young 21 year old my first Christmas in Bermuda and being invited to the Hamilton Princess as a member of that team to celebrate Christmas lunch, and that feeling of being part of a 'family' , despite being a long way from home.
The captain's curse! I played under three captains during my time, John Williams, Bill Buchanan and John Van de Weg. Such sad news. I remember as a young 21 year old my first Christmas in Bermuda and being invited to the Hamilton Princess as a member of that team to celebrate Christmas lunch, and that feeling of being part of a 'family' , despite being a long way from home.
I remember playing behind that pack, and receiving the ball with so much space because their back-row were all underneath Maurice Pett and Billy Butterworth. A real privelege to have been a part of such a quality side, time that I will always cherish.
Stay in touch.
Stay in touch.
Kind regards to all.
John Arlott.
John Arlott.