John Lawton (5 Jun 1936 - 6 Jan 2023)

It is with a huge amount of sadness that we are sorry to have to announce the death of John Lawton, much loved husband to Joan for 63 years, father of six and grandad to five, who passed away on Friday 6th January 2023.

John will be known to many of you as a long serving member of staff, either as a Geography teacher, Head of Year or Director of World Studies at West Bridgford School (‘The Comp’).

After graduating from Nottingham and London Universities, John’s teaching career started in 1958 at Whitby Grammar School. Having married Joan in 1959 they then moved abroad in 1960 to Tanganyika (now Tanzania), having been appointed by the Colonial Office, as an Education Officer at Old Moshi Secondary School where he introduced the first Geography A Level syllabus. Also, while in Africa John took up hockey and successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Joan and John returned from Africa in December 1962 when he was appointed to teach Geography at Wath Grammar School, South Yorkshire, where he stayed until 1969. At this point the family moved to West Bridgford as John accepted the post as Head of Geography, retiring in 1991.

In retirement, John spent happy years enjoying a range of hobbies and interests. He was a keen collector of old cameras, many of which he used to meticulously record his travels far and wide. He also spent many hours bowling with good friends, restoring a Lancia Fulvia and meeting his old colleague and friend Bill for a Friday pint and sandwich. More latterly he enjoyed the fortnightly Edwalton Probus Club meetings, serving as President in 2009. He was delighted to be endorsed as an Honorary Member in 2021 for his 16 years of service.

John will be very much missed, his quiet, unassuming character having touched and enriched the lives of so many. The family would love to hear from you with your memories. You are very welcome to join us at The Air Hostess at Tollerton after his funeral.