In loving memory of John Rumsby who sadly passed away on 30th October 2024.
John was the loving and beloved husband of Barbara and father of Susie, brother of Paul and the late Mike, brother-in-law of Gill, Margaret and Brian, and uncle of Ellen.
He had a degree in Archaeology and Geography from the University of Southampton, and his first job was as a temporary cataloguer (later museum assistant) at the Durham Light Infantry Museum. He moved to Hull in 1976 (where he met and married Barbara) and was Keeper of Archaeology for Hull City Museums.
They moved to Huddersfield in 1981, where John was Curator at the Tolson Memorial Museum, and later Collections Manager for Kirklees Museums. Susie was born in 1985.
John began studying for a part-time PhD in military history at Leeds University in 1999, awarded in 2005. His subject was the 16th Lancers regiment in India from 1822 to 1846, focussing on the experiences of ordinary soldiers. In 2007, he retired from Kirklees Museums due to ill health. Following successful treatment for thyroid cancer, he had an active retirement, giving talks on many subjects to local societies and conducting research into the British Army in the 19th century, publishing many papers and books.
He was wonderfully knowledgeable, funny, kind and generous, and will be sadly missed.
We remember with pleasure the many social evenings, walks, historical visits and Greek holidays we enjoyed together. John was always able to add interesting details to all our activities. My elderly Mum was delighted when he chatted to her of her experiences of handling barrage balloons in the WAAF during WWII, even finding a great painting of them for her. We will miss him.
Much loved and missed, Harvey.
Will treasure so many memories.
Sending our thoughts and love to Barbara and Susie.
Sue, Damian, Fred, Noah and Rory xxx
I have very fond memories of John, or Harvey as I grew up knowing him. Having the honour of calling him my godfather. He always showed an interest in my life, helping me when I studied at Huddersfield University, painting several regiments and battle sets for my sons to play 'real' soldiers with and sharing his travels and knowledge. I always enjoyed receiving his postcards. I will always remember him as a softly spoken, gentle man, passionate about military history and learning, but most of all for his love and kindness. 'The the hearts of those who loved you, you will always be there.'
Very sorry to hear the sad news. I did a walking tour with the Lindley Walkers to Greece and I was having problems with stairs at the time. John allowed me to take his arm and never made me feel as though I was a nuisance. He will be sadly missed. All my thoughts to Barbara and family.
We’ll miss you, John. Thank you for being an enthusiastic and generous history teacher, and for your kindness and support as a friend x
Dear Barbara and Susie, we are very sorry that we are unable to be with you on Monday but will be thinking of John and you both.
With love from Janet, Susan and Gillian
From John and Margaret Skelton
John will be very much missed. He was very kind and had a wonderful sense of humour. He was very generous with his knowledge. He helped me with my research into my family history. My great, great grandfather was in the army and John told me a lot about the living conditions of ordinary soldiers and their families. I couldn't have asked a better person.
We are sorry we won’t be able to attend John’s funeral. We are sending all our love to Barbara and Susie. Love from Sara, Tom, Lily & Charlie.
I was very sorry to hear of John's passing. His knowledge and ability to communicate was outstanding. He was always witty, enthusiastic and good company. The world will miss him.
So very sorry to hear the sad news Barbara. All 3 of you have featured in our lives over the last 40 or so years and although we saw less of you more recently we will have very happy memories of our get togethers.
Barbara, sorry to hear your news. I remember John from some of the APES meetings. Can it be 30 years ago? Wishing you all the best.
Much love from Douglas and Sheila xx
Thinking of you all Vanessa and Roger xx
We first met John and Barbara when we were all working in Hull, so the friendship goes back nearly fifty years. From walking holidays together to wandering around old churchyards we have many happy memories. John was always so full of information In latter years he often stayed with us in London whilst researching his books. The enthusiasm with which he regaled us of his latest ‘find’ was infectious. A life very well lived and a man who will be missed by very many people. Much love to Barbara and Susie xx
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