Our dad John was known to most as Jack or Jackie. He was born in Middlesbrough on 19th March 1927. Dad had 7 brothers and sisters.
Dads family was one of the most important aspects of his life. The family moved from Middlesbrough to Irlam, near Manchester, in 1934.
Dad started work in the laboratory at Lancashire Steel and then took a job on the Irlam locks. At sometime he began work as a steel erector with Lodge-Cottrell. He remained with the firm until his retirement in March 1992. He settled in Scunthorpe in 1959 latterly living in Warley Road where he remained until a couple of months prior to his death.
Dad married Mary in 1964 having 3 children, Michael, Patricia and Edward. He was also a proud grandfather of 7 grandaughters and at the time of his death 7 great-grandchildren.
Five days following dads retirement our mam passed away and dad had to plan a life living alone. Now being alone Dad did more in his spare time than we think he had planned to do. He regularly visited Irlam for nights out with his brothers. He also spent many hours in the company of his friends usually in his local pub.
Around 2003 Dad began to get blurred vision and was diagnosed with AMD. Dad was now losing his sight in his one good eye. Dad had already lost one eye at the age of 11 in an accident and wore a prosthetic eye. This meant Dad had to give up his car and his other passions for reading and watching TV. Sadly despite treatment the AMD could not be arrested.
In 2005 Dad took his first ever flight travelling to Gibraltar with family. He loved Gibraltar and anything to do with the Royal Navy. His brother Edward had served with the RN as did his son Michael. In his retirement he regularly accompanired Michael to functions attended by servicemen and was in his element if they were naval personell.
Dad was very independent despite his lack of eyesight and continued to enjoy his life in his own home. He would regularly visit Southampton where Patricia lives and enjoy afternoons out with his sons and friends.
Dads general health began to deteriorate approximately three years prior to his death when he then needed a care package to assist him. As his health deteriorated he was unable to leave his home unaccompanied and began to lead a more solitary life, however, he was determined to remain in his own home. With the help of carers, family and neighbours he achieved this until the last couple of months of his life. Dad passed away peacefully on 8th January 2016.
Our Dad is greatly loved and missed but remains always in our hearts.