John Dane Straw (24 Apr 1946 - 1 Sep 2023)

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• John Straw was born in Radford in 1946, the eldest of four children. At the age of 15, he embarked on an apprenticeship in the field of electrical engineering at John Player's factory. His dedication and passion for his work propelled him to excel in his career. After over 16 years at Player's, he pursued studies in Huddersfield to become a qualified teacher. As a teacher, he touched the lives of countless individuals, imparting knowledge and wisdom at various schools and colleges, as well as at Lowdham Grange Borstall. Eventually, he became a lecturer at People's College in Nottingham, where he devoted himself to the Access to Higher Education course, assisting adults who, like him, aspired to attend university. In his early 50s, John chose retirement, but far from being idle, he continued to serve his community. His involvement in the Bar Lane allotments organisation, his role as a school governor, and his dedication to the Nottingham Industrial Museum showcased his enduring commitment to making a difference. He also served as a parish councillor in Nuthall and, remarkably, donated blood for more than half a century. His dedication did not go unnoticed. In 2012, John was honored to be presented to Her Majesty The Queen in recognition of his exemplary voluntary work. Beyond his remarkable achievements, John was a loving and devoted father to Sean and Elisabeth, a doting grandparent to William and Sofia. He found great joy in spending countless hours playing with his grandchildren and creating cherished memories, whether it was visiting Newstead Abbey, Wollaton Park, or the seaside at Mablethorpe. In 2021, facing the challenges of health, John moved to Barnsley to be with his daughter. There, he was diagnosed with a rare form of Parkinson's, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Always seeking to make a difference, John actively participated in a research program aimed at understanding this condition. Tragically, in December 2022, he received a diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer and was placed on end-of-life care. Throughout his journey, John never wavered in his love for the radio, politics, history, and comedy. His sharp intellect remained undiminished until the very day before he passed. Since his passing, countless individuals have come forward to express their deep gratitude for John's kindness and to testify that he was, above all else, a good man.

  Posted by Elisabeth on 23/09/2023 Report abuse