John Watts dies aged 44
Well-known equestrian and owner of the Equestrian Centre Gauteng, in Petit, John Dalton Watts, died at the age of 44, on Thursday, last week (November 14).
John was born on April 15, 1969, in Vereeniging.
His schooling began as a happy toddler when he attended the Red Cross Creche, then Rynfield Primary School, Willowmoore High School and the Benoni Technical College. He completed his army service in Heidelberg where he was made an officer.
John joined Amalgamated Press (now Caxton East Rand) as a reporter for the Germiston City News in 1989 and then moved into advertising at the Brakpan Herald, later heading up niche marketing for the four newspapers (Benoni City Times, Boksburg Advertiser, Germiston City News and Brakpan Herald).
He married Karen in February 1995.
It was during his primary school years that John became a horse fanatic.
It became his life, with love and dedication he lived and breathed his passion … horses, and excelled as a brilliant and respected rider, competing at international levels.
In 1998 has started a riding school with Trevor Lovgren at Equestrian International and then, two years later, opened his own school and stables, the Equestrian Centre, in Petit.
As a teacher dedicated to his clients and pupils he gave his all as an instructor in higher grade show jumping and dressage, and will be missed by all involved in the Ekurhuleni riding fraternity.
John will be remembered for his love of his family, his horses and his quirky sense of humour.
He is survived by his wife Karen, daughter Jordyn, son Rory, sister Teree and brother Deryck, and many family and friends.
A memorial service was held at the Northfield Methodist Church, in Northmead, on Tuesday, November 19.
