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Thread: It is with profound regret ...

  1. #1
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    It is with profound regret ...

    ... that I must inform this forum of the passing of John Ford, the founder of SportsMatch UK.

    John was a true gentleman, as well as a genius, and his passing will be mourned by so many, from our sport and beyond.

    John forsaw the 'pre-charged revolution', and working alongside Gerald Cardew, developed and produced the SportsMatch GC2 rifle, which was so far ahead of its time that we springer enthusiasts shook our heads at the folly of it all. John recognised the importance of the PCP system, along with the desire of the top shooters to use something that pushed that system to its limits. John was right, and the rest is part of our sport's history.

    In addition to the production of his company's excellent mounts, John's talent for invention took him to a huge variety of product destinations, including sports wheels for cars, part of the equipment that captured the first photographic evidence of the DNA molecule, and an underwater bicycle ... yes, really.

    John retired to Spain some years ago, leaving his son, Matthew, in charge of the SportsMatch factory, and it was Matthew who called me today with the sad news. John was 76, and he packed plenty of remarkable times into those years. He was a great friend, and a great man, and I'll never forget him. There will be a full tribute to John in Airgun World in a future issue, although I'd need several magazines to tell the full, remarkable story of this truly special man.

    Rest in peace, John - you've earned it, mate.
    If you don't know enough to judge - don't judge

  2. #2
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    RIP John, and condolences to all his family.

  3. #3
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    Another sad passing.
    I do also remember Gerald Cardew, ( The boffin ) and his jelly pellet tests on air guns in action.
    Condolences to the family of Mr Ford.
    Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before.

  4. #4
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    Very sad news. As Terry says, John was a true gentleman.

    My thoughts are with Matthew and family.

  5. #5
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    Very sad news and my sincerest condolences to the family.
    THE BOINGER BASH AT QUIGLEY HOLLOW. MAKING GREAT MEMORIES SINCE 15th JUNE, 2013.
    NEXT EVENT :- May 4/5, 2024.........BOING!!

  6. #6
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    Dec 2014
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    R.I.P. John you never let us down when we need help with the GC2 feeling go out to all his family .
    Sorry for there loss.
    JOHN will never be forgotten by the lads that new him a true gent.

  7. #7
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    thats sad news, the mounts his comapney make are trulley world class. The gc2 is from a time I was out of the sport so cant comment on that., my condolances to his family.

  8. #8
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    Thanks Terry and my condolences to Johns family and friends.....RIP sir .

  9. #9
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    Very sad .

    RIP .

    Andy
    " Never mistake kindness for weakness "

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by OUTCAST View Post
    R.I.P. John you never let us down when we need help with the GC2 feeling go out to all his family .
    Sorry for there loss.
    JOHN will never be forgotten by the lads that new him a true gent.
    Well said, Dave. John was a proper gentleman; one of the absolute best.
    If you don't know enough to judge - don't judge

  11. #11
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    Very sad news. He sounds like a pioneer and in the great tradition of British inventors.

  12. #12
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    R.I.P. Mr Ford.
    1 Rapid+sentinal n/v, 1 HW100+ Mamba lite

  13. #13
    Join Date
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    Walsall, Midlands Uk
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    Terrible shame. RIP, John and condolences to family.

    Craig
    Put on heading 270, assume attack formation

  14. #14
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    May 2014
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    Manchester
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    R.I.P Mr Ford

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
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    Aylesbury
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    Rest in peace mate and thoughts are with family too.

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