Birchfield Harriers is saddened to report the loss of Doug Paul, a long-time member and stalwart of the Club.
Doug joined the Club many years ago when it was based at what is now the Perry Barr greyhound stadium. His initial passion was as a cyclist but a meeting with his future wife Janet, at the Birchfield track opened his eyes to the joys of athletics. He became fully immersed in the Club assisting with the Sportshall teams that Janet managed and qualifying as an official.
His officiating duties saw him act as a starter and marksman at events and he will be remembered fondly by many athletes in this role as one said, "he always made standing on the start line a little more calm."
I addition to his official roles Doug was always the first to volunteer his time to help at the Club. He ran the shop, a role since taken over his eldest son, Stuart, helped out at meetings and did anything else that the Club needed. It is people like Doug that are the backbone of the sport of athletics and not only his work, but his ability to chat to anyone about a whole range of subjects made him a very valuable member of Birchfield Harriers. Following in his footsteps both sons Stuart and Andy have roles in the sport and the Club and are very active across the region.
He will be sadly missed by all his family especially Stuart, Andy and Sarah and all at Birchfield send their condolences to the family.
For anyone who would like to join the Paul Family in celebrating Doug's life, the funeral will be held on Thursday 29th September at 1pm at the Streetly Crematorium follwed by a wake at Calderfields Golf Club. If anyone would like to join the family at the wake please could they let Andy or Stuart know which can be done via the club email contact@birchfieldharriers.com. The family would like donations in lieu of flowers with details to follow on FB page.