Tributes paid to former Kettering mayor John

Tributes have been paid to a former Kettering mayor and civic society stalwart who has died at the age of 85.

John Coleman, who proudly served as a councillor for many years and was the mayor in 2000, died in hospital after a short illness.

He enjoyed his lifelong professional craft of joinery and had a passion for the outdoors, country living and home cooking.

He was a stalwart of the Kettering Civic Society who retired in 2016 after many years on the committee and a role as vice chairman.

He helped with fundraising and built the exhibition table for a piece of the Kettering mosaic that is on show in Time Travellers exhibition at the town's railway station.

Kettering Civic Society secretary Monica Ozdemir said: "We shall miss his sound judgement and knowledge of the town as well as his support when promoting our events.

"Trudging through knee deep mud with display boards with his wife Lilian close behind, to exhibit during the Rushden Cavalcade in 2002 to advertise the Union of South Africa steam train trip that the committee organised for 2003, will not be forgotten!

"In 2015, when visiting Northampton House with a view to presenting the annual Silver Rose Bowl Award to Averil Phillips for the restoration of Northampton House, John spotted the lectern that he had made many years before. It was a great moment and wonderful to know that his craftsmanship is in a worthy place for all to appreciate.

"It is with great sadness that we could not tell John the good news regarding the Kettering mosaic before he passed away peacefully in hospital following a short illness."

John leaves his loving wife Lilian, having just celebrated their diamond anniversary, and daughters Claire and Helen and grandchildren Jake and Charlotte.

His funeral takes place at Kettering's crematorium tomorrow (Thursday).

It's family flowers only but donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society.