Like so many parents, Jack Wharry first became involved with ice hockey through his two sons, Ian and Billy, when they joined the local club, Billingham Bombers soon after its birth. Jack Wharry’s enthusiasm for the ‘new’ sport led him to become team manager and eventually, club chairman.
In 1982, Wharry was a founding member of the English Ice Hockey Association, adding the thankless post of Treasurer to his other responsibilities. When the Great Britain senior squad was resurrected in 1987, Wharry became joint manager and in 1990, his work for the EIHA was recognised when he was elected a personal member of the BIHA Council.
From 1990 Jack Wharry was General Manager of the GB senior team and his calm common sense played no small part in helping the team climb up the international ladder. In the summer of 1991, he relinquished the role of Treasurer, the EIHA honoured him with the title of President.
Sadly, Jack Wharry never saw his beloved GB team’s return to the top flight of the World Championships. Shortly before the start of the 92/93 season, on August 26th, he was struck down by a heart attack in his Billingham home and died aged 66.
The Northern Section of the English Senior Amateur Conference being re-named the Wharry Division perpetuated the memory of Jack Wharry.
Compiled with research, provided by Martin C.Harris – April 1994.
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