The obituary notice of John (Lenny) LENNOX

Well what can I say… my special friends special husband.
Known for 40 plus years.
I had the privilege to work with him John for some months. An excellent chef who was happy to share and teach the skills he had.
Definitely learned a lot from him.
Rest in peace
Hilary and Tom x

In loving memory of John Lennox.

In fond memory of John.

Dear Grandad, you were the best Grandad on earth.

Why did you have to go away?

You went to the beach with us and you scratched our backs.

You gave us sugar-free sweets and made sure we were OK.

We are sad and we will miss you, but we will be okay for with God nothing shall be impossible.

Mabel
Age 6
(Johns eldest Grandchild)

Here is the notice I sent out to all members at Northern Squash where John was a popular player for many years:

Extremely sad news: former team player and league stalwart John Lennox died yesterday at the age of 67. His passing will come as a shock to longer-serving members who will remember John was quite a character whose skilful and unpredictable style of play strongly reflected a very individual personality. His son, John James, was also an impressive junior player who could hit the ball like an absolute rocket. He was a very talented chef by trade who had retired not that long ago and moved up the road to Wideopen. His health had not been good for a while but he died very peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday morning. I knew John for forty odd years. He was a popular chef at Tyne Tees TV who joined when I was a sports reporter and was soon known throughout the company as "Lennie". In fact, I didn't realise he was called John for nearly a decade! He was always "Lennie the chef"....very unassuming but totally his own man. We remained friends long after he left the studios to pursue his career elsewhere, kept together after I recruited him to play for the Eldon Square team I ran for many years. We played each other all the time and very occasionally I won. He was one of those blokes who would always turn out if you had a spare court, whatever the notice, and stay for a pint afterwards when he would pass on a host of priceless cookery tips. Northern and squash were cornerstones of his life for many years. I got to know his large and lively family well and I'm sure our thoughts will be with all of them and particularly his wife Catherine. Rest peacefully Lennie. You played the game of life your own way, and you played it very well.

ROGER TAMES

In the heart of Catherine, John found his place,
A beloved husband with a gentle embrace.
Loving Dad to Jennifer, John James, so dear,
A guiding light throughout each year.

As a chef, he crafted flavours so divine,
In every dish, his passion would shine.
On the squash court, he moved with grace,
In every match, he’d find his pace.

Cars, music and films were his delight,
In their company, he’d spend his night.
With Newcastle United, he shared a cheer,
He saw them win silver, a moment so dear.

A wonderful grandfather with stories to unfold,
In the warmth of his laughter, joy took hold.
His sense of humour, both wicked and kind,
A gift to all, a treasure to find.

In kindness, he reached to those in need,
An open heart, a generous deed.
John, loved by all who knew his name,
In memory and love, forever he’ll remain.