John David Duckmanton (14 Jan 1928 - 31 May 2016)

What a lovely expression of love and admiration Ian. I didn't know him well but he always seemed a very gentle kindly man who always had a smile and a wonderful twinkle in his eyes. He was a good Scout and I am sure left this world a better place for him having lived on it. I wish I had known him better. Now gone home.

My Dad was a lovely man who spent so much of his life helping others. He gave his time, his knowledge and his skill to anyone who needed it. Born into a poor family just a year before the great depression he knew what real hunger, poverty and deprivation felt like. He left school at 13 and was apprenticed to Mr Middleton at Jessops of nottingham (John lewis) where he mastered carpentry, joinery, plumbing, electrics, upholstery, carpet fitting, furniture restoration and even undertaking. Called up for national service in 1946 he served with the Royal Army Ordinance Corp. Due to his technical expertise he was promoted 'in the field' to sergeant and led a specialist ordinance disposal team tasked with destroying former nazi infrastructure, losing good friends and his hearing as a result. After returning to and then leaving Jessops he ran his own highly successful businesses and his reputation for being an exceptional craftsman and a infallibly reliable contractor meant he gathered a loyal customer base who used his skills repeatedly for many years. He became a scout leader in the 1970s and again excelled as a leader, teacher, role model and exemplary exponent of everything that Scouting stood for. I am convinced he had no idea just how much of a positive impact he had on so many people. There are so many exceptional carpet fitters, kitchen fitters and scout leaders in and around the nottingham area who are as good as they are because of my Dad. My memories of my dad are filled with laughter, learning and wonderful stories from his life. I have never been more proud than when someone would say "you're just like your dad" because its all I ever wanted to be. I love you dad. Night night xxxxxxxxx Ian

In my thoughts Skip. Gone home and reunited with Joyce xxx