Tributes paid to Harriers’ Joe Salt

Joe Salt at his 80th birthday 5K race with daughter Jane, grandchildren and Rochdale Harriers

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Highly respected athlete and sports coach, Joe Salt has died at the age of 80.

Tributes were paid to the Rochdale Harriers president who died on Saturday after losing his battle with cancer.

Joe, who taught at Cronkeyshaw Primary School from the 1970s until the 1990s, was a top athlete who went on to coach youngsters at Rochdale Harriers and was with the club for over 60 years.

In 1996, Joe, of Whitworth was named ‘Rochdale’s Man of the Year’.

Nearly 180 people turned out for a 5K race around Cowm Reservoir, Whitworth to celebrate Joe’s 80th birthday in April.

Over 30 members of Rochdale Harriers took part in Joe’s Birthday race.

Andy Sullivan, from Rochdale Harriers, paid tribute to ‘a top athlete’.

He said: “I knew Joe for 31 years. He was the greatest man I have ever met.

“He dedicated his life to helping everyone else and has touched so many lives.

“He was a top athlete and did a lot of charity work for those less fortunate. He was completely selfless.

“Exceptional is an understatement.”

Colin Robinson also a member of the Rochdale Harriers said: “I joined the Rochdale Harriers in 1956 and I’ve known Joe since that period of time.

“Joe and I were probably the oldest members left in the club.

“I knew him as an athlete and friend and we always got on well.

“He was a true gentleman in every respect.”

Rochdale Online Managing Director, Pauline Journeaux, whose children went to Cronkeyshaw Primary School were Joe taught, said: “Mr Salt was what you would call a ‘traditional’ teacher. He was a real gentle man.”