John Harvey Rumsby (8 Oct 1949 - 30 Oct 2024)
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John HarveyThe Kirkwood (Kirkwood Hospice)
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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.
donated £50 in memory of John
With warm wishes from Angharad and Gordon
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donated in memory of John
All my best x
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donated £20 in memory of John
Can't make the funeral (boiler in parts all over the kitchen) but thinking of all family and colleagues. John taught me a lot.
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wrote
The first time I met John he researched my late Grandfather's military history. I remember with great fondness the sensitivity with which John told me some truths about my Grandfather which made a lie of a lot of family stories that had been passed down via my Mother. John even coped brilliantly with my laughter and statement that I was not at all surprised. My Grandad was always described as 'bit of a rogue'. Thank you John. RIP
Love to Barbara, Susie and all who grieve.
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wrote
I'm unable to attend John's funeral but he will be in my thoughts.
My thoughts are also with you Barbara, Suzie and the wider family.
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wrote
A most wonderful kind and knowledgeable curator.Working alongside him creating temporary exhibitions during my time with Kirklees Museums. I have lovely memories of shopping with John purchasing the handling collections for the museum in a box scheme. His guidance and kindness was second to none. A very special man
RIP John.
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donated in memory of John
A most wonderful kind and knowledgeable curator who was wonderful to work with creating new temporary exhibitions with me at Tolson Museum. We even went shopping together which was so much fun,to put together the memory boxes now known as museum in a box.His advice and guidance was second to none. RIP John.
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is attending the funeral
is attending the funeral
is attending the funeral
donated £20 in memory of John
I have such happy memories of working with John, such a knowledgeable, interesting, supportive, witty, wise and kind person. Sending love and sympathy to Barbara and Susie from Kim & Adam
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wrote
John was kind, knowledgeable, well dressed and most handsome. He loved to share his interests, his memorable tour of Birchenclffe war graves and a talk he gave on tiles whilst on holiday in Greece, will endure for me. He was great company on numerous walks and on the Greek holidays.
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is attending the funeral
donated in memory of John
Such a lovely man
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wrote
I was interviewed by John for work at the Tolson Museum, organising object handling sessions for school groups. He was delighted to find that I was a historical re-enactor when it was still a fairly niche hobby. I would have made very little of the rather scanty Roman items without his considerable erudition. More recently a great many people have gained a lot from his talks on the first World War. As John Donne says, 'every man's death diminishes me', but some leave larger gaps than others.
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donated £30 in memory of John
In memory of a lovely man.
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donated £20 in memory of John
Our sincere condolences on your loss. From Steph and family
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is attending the funeral
donated in memory of John
I am so very sorry that Jihn is no longer with us and the world is poorer for his absence. As others have said, John was generous with his time, company and wide knowledge. Whenever he was on a walk with the Lindley Walkers or in Greece I always saw everything through different eyes because of his vivid and enthusiastic approach and he never made anyone feel stupid.
Much sympathy to Barbara, Susie and his family.
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donated £25 in memory of John
Very sorry to hear of John's passing as he was a good friend and host whenever we visited.
Will be thinking of you on the day of the funeral.
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