The Eulogy

John and Jean’s family would like to thank you all for joining us today. He would be proud of the respect you have shown him and honoured by your presence.

It is never an easy task to capture someone in a speech, as words frequently fall short of capturing their true essence.

John’s life began in 1929 in humble beginnings. He was the first born of 3 children to Florrie and Bob and the family lived in Hook Road, Epsom for many, many years. Just down the road was Pound Lane Junior School where John formed strong friendships with 2 boys in particular, Peter Hooper and Peter Shrubb. He probably didn’t know it at the time but their friendship was to last a lifetime. Together, the boys were regular members of the Epsom Boys Brigade, enjoying church parade and other events.

The outbreak of WWII made education difficult and although John went to Epsom Central School, lessons were often disrupted. When John left school he was determined to make a career for himself and improve his education. He found a local plumbing company that was looking for an apprentice plumber and John was successful in getting the job. That began 5 years of further education, travelling from Epsom to Wimbledon on his pedal bike to attend day release and evening classes in order to achieve his goal.

He met Jean his future wife when their paths crossed each day as she walked to work. The plumbing company where John worked was located nearby to her home. She used to time herself to make sure she left for work in the morning just as John was walking up the road so she could smile at him and say hello. Eventually they got chatting and John plucked up courage and asked Jean for a date to the cinema. They regularly enjoyed the local dances at the church halls in the area on a Saturday night with Peter and Peter and their respective girlfriends.

After successfully completing his plumbing diploma he then enlisted to do his deferred National Service with the Army. He went to Egypt for 2 years. He loved this period in his life, the comradery, the adventure and the climate.

When he returned Jean was waiting for him and their relationship blossomed. Jean and John were married in May 1954 in St Martins Church, Epsom. Their best man was Peter Hooper. They recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in May this year. A fantastic achievement!

Their first daughter Carol arrived in August 1955, followed by Julie in 1959.

During this time John set up a plumbing business with his friend Norman Thresher. Their base was in Epsom High Street. The business was doing well and became Thresher and Grinter Ltd in 1958. The building industry was booming after the war and Thresher and Grinter became a reputable force in the local Surrey area providing plumbing contracting services to the construction industry. They needed new premises so relocated the company to Esher.

Jean and John bought their first home together and the family moved to Church Crookham in 1960 and their 3rd daughter, Jennet was born in 1962. It must have been difficult at times for any man living with 4 females in the house.

In 1968 there was an opportunity for the family to move nearer to John’s business and in 1968 they moved to Guildford which effectively halved John’s journey to work. This was the house they were to live in together for 47 years.

Unexpectedly in 1980, Norman passed away. John felt his loss deeply as if loosing a member of his own family. But he managed to keep the business going with the help of his loyal workforce although things were never the same for him.

In 1998 at the age of 60, and after 40 years at the helm of a successful business, the building industry took a downward turn and Thresher & Grinter closed. This made him very sad and we can recall him commenting that this was one of the hardest things he had ever had to do as some of his men had worked with him for over 30 years.

His retirement opened new opportunities. Together, Jean and John joined the health club and went to the gym regularly, joined the U3A, the Alpine and Hardy Plants Society and travelled on holidays abroad. He loved the British coastline and everywhere he went he always had his sketch pad and pencils or a camera tucked in his rucksack just in case he found inspiration for his next artwork.

We remember the man with his precise eye for detail, his perfectionism, his creativeness and his depth of knowledge and understanding for his hobbies and interests. These includes amongst many others

drawing, sketching, painting in oils and water colours, member of the Guildford Art Society and having several paintings exhibited

his love of jazz music, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Cleo Lane, and many more through to more classical pieces.

Birdwatching, RSPB member and nature lover

But his pride and joy was his garden. He meticulously planned, designed and landscaped the garden. He did his own paving, planting and built a water feature and pond. In fact whatever he turned his hand to he succeeded at.

John loved life. He was very proud of his family, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren.

Jo’s Tribute

I fondly remember my Granddad as a proud and dignified man. Always immaculately dressed, very rarely without a tie until later in life when a collar stilled remained essential. He was such a keen gardener and I remember with great fondness pottering around in the garden with him, pushing his wheelbarrow and helping him to pot the new plants in his greenhouse.

I was amazed at his recall of each plant name and even their Latin names too.

Together we built a bird house in the garage and I was so excited that he allowed me to use his tools. I loved to watch my Granddad sketch and often sat with him at this desk hoping that one day I could be as good as him. He taught me to draw and shade using his very distinctive pencils, always sharpened with a knife. In fact his neat and elegant handwriting, mostly using these pencils can still be found on all his meticulously filed paperwork.

As a family we used to sit through hours of slides shows when he returned from photography trips such as the Alps. I rolled my eyes at the time but later realised how talented he was. My love of photography must come from him.

James’s Tribute

I remember Granddad as a strong influence in my life. He could be tender and kind as well a firm. I recall enjoying helping him at his allotment and also in his garden, something I knew he loved very much which has now rubbed off on me. He had so many talents and taught me about carpentry when we made a trellis together for his garden.

The one day that will really stay with me was when he took me to London to see the sights. We walked along the Thames, he was pointing out all the places of interest, taking many photos as we went. We both enjoyed this time together so much.
John loved his family and we loved him too. We are all going to miss him.