It is with sadness that we have to announce that our President, Joe Neath, passed away on 30th September 2012.  Below is a tribute from John Stevenson.

“Joe Neath died peacefully on Sunday, 30th September 2012 after a brief period in Worcester Royal Infirmary, writes John Stevenson.   He was 85 years of age.

Despite his health declining over recent years he never let this affect his demeanour, nor his welcoming attitude towards all his friends.

Joe and Betty, his wife of 62 years, at one time ran the Selbourne pub which overlooked Buffrey Park in Dudley, the location giving rise to what would become one of the famous affixes associated with Dalmations – Buffrey.

Their invovlement with Dalmations dates back to 1960 when the first bitch joined the family.   She in turn had a litter, from which Joe and Betty kept a dog and began showing.   A well-worned cliche, I know, but the rest is history!

Over the years, Buffrey Dalmations have been awarded in excess of 100 CCs.   Many will recall two famous names from the past, Ch Buffrey Savannah and Ch/Am Ch Buffrey Jobee who made his mark on the breed in America as well.

The mantle of handling the Buffrey dogs was gradually passed to Joe and Betty’s daughter, Sally-Ann, beginning some 30 years ago.   Nonetheless, Joe and Betty would be ever present at the ringside.

Joe was also a well-known judge and had the pleasure of officiating at Crufts in 1995.

Athough Dalmations were always a first love, Joe and Berry also enjoyed success showing Shibas for a while.

Joe had time for everyone, and was always willing to give the benefit of his knowledge of the breed, or simply chat and exchange the time of day.   It was perhaps this aspect of his character that caused everyone to warm to him.

Joe’s involvement with Dalmations was not limited to the show ring.   There was arguably no more ardent a supporter of the North of England Dalmation Club than he.   He served on its committee and as its treasurer, and had been a vice-chairman for more than 30 years.

From 2000 until 2008 Joe was the club’s much-respected president, during which time I was always able to turn to him in my role as chairman for support, and honest and reasoned advice.   In giving it, he always looked at an issue with the interests of the members uppermost in his mind – so typical of him.

His death is a sad loss to the Dalmation world and his many friends but their loss pales in comparison to that of Betty, daughter Sally-Ann, son Noel, and grandchildren.  I am sure they are all in our thoughts.

The funeral service takes place tomorrow (Saturday) at 11.30am at St Edmunds Church, Church Lane, Stoulton, Worcestershire, WR7 4RE.  Joe requested that no-one wears a black tie at the service – he was known for his extensive and colourful collection!”

First published in Dog World 12th October 2012.