The obituary notice of John (Lenny) LENNOX

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.

I have known John over forty years. I’ve always thought him knowledgable and interesting; keen and patient when listening, admirably stoic and most of all content in life, with a wonderful loving wife and family and of course a fine motor car!
I shall miss him and think of him with a smile when I hear a telephone ring.
Farewell my friend.

John Hodson

Every year when we watch the Polar Express we will think of you John, comfy chair,feet up, enjoying with such pleasure the films aimed at the child in all of us. You welcomed our children into your home and even after a hard days graft you had the generosity of heart to share your love of films with Max and Sophie. What I will always remember about you John is how much Cath completely
adored you, that in itself says everything about the kind of person you were.
Gillian Volker Max Sophie

John was our Brother in Law and our friend, a gentle, kind and funny man, one of life’s good people. We will always miss him but he has left us with so many happy memories that we will keep in our hearts forever. John and Joan

John, my brother, thank you for being my role model, my mentor, and my best friend. Thank you for the love, the laughter, and the countless memories. I will carry your memory in my heart forever ♥️