Born in Holloway in 1949, John Young was the only child of parents June and John. He spent his early years as many children of his time did, out all hours, playing on the streets of London and being a typical boy. Despite living almost next door to the Arsenal football stadium, John became a lifelong Spurs fan after spending his Saturdays, alongside some school friends, helping to lift the ground sheets and carrying out other jobs at the ground in return for tickets, snacks and a small wage.

From the age of 10, he would go to work with his dad whenever he could. His father was both a welder and a carpenter, and it was from him that John learned his trade. At 16, he began working for his cousin as a carpenter and, just a few years later, set up his own building company with his dad. He leaves behind a legacy of woodworking and building projects across London and Hertfordshire, particularly after moving to Broxbourne in 1977.

He met Jackie in 1967 when he was 18 and she was 15. They became engaged in 1969 and married in Tottenham in 1971, before setting up home together in Enfield, Middlesex, where their daughter Leigh was born in 1975.

John loved his work, and the move to Broxbourne gave him the opportunity to work on a house that had barely been touched since it was built in 1920. He saw it as a chance to really leave his mark on a property. He had always wanted to build his own house, but the funds were never available, so the Broxbourne house became his project instead. Over the next 40 years, he was constantly extending, improving and working on it.

He was also always happy to help friends and family, sharing both his building knowledge and personal wisdom, and allowing people to “pick his brain” for their own projects.

Among his hobbies were fish keeping and badminton. He had a large tropical fish tank and a pond full of fish outside, both of which brought him great enjoyment. He also played badminton at County level for several years, until his knees decided it was time to stop.
John was a bit of a loner, although he was always happy in the company of friends and could talk the hind leg off a donkey given the opportunity.

He was an incredible provider, and Jackie always said she felt safe with him. He was pragmatic, fair to say a tad feisty, and very set in his ways. He didn’t like change, but he had an amazing ability to make or fix almost anything, along with the tenacity to find a way over, round, or through any problem placed in front of him.

After retiring in 2016, John and Jackie decided to move to the Broads area of Norfolk, an idyllic place they had admired for many years. There, they created a new life, found wonderful friends, and spent many happy hours walking the Winterton dunes with their dogs. Dogs had always been an important part of family life and, over the years in Norfolk, their Bernese Mountain Dogs, Mischa, Reeva and later Indie, who still keeps Jackie company today, became much-loved companions on those walks.

Some of the family’s happiest memories were created on those dunes and beaches. Family visits brought countless special moments, with Leigh, her husband Grahame, and grandsons Henry and Charlie spending endless hours there with John and Jackie. Whether walking the dogs, chatting along the dunes, playing on the beach, or simply enjoying the peace and tranquillity together, Norfolk became a place full of laughter, connection and treasured family time.

Leigh’s own dog, Poppy, also adored John and often stayed with him and Jackie while the family were away. The walks across the dunes, with dogs racing ahead and long conversations side by side, became some of Leigh’s most treasured memories with her dad. Henry and Charlie also shared a special bond with their Grandad, and the time spent together in Norfolk created memories that will stay with them forever. It became a place the family lovingly described as their second home.

Sadly, after nine very happy years in Norfolk, John became ill and, in March 2025, was rushed into hospital. Three days later, he was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. The cancer was ruthless, but John never complained. True to his nature, he remained pragmatic throughout, even helping Jackie navigate the thought of life without him. He spent his 76th birthday in hospital and also celebrated, alongside Jackie, their 54th wedding anniversary there too.

Just five short weeks after being admitted, he passed away. His family take comfort from his strength and stoical approach to life as they adjust to living without him.

John didn’t want a funeral, but he had often spoken with family about the idea of a memorial bench placed on the dunes, where others could sit and enjoy the view as he had done for so many years. So his family made it happen.

So, if you’ve read this far, please sit for a while, enjoy the view and the tranquillity, and think fondly of the man who inspired this bench and loved so many happy hours on these dunes.