JACK TANSEY, one of the true father figures of Merseyside amateur boxing, passed away this week at the age of 88.
Throughout his life jack dedicated himself to the amateur ring and was always a strong spokesman for the reintroduction of boxing to the school curriculum.
In an interview with the ECHO more than a decade ago, he said: "The answer to all the violence in children these days would be to get boxing into the physical education classes in schools.
"As a former education officer I was involved once with a really tough school, but I got boxing started in my dinner hour. Boys won proficiency badges and bullying stopped and attendance increased.
"I know there are those who would finish boxing, but I'm certain it will always be with us, for it produces three things lacking in today's society - courage, discipline and respect."
Jack was himself a top class amateur in the '40s and '50s, boasting a run of 19 stoppages in a 21-fight burst early in his career and later winning Northern Counties titles at both light-heavy and heavyweight in the same season!
He started out before the War at Bootle ABC and after serving with the Royal Navy - laying mines - returned home to join up with Tucker Hetherington and Chuck McGowan at St Teresa's.
During his time in the ring he crossed gloves with great names like Bruce Woodcock, Ernie Roderick, Vince Hawkins and Freddie Mills. But despite many advances from promoters he never turned professional, staying true to his love of the amateur game.
He went on to work as a physical training instructor on the cruise ship Brittanic, rubbing shoulders with star names like Ronald Reagan, Rita Hayworth, David Niven, Caesar Romero and the Aga Khan.
He also worked as a PT instructor at remand homes, and later as an education welfare officer for Knowsley Borough Council.
Jack's funeral takes place tomorrow at his beloved St Teresa's Church, Norris Green from noon.
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