Leading Edge Sports Foundation shocked and deeply saddened by co-founder John Firth's untimely passing
(16 March 1969 – 17 May 2023)
It was with shock and a deep sense of sadness that the local cricket community at The Leading Edge found out about the sudden passing of co-founder John Leask Gates Firth.
By Hilton Toro and Wayne Bosch
John co-founded The Leading Edge Sports Foundation, a non-profit company—together with Wayne Bosch and Hilton Toro, both teachers at the prestigious Somerset College in Somerset West. The foundation’s primary aim is to provide quality cricket coaching and training to young players and coaches who come from mainly disadvantaged communities in the Helderberg basin in the Western Cape. Along with developing cricket skills, The Leading Edge also strives to provide it’s players with EDUCATIONAL and LIFE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT, thereby affording these young players and coaches the opportunity to develop holistically—all with the final goal of contributing to developing a well-rounded individual in the community.
John was known by those close to him for his kind heart, sincerity and most of all for his generosity. Through his vision and his generous contributions The Leading Edge managed to provide opportunities, mainly for kids from disadvantaged communities, to join coaching clinics, take part in cricket festivals against top schools and clubs and to develop coaches since 2019. It is also through this initiative that quite a few young boys are now attending some of Cape Town’s top schools. John gave with an open heart, without wanting any recognition. It was always John’s wish and desire to remain in the background—a true testimony to his humility and gentle spirit.
The Leading Edge team will keep John’s legacy alive by continuing their work in the true John Firth spirit; unassuming, wholeheartedly and with generosity. John believed in serving others like he served his Lord.
As we mourn John’s untimely passing, we will forever be grateful for his legacy, his example of humanity and his immense contributions that touched and impacted so many lives for the better.
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to his wonderful family, who so freely and willingly shared him with the rest of us. May John’s family, and his wife and children in particular, find solace in his memories, his legacy and may time bring them healing and peace.
May God give us peace in our sorrow, consolation in our grief, and strength to accept His will in all things.
We know you are with your Heavenly Father now…may you rest in peace.
(16 March 1969 – 17 May 2023)