July 29th 1919 – 1st May 2007
John died in Poole Hospital after a short illness on 1st May 2007. He became involved with the PDS when his wife Barbara was diagnosed as having Parkinson’s disease in 1983. From 1983 to 1998 he served on the Committee in the following posts: Welfare Officer, Chair, Transport Manager, Vice-Chair. On his retirement from the Committee he served as President of this large and active Branch supporting its many members and our Committee with his fund of knowledge and profound organizational skills. In 1999 he was one of the first to be awarded Honorary Life membership of the charity.
He had amazing organisational powers and steered the Poole Branch through good and bad patches. He was also a great individual fundraiser. Always a keen athletic John did not take up long distance running until he was in his 60’s. Between 1987 and 1992 he completed 5 London Marathons raising some twelve thousand pounds or the PDS Two years running he came 3rd in the over 70’s.
John was born is Shropshire. He worked in a bank until the outbreak of World War II when he joined the army. He then served the Army for 29 years, first in the Light Infantry and then as an Electronics Engineer. When he retired from Army life he worked as a Company Secretary to an Engineering firm and then set up business with his son.
He nursed his wife Barbara for many years and both possessed a positive attitude to life and the restrictions Barbara’s illness placed on it. They both had a lovely sense of humour and a great interest in people.
There are some people who cross your life who make such a lasting and positive impression; John was one of these. He will be sadly missed but as a Committee we feel so privileged to have known him.
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