John was born in Ware , Hertfordshire and was one of 11 children. We met at the Church Youth Club when I was 14 and married at 19 in St Andrews Church, Hertford. We moved to Bury St Edmonds and spent 35 very happy years together. Andrew, Nick Rob and Beck were born and now John has two beautiful granddaughters, Pru and Pheobe and two daughter in laws both called Emma.
John love life, he was a carpenter, could cook, sew make jam, create, mend, decorate, garden, bred aviary birds, loved athletics, badminton and football. Went on school trips with the children – he put his heart and soul into everything he did. He also did voluntary work for our church, repairing windows etc. He had a wonderful nature and was there for all who needed him. When he died he was an inspector with the Borough Council visiting many homes in the area – he was proud of all he could do to help the many tenants in whatever way he could to improve their homes.
In August 2002 he developed an irritating cough and on 9th November 2002 he died aged 57 years following what was then a pioneering operation at Papworth Hospital.
This photograph was taken after enjoying a flying lesson a birthday present from his children who he loved so much. Nobody would have imagined that a few months later his life would end.
