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Chester Zoo June Williams (née Mottershead): 1926-2015

Discussion in 'United Kingdom' started by TeaLovingDave, 1 May 2015.

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  1. TeaLovingDave

    TeaLovingDave Moderator Staff Member 10+ year member

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    Another important link to the past lost; June Williams, the daughter of George Mottershead and an important part of the history of Chester Zoo in her own right, has passed away.

    June Williams | Chester Zoo
     
    TeaLovingDave, 1 May 2015
    #1
  2. Nisha

    Nisha Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    The end of an era as some might say.. :( condolences to her family and friends
     
    Nisha, 1 May 2015
    #2
  3. Macaw16

    Macaw16 Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    So sad, again condolences.
     
    Last edited: 2 May 2015
    Macaw16, 1 May 2015
    #3
  4. zoogiraffe

    zoogiraffe Well-Known Member

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    A very sad loss and the last direct link to the founding of the zoo,its such a shame that she didn't get to see Islands finished!
     
    zoogiraffe, 1 May 2015
    #4
  5. gentle lemur

    gentle lemur Well-Known Member 15+ year member

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    Very sad news. I hope she enjoyed her time in the limelight of 'Our Zoo'. She made a great contribution to the development of the Zoo and I hope that there will be a suitable memorial to her in the Zoo in due course.

    Alan
     
    gentle lemur, 1 May 2015
    #5
  6. Macaw16

    Macaw16 Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    How about 'June's Islands'?
     
    Macaw16, 1 May 2015
    #6
  7. bluetoffeezoo

    bluetoffeezoo Well-Known Member

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    What an amazing lady who led an amazing life!!!! she will live forever in the zoo's memories :)
     
    bluetoffeezoo, 1 May 2015
    #7
  8. Panthera1981

    Panthera1981 Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    I wholeheartedly agree.:(

    Maybe a memorial garden could be created?
     
    Panthera1981, 1 May 2015
    #8
  9. Kifaru Bwana

    Kifaru Bwana Well-Known Member 15+ year member

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    A lovely lady who meant so much to the Zoo and to which we all owe very deepest respect for making Chester Zoo what it is today. So sad indeed she did not get to see the realization of Islands.

    My condolences to family and friends who
     
    Kifaru Bwana, 2 May 2015
    #9
  10. lowland anoa

    lowland anoa Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    She was a very nice person, so sad. Condolences to family, friends and Chester Zoo.
     
    lowland anoa, 2 May 2015
    #10
  11. OrangePerson

    OrangePerson Well-Known Member 15+ year member

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    I'm really glad the zoo included her so much over recent years instead of neglecting the relationship and then making a big fuss when she's gone.
     
    OrangePerson, 2 May 2015
    #11
  12. stubeanz

    stubeanz Well-Known Member

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    Such sad news! At least she saw what her father had started become what is arguably the most popular UK zoo!
     
    stubeanz, 2 May 2015
    #12
  13. karoocheetah

    karoocheetah Well-Known Member

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    I echo the sentiments here, really really wish she had got to see the Islands development open, I think she would have been proud of what her family started ultimately. The book of condolence in the zoo is very nicely done with some lovely messages too. Currently in the shop but due to move to Oakfield I believe soon.
    What a life she led ☺
     
    karoocheetah, 3 May 2015
    #13
  14. SMR

    SMR Well-Known Member

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    What terribly sad news. I was lucky enough to meet June (and her daughter) and wander around the zoo with her on a few occasions. She was always the most accessible, gracious and understated person despite her and her family's achievements.

    Condolences to her family and friends.
     
    SMR, 3 May 2015
    #14
  15. prawnie1975

    prawnie1975 Well-Known Member

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    Such sad news , thoughts are with her family , the zoo and her friends , i was lucky enough to meet her when she was there signing books
     
    prawnie1975, 9 May 2015
    #15
  16. gentle lemur

    gentle lemur Well-Known Member 15+ year member

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    gentle lemur, 14 May 2015
    #16
  17. prawnie1975

    prawnie1975 Well-Known Member

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    Thank you for posting that , its also printed in my local paper , either the same or similar :)
     
    prawnie1975, 14 May 2015
    #17
  18. Parrotsandrew

    Parrotsandrew Well-Known Member

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    RIP Mrs Williams.
     
    Parrotsandrew, 21 May 2015
    #18
  19. Panthera1981

    Panthera1981 Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    Does anyone know if any of the extended family still play a role/have influence in the operation of the zoo?
     
    Panthera1981, 22 May 2015
    #19
  20. TeaLovingDave

    TeaLovingDave Moderator Staff Member 10+ year member

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    None at all - in point of fact it is only in recent years that relations between the zoo and the descendants of Mottershead have become warmer again.
     
    TeaLovingDave, 22 May 2015
    #20
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