One in a Million
St Francis Hospice helped us to care for our darling Papa Bear at home, surrounded by all the people he loved. They made possible a good passing, with no fear or pain after a life so full and well lived…
JB was an ardent royalist, very proud to have served as a Grenadier Guard, in Germany at the end of WW2 and as part of the guard of honour at Westminster Abbey at the wedding of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her Prince Philip.
A world traveller who in the truest sense embraced new experiences and never missed an opportunity to meet and talk to anyone and everyone. He shared his own love of taste and smell as a flavorist and perfumer, and was the first and only honorary lifetime President of the British Society of Perfumers. He created fragrances as kindnesses and commemoratives for so many charities, businesses and individuals who had no idea that such a thing was possible…
A keen cyclist, who up until very recently, could be found traversing mountain roads in France as well as the canal paths of Hertfordshire.
But most importantly he was our Papa Bear… married to our lovely Mum and his rock, Sheila, just shy of 65 years… dad to Alex, Jon and his twins, Lizzi and Jo… father-in-law to Tom, John and Scott… and best of all, the naughtiest grandpa to Charlie and Izzi, Laura and Jess, and Art and Henri. It didn’t stop there though… he was Papa Bear to friends too, especially life long ones, Andy and Ann-Marie. He taught us all the importance of curiosity and being open to new experiences and opportunities; the power of debate and conversation, the art of storytelling…
So so much we will miss but also so so lucky to have had.
We are beyond grateful to have been able to care for our darling Papa Bear, at home, facilitated by the resources and kindness of the Hospice teams. Their care and understanding, their generosity with their time, explaining what to expect, treating us all with dignity and compassion, made the final days with our Dad a time we will look back on with fondness and love.
Our Papa Bear was a legend, these guys are angels… please support them.
JB was an ardent royalist, very proud to have served as a Grenadier Guard, in Germany at the end of WW2 and as part of the guard of honour at Westminster Abbey at the wedding of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her Prince Philip.
A world traveller who in the truest sense embraced new experiences and never missed an opportunity to meet and talk to anyone and everyone. He shared his own love of taste and smell as a flavorist and perfumer, and was the first and only honorary lifetime President of the British Society of Perfumers. He created fragrances as kindnesses and commemoratives for so many charities, businesses and individuals who had no idea that such a thing was possible…
A keen cyclist, who up until very recently, could be found traversing mountain roads in France as well as the canal paths of Hertfordshire.
But most importantly he was our Papa Bear… married to our lovely Mum and his rock, Sheila, just shy of 65 years… dad to Alex, Jon and his twins, Lizzi and Jo… father-in-law to Tom, John and Scott… and best of all, the naughtiest grandpa to Charlie and Izzi, Laura and Jess, and Art and Henri. It didn’t stop there though… he was Papa Bear to friends too, especially life long ones, Andy and Ann-Marie. He taught us all the importance of curiosity and being open to new experiences and opportunities; the power of debate and conversation, the art of storytelling…
So so much we will miss but also so so lucky to have had.
We are beyond grateful to have been able to care for our darling Papa Bear, at home, facilitated by the resources and kindness of the Hospice teams. Their care and understanding, their generosity with their time, explaining what to expect, treating us all with dignity and compassion, made the final days with our Dad a time we will look back on with fondness and love.
Our Papa Bear was a legend, these guys are angels… please support them.
Recent Donations
one year ago
British Society of Perfumers
With fragrant wishes and aromatic memories, with love, from all at the BSP
£250.00
one year ago
Anonymous
What a lovely celebration of John’s life. We were sorry to miss the Jazz Club. Rae & Ray
£40.00 (+ £10.00 Gift Aid)
one year ago
Stephen & caroline xx
JB. you enriched our lives and it was an honour to have loved you x
£50.00 (+ £12.50 Gift Aid)
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Thoughts
Now in heaven with one of his 'treasured friends'. That is what he called my mother (Audrey). Such a lovely, kind and caring man. RIP John.
Lynne
11th April 2023
Thank you for setting up this memorial to John.
We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.
Sent by The Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted on 28/02/2023
I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are.
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.
Extract from a poem by Henry Scott Holland