John Bagguley 1946-2012 Obituary

John Bagguley, one of the leading figures in the development of Lancaster City F.C. for more than thirty years, has sadly passed away at the age of 65.

John was born in 1946 in Stoke and was a life long fan of the Potters and lived his dream watching them at Wembley last May where in his words, they were robbed.

He moved to Lancaster in 1971 having seen a gap in the market for his finance business.

John joined the Board of Directors in the early 1980’s which ideally combined his strong passion for both football and trains with Giant Axe situated alongside Lancaster Station.

Over the years John served the club in many roles as a Director, Vice Chairman, Chairman, President and ultimately Life President and oversaw the rise of the club from the North West Counties League to its highest level in the Conference North.

During his time as Chairman, John took tremendous pride in the club’s great success in the middle 1990’s when they won the NPL Unibond League Championship for the only time in the Club’s history as well as winning the Presidents Cup and League Cups before moving up to the role of President.

John also figured prominently as a Vice President of the Northern Premier League that is known as the Evo-Stik League, formerly the Unibond League and headed the financial commitee.

John can well be described as a self made man who threw all his energy into anything with which he was involved, but this never prevented him from living life to the full!

His Provincial Finance Company began in Lancaster and he had offices in Dalton Square and latterly on Yorkshire Street in Morecambe.

Current Chairman of Lancaster City Mick Hoyle said “The Directors and all at Giant Axe are absolutely devastated by John’s sudden death and wish to pass on our condolences to his wife Joanne, children Christopher and Gemma and all his family.”

John was a large part of Lancaster City’s recent history and the club would not be in the position they are, had it not been for John’s efforts at a time when it looked as if the Club was in danger of going out of business in 2007, his drive and enthusiasm and determination ensured the club’s survival.

He will never be forgotten.

Details regarding funeral arrangements will be posted later.