A Tribute to John Gowdy Morrison 1927 – 2022

(BVGS 1938-43)

 Perhaps it was divine providence or just an earthly coincidence that led me to glance at the Deaths Announcement column in the Daily Telegraph in early September. There was an announcement of the passing of John Gowdy Morrison of Leamington Spa. The announcement simply stated that any interest should be expressed to the family but there was no means by which to do that.

My memory reminded me that when captaining the Old Veseyan Golf Society way back in the 1990's a certain John Morrison and a pal from the Leamington area would attend some of the meetings and the Shaggy Dogs Tea party. I was certain that this was the same John Morrison. Therefore, I wrote to the Telegraph enclosing a message to the family and expressing my and the OVA interest.

John's daughter Isobel replied confirming my conclusions and gave details of John's forthcoming funeral at Bishop's Tachbrook Crematorium. I duly attended and witnessed the obvious love and respect in which John was held by both friends and family.

John's arrival was heralded by three Royal Naval personnel “piping him aboard” as his coffin was born into the chapel and he was “piped ashore” at the end of the service.

Isobel delivered a delightful eulogy which I summarise below in the hope I can do both Isobel, her siblings and John justice.

John was born in Whitacre Heath, Warwickshire in 1927, to Fredrick and Hilda Morrison.

At the age of 3, John's parents made the move to Sutton Coldfield, where the family grew with the arrival of a brother Michael, and some years later their sister Hilary. Unlike his placid younger brother, John was by all accounts, rather a handful; his mother being  only too pleased to see him start school.

 John used to say of himself that he enjoyed school and worked hard but was 'spirited and energetic'; his zest was not always fully appreciated. John was 'enrolled' by his mother into the Reddicap Heath choir; and thus aged 7, John was introduced to what proved to be the beginning of a life-long passion for singing, progressing two years later to the Boldmere Heath choir where he remained a chorister throughout his youth.

 As a young boy, John would spend whole summers with relatives in Antrim. These days were simple and carefree, and the memories of playing, learning, and working on the farm, provided John with great pleasure throughout his life. John always felt a great connection to his Irish roots, and his Irish sense of hospitality is something for which he will always be remembered.      

 John's parents were delighted when he passed the entrance exam for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School, and John was always very grateful for the opportunities and grounding that this education provided him. At 16 however, and having attained 8 good 'School Certificate' grades, he was told by his father, that with younger siblings still at school, it was time to get a job, and to start contributing financially.

The possibility of furthering his education was simply 'not an option'. 

 John joined Fyshe & Horton stockbrokers in Birmingham in 1943, on a starting wage of 20 shillings a week. After just 8 weeks John discovered that an Insurance Company across town were offering 'thirty four' shillings a week, a huge sum to a young man. He was clearly always destined to be a bank manager.

 Aged 17, John joined the Royal Navy, hoping to join the Y Service, a network of British Signals Intelligence Receiving sites, stationed both ashore and afloat. Much to his regret, he didn't make the final stage of training, but undeterred, he trained instead as a radar plotter; at the end of which he asked for a foreign post. With nothing happening, John advised his superior that he would speak to the commander during a forthcoming visit, to 'see if things could be resolved'.

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.

 NWH