IN MEMORIAM | PG 40

A position was suddenly found and John was hastily despatched to Malta, where the destroyer, HMS Stevenstone, was docked and subsequently patrolled the Mediterranean for the following 18 months. When the ship was in dry dock in Gibraltar, John auditioned for the Gibraltar Cathedral choir and was accepted. He headed back to the ship, unsure how well this news would be received. The amused and accommodating captain rearranged the onboard rota for shore leave to coincide with the Sunday service.

After 3 years in the Royal Navy, and with the war over, John aged 20 returned to Sutton Coldfield, much to his mother’s relief. A brief encounter with the Emily Broughton Players specialising in Gilbert and Sullivan operas and two weeks with the D’Oyle Carte company dispelled any further thoughts of a stage career. Consequently, John embarked on his long and successful career with Lloyds Bank with postings in Eastbourne, London, Harpenden, Birmingham and latterly Rugby.

Ladies’ night at the Boldmere lodge resulted in John meeting Yvonne; a newly qualified PE teacher at Erdington Grammar School, who along with John shared an energy and mildly bawdy sense of humour which proved to be a winning match, and after a suitable courtship they were married at Boldmere church in 1958. Their son Andrew was born two years later, followed shortly by their daughter Julia and later Isobel, the final member of the Morrison clan. John was very much a family man.

Family holidays were active, and thoughtfully planned to ensure that the needs of Andrew, an energetic teenage boy were catered for, alongside the very different interests, and varying speeds of his girls. Singing remained an important part of John’s life and he particularly enjoyed being on stage. The Harpenden annual performances were highly anticipated and his wonderful baritone voice captivated audiences. Dad was for many years, a member of the St Albans Bach choir, and he found it a great wrench to leave when his job required a family move from Harpenden.

Happily, once settled in Thurlaston, John was able to join the Royal Leamington Spa Bach choir and in retirement, he also took up the cello, having lessons until he was sufficiently proficient to join the Leamington Sinfonia. These musical activities were not only a great solace when his beloved Yvonne died in 2006 but provided John with many years of enjoyment. Concerts, and attending performances with friends, were occasions that John greatly valued, and it was through a shared passion for music, that many of his friends attending the funeral were made.

John and Yvonne were very proud grandparents to Thomas, Emily, Peter, and Sophie; the letters and cards that John received from his grandchildren over the years were proudly shown to visitors before being placed in a dedicated box for safe keeping.

John’s final move was to Binswood Hall, where he lived very contentedly for 9 years, remaining independent and continuing to drive to the end. He regularly attended Holy Trinity church both as a chorister and to worship and his faith and the friends he made there sustained him greatly during the last few years.

John was a remarkable man; remaining vibrant and alert to the very end, and he was delighted to hear of the birth of his great granddaughter, Leila, just two days before he died. Upon hearing of his death, the words that have been used to describe him repeatedly have been, a gentleman, courteous, great company, and a wonderful friend.

It was a privilege to have met John Morrison, I am delighted I spotted the Telegraph announcement. Isobel and her siblings expressed their delight that the Old Veseyan Association was able to pay its respects to him.

-Nick Hammond