How would we sum up Dad?

Gentle, loving, funny, unassuming and never wishing to be centre of attention, but so loved by everyone who knew him. He was incredibly supportive and caring to all, and never had a bad word for anyone. Dad was a very special man. 

He achieved so much and never missed an opportunity to try something new whether that was windsurfing, pottery, white water rafting, painting, woodworking, waterpolo, or water-skiing. He loved the outdoors and the countryside, volunteering to assist with local woodland projects, and travelling with Mum in their Motorhome the length and breadth of Britain.  

He was a great sportsman: A very good athlete competing for the RAF athletics and football teams whilst on National Service; an elite amateur marathon runner, completing the London Marathon in under 3 hours in 1984 aged 47 years; a good squash player (Colin, despite being in his 20s, never managed to get the better of him although giving him over 20 years!); On retirement, golf became a passion. He was playing three times every week and he won cups and competitions at his local club. He was particularly happy playing a round of golf with Mike, his son, and also enjoyed playing matches with his cousins, neighbours and friends, followed by a swift 'half' at the 19th hole!

He was a skilful handyman and we often called upon his skills. He could and would turn his hand to anything: boiler repairs (on Xmas eve!), building a driveway at one of our houses, flat-roof repairs, shed building, electrics and general maintenance. We always knew we could rely on Dad to be there, and put us at ease, and do a first class job.

Dad loved his art and produced many wonderful paintings, drawings and illustrations as well as pottery and wood turning. His woodwork was amazing, and he made numerous treasured toys and furniture, firstly for Mike and I and then for his five grandchildren, and other family members. He built shelving which was personally customised and included ballet, teddies, cricket, and many more. He also made beautiful doll's houses with working lights, decoration and furnishings. Some pictures of Dad's work can be seen below this story.  

He had a very successful working career, starting out as an apprentice draughtsman at 17 years and becoming an Office manager and Project Leader on many international large-scale Papermill projects. Most of his working life was with Parsons & Whittemore, Croydon, where he highly valued the friendships with his colleagues. His work gave him the opportunity to live and work abroad. He worked in many countries including the USA, New Zealand, and much of Europe. He worked and lived for concerted periods of time in Chile and Spain with June, Caroline and Michael, as well as in Portugal and Nigeria with June. John truly embraced these opportunities and we were lucky to share some of these times with him. Truly remarkable experiences and memories!   

It was as a family man that Dad excelled particularly as a loving husband to June for nearly 60 years. They lived in their family home in Barnehurst virtually all their married lives, moving there following John's National Service, when Caroline was two years old. Previously, following their wedding, they had lived with Dad's parents, Vi and Les. They loved their house, garden and family pets, but most of all loved family times there. Mum and Dad made great friends over the years with many neighbours, particularly their immediate neighbours, who became like extended family. Dad played his part in the community and was a key member of a group that worked tirelessly on a project to get rear-access gates installed for the safety of local householders.

As a Dad, he was loving and supportive and, when we were children, he enjoyed nothing more than spending time at the weekend with Mike and I, taking us for early morning walks in search of wildlife and teaching us about trees, plants and nature. Some days, we may all go swimming or go and watch Mike play football. It was at football that Dad would often take on the role of linesman. Not a role he particularly relished as, even at youth level, officials can find themselves the focus of unhelpful comments. Nevertheless, he did it to support Mike and the club. In later years, in a more relaxing role as a spectator watching Mike batting at cricket, he could be seen pacing round the boundary playing every ball.

Dad's role as spectator continued once the grandchildren were born. Mum and Dad enthusiastically watched gymnastics, dance, cricket, rugby, football, school plays, sports days and assemblies. At one point, Dad became a reporter for Matt's junior football team compiling a weekly newsletter. He did all of this, not because he had to, but because he wanted to. Dad was very proud of his grandchildren and helped Mum when they provided childcare by reading stories, teaching painting and woodwork skills, and generally being there for them. Over the years, we enjoyed so many wonderful holidays and Christmases together, full of laughter and fun. 

Following Mum's passing, Dad spent some time at their holiday home in Birchington, before moving to an assisted-living apartment just outside Margate. Between us, and other family members, we would visit him almost daily and, despite the challenges his illness presented, we cherished these times. We would go for walks, trips to the pub or tea shop, or go for meals or ice-creams. Prior to the Covid lockdowns, he was able to undertake social activities with other residents, which he loved. These included theatre trips and visits to places of local history. In addition, Colin would drive him to his weekly carpet bowls club, and Mike and Amanda would regularly support him at Bingo and quiz nights. He loved this time living by the sea and always remained cheerful and contented.

We could say so much more, but hope by reading this, you get a feel for how special Dad was and how much he meant to us all. We thank you and miss you Dad, Grandad.

Caroline and Colin, Mike and Amanda, Matt and Anna, Laura and Marcus, Ben and Rachael, Sophie and Alice.