In Loving Memory of Timothy Eric Blankley (1942–2024)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tim, who left us suddenly on 27 November 2024 at the age of 81 after suffering a heart attack. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Tim was a remarkable man whose life was defined by friendship, an unbelievably fast, some would say quite possibly the worst golf swing in the Hillcrest area, and an enduring love for long-distance road running.
A long-distance runner of extraordinary talent, grit and determination, Tim completed 33 Comrades Marathons, becoming the first person ever to achieve 20 consecutive silver and/or gold medals. All in all, Tim earnt an incredible five gold medals, 25 silver medals and 3 bronze during his illustrious running career. In his prime Tim’s training for the Comrades involved accumulating 2,500 km’s in the five or so months leading up to race day and, for several weeks during the peak training period, a marathon every Wednesday morning before work.
Tim was born on 21 December 1942 in England, in Weston-super-Mare (whose notorious former residents include Jeffrey Archer, Roald Dahl, Bob Hope and John Cleese). He grew up in Durban North and Kloof and was schooled at Cordwalles (being taught by Tom Sharpe), Michaelhouse (for a year or so, where he was taught maths by Bob Roseveare, one of the Enigma code breakers from Bletchley Park)) and then his beloved Maritzburg College where he matriculated in 1959. He discovered his love for running as a young man, initially in the Durban North suburbs and then at Cordwalles and College where he used to slip out and run to World’s View and back. In 1959 the Natal Witness had an article on the Comrades and said that Trig Wang would be happy to help prospective entrants with a training schedule. Tim wrote in (aged 16) and received a reply saying that he couldn’t enter until he was 18. He wrote back asking how they could have a Youngest Finisher prize and an age restriction. Needless to say, he tried to enter again at age 17.
His achievements on the road were celebrated, but it was his very honest outlook on life, quirky personality, infectious laugh, limericks and unwavering support for his loved ones that truly defined him.
In his later years, Tim loved the knowledge he gained from spending hours meticulously arranging his stamps and researching the history of the period and place associated with the stamps. He also loved spending time travelling to all corners of the globe with his wife Avril. On the golf course, playing with people whose company he enjoyed, he loved talking rubbish and cursing his ball as it disappeared into the nearby bush, all in an elaborate ruse to have a few cold Hansas afterwards! It was not about the score that he so meticulously scribed (although he did love to win!) but about the experience of being able to spend quality time with friends and family developing lifelong memories.
Away from running and golf, Tim cherished family above all else. His stories, laughter, and witty wisdom will be sorely missed.
He is survived by Avril, his loving wife of 56 years, his children Lisa and Lauren (and their other halves), and his 7 grandchildren Jason, Emma, William, James, Matthew, Lucy and Laura, who will carry his memory forward with love, laughter and pride.
Tim’s legacy lives on not only in the medals he earned but in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rest in peace, Tim. May your strides echo forever in the hearts of those who loved you.