John died peacefully in his sleep at the Luton & Dunstable University Hospital after a short illness on 28th March.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, sons, grandchildren, relatives, friends and all who knew him.
Please join us us to celeberate John's life at a service and committal at Hemel Hempstead Crematorium on Wednesday the 29th April at 12:30pm, and afterwards with refreshements at Redbourn Golf Club from 2:00pm. The family would be grateful if you could notify funeral@curries.org.uk if you plan to attend.
John was Newcastle Upon Tyne born and bred. At the age of nine, he was evacuated to Cumbria with his parents and his older sister, Mary. He returned to Newcastle to complete his studies, earning his degree and PhD at King's College Newcastle, which was then part of the University of Durham. National Service with the Royal Artillery followed, after which he secured a Soil Physics research post at Rothamsted Experimental Station in Harpenden, where he published many papers.
In the early seventies, he married Margaret and had two sons, Michael and David. He took early retirement when budget cuts forced staff reductions in 1985. In retirement, a variety of activities, such as orienteering, helping with school and cub trips, and serving as treasurer of the local branch of the Forces Charity (SSAFA), kept him busier than ever. Age and three replacement hips gradually slowed his physical activities in later life.
No flowers please.
All charitable donations gratefuly received.
SSAFA - The Armed forces charity - Please use the Make a Donation buttons.
Other charities supported by John included British Heart Foundation, RNLI & St John Ambulance
Service
DATE AND TIME
Wednesday 29th April 2026, 12:30pm
ADDRESS
Hemel Hempstead Crematorium, Poppy Fields Cemetery, Bedmond Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP3 8LL
Reception
DATE AND TIME
Wednesday 29th April 2026, 2:00pm
ADDRESS
Redbourn Golf Club Ltd, Harpendenbury, Redbourn, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 7QA
If arrangements change
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