The Passing of John Appleyard It came as a great shock to many of us who knew him that after attending and being actively involved in various meetings in the day on Friday 14th November, John went home, had a meal with his wife, went for a lie down and passed away peacefully at the age of 76. It was typical of him that he kept working so hard until the end, with his fervent belief that seniors have much to offer our society and that we are in the midst of `The Time of our Lives` He will be remembered well for his cheerfulness and fun loving spirit and tireless support for anything `Senior.` He was Chairman of the Hastings and St Leonard’s Seniors Forum, and of the county wide East Sussex Seniors Association, and had recently been invited to 10 Downing Street in recognition of his work in developing Older Peoples initiatives. The service at St John the Evangelist at St Leonard’s-on-Sea held on Wednesday 26th November was a fitting tribute in Celebration of his life. It was attended by family and friends, local and county dignitaries and many who knew him in his various roles, and included moving tributes from his 21 year old daughter on violin, his brothers and sisters in law and other colleagues and friends. As well as being passionate about music, John was also a poet in his day. One of these, that was read out at the Celebration, seems to sum up his indefatigable spirit well. “Now the peat that warmed the winter’s fire JRA 1956
Steve Thornett Chairman of ESF 27/11/08 |
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