John’s life began on the 30th April 1949 in Fenton and he was educated at Bradwell Junior and Senior Schools. Life was good for John with his loving parents Joan and Des. He trained at Madeley College and soon settled down into a profession he loved. He was a wonderful teacher. The kids adored him because he ‘morphed’ himself to their level.

 

His classroom was a mini version of Noah’s Ark with stick insects, guinea-pigs, African snails (some of which were nearly as big as the children!), hamsters, hundreds of species of cacti – oh yes, and lots of books! John’s children were taught about ‘life’.

 

John spent 35 years with the love of his life, Gordon. They were so happy together and enjoyed over 70 overseas holidays – mainly the Greek islands, although their favourite destination was Istanbul. These times were, to use John’s favourite word, ‘wonderful’.

 

John and Gordo’s hospitality was legendary.  They must have spent several days preparing such huge and varied feasts. There were parties at Marsh Avenue, fancy dress and delicious lunches. John’s hobbies and interests were many and varied: he was crazy about the Dorothy Clive Garden and did lots of voluntary work there and Gordon said he ‘wangled his way in by being responsible for making coffee at the meetings’. For twenty years he was a member of the C3A Choir and had such a ‘good ear’ that he could recognise if someone was singing ‘flat’.

 

At Stoke Repertory Theatre, he was a good actor; make no mistake about it, with a great ability for accents and dialects. His work behind the scenes, especially in the coffee bars in the old and new theatres, was legendary. At the Saturday matinees if he saw people eyeing up the cakes he would cheerfully tell them that ‘all the calories had been taken out’.
 

He was so persuasive that they actually believed him! It could be argued that no-one devoted more time and enthusiasm to so many different tasks at the Rep.

 

What was so endearing about John was his personality and his sense of humour. He was a superb raconteur and some of his asides and comments were rib tickling funny. He once called in the Rep carrying two bags of shopping from Asda and witnessed a less than amateur performance by a visiting company. “There’s more ham on that stage than there is on Asda’s meat counter” he said. He visited me, some years ago when I was in hospital recovering from by-pass surgery. ‘I hear you’re going home tomorrow John’ “Yes” I replied, “but the consultant has told me to withdraw from the Rep season; he says I must not get excited and to go somewhere quiet where not much is happening.” “Oh” replied John, “So you’re still going to go to the Vale!” I could have strangled him!

 

He was a lovely guy who created an ambience of radiant sincerity. He was the epitome of  ‘niceness’, always had a kind word, always helpful. If you ever asked John how he was, he would always reply, “I’m wonderful” and so he was! John was unique, a one-off; a wonderful and loyal friend, simple as that – and you see people like that are never forgotten.

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Tribute by John Walley.