John was born in Carlisle in January 1950. When he was five the family moved to Hinckley in Leicestershire where he attended St Mary's Primary, Hastings High School and Hinckley Grammar School, now John Cleveland College. He was a keen runner at school, running cross-country for the county and as an adult entered a local half marathon. Losing his mobility was devastating, but he didn't let it show. On leaving school he joined Debenhams in Nuneaton as a retail manager before moving to Gloucestershire where he remained for the rest of his life. In his later years he was employed by Manor Cabinets of Swindon. He married his wife Sue in 1976 then Jo came along in 1981. The family on our father's side came from Liverpool and John was very proud of these roots and delighted when Jo chose to go to university, and later settle there. He loved holidays in Cornwall at Treyarnon Bay, where we had also spent childhood holidays - and in Brittany. His great passion was his garden, and he was very proud of the fact that he won 'Tetbury in Bloom' three years running. He liked nothing better than to be working out there and entertain family and friends with a barbecue. He always had a ready smile and got along with everyone.