I am very sad to report the passing of John Stride yesterday morning after an extended illness.
John and his family had been stalwarts of the Mosquito Museum supporters society for many years; being involved in the early days in the seventies, right up to current restorations such as the Mosquito FB6. He also ran the sales stall for the Moth Club for many years, having one of the better sales stalls at the airshows.
In recent years he was also a regular volunteer at Shuttleworth, working on a number of the aircraft.
Whilst many people reading this will not have known John, we all know someone like him – working away in the background, not drawing attention to themselves, just getting on with the job. He will be greatly missed by all of us at the museum, and I know he touched many more lives than just our immediate ‘family’, so I felt it appropriate to remember his life here.
If anyone wishes to attend his funeral, would they please contact me by PM, and I will keep you informed.
By: Bruce - 5th July 2011 at 21:34
Sorry about that Will – should have dropped you a message on FB.
I have the details of the funeral now; anyone who needs them who hasnt asked, please drop me a PM. Anyone who has, I’ll forward them in the morning.
Sadly, John had no remaining family. We, his friends, are his family and his next of kin rolled into one.
Bruce
By: cometguymk1 - 5th July 2011 at 20:54
🙁 you just knocked me off my feet Bruce. Very sad news, he really was a true gentlemen and a great friend. ill miss him a lot and condolences to his family 🙁 pass my sympathy on to those at the museum as you’ll see them first.
Will Jamieson (Mosquito museum volunteer)
By: Gaxan - 4th July 2011 at 13:44
Goodbye John
Good bye John, and I was only looking for you at the museum on Saturday! John always had time for a chat where ever he was working.
By: ajdawson - 4th July 2011 at 11:08
Very sad to hear of John’s passing; I always used to spend quite a time chatting to him at the Mosquito Museum shop when I was visiting.
Andy
By: JDK - 4th July 2011 at 08:01
A sad notice. I well remember John from knocking around the airshow scene in the late 80s and 1990s. As has been said, John was always interested, friendly and enthusiastic, and he bothered to remember people. Despite his tireless work for several organisations, there was no ‘side’ to John.
The positive is that we can see the benefits of a life well lived and tremendous knowledge and commitment widely shared. A loss, yes, but as has been implied as well already, we are the richer for knowing him and we can give thanks for his work.
Bruce, please pass my condolences on to his family from Australia, and our recognition of, a great heritage stalwart.
Regards,
By: mhuxt - 4th July 2011 at 04:57
Sad news, condolences.
By: Rocketeer - 3rd July 2011 at 21:59
Sad news indeed. Blue skies.
By: Bruce - 3rd July 2011 at 21:44
I’m pleased I have been able to let a few people know on here – especially some of those who used to work at the museum, and who John touched in his own way.
Lee; no, there are very few left of the old guard now; we have lost quite a number in the last eighteen months.
Bruce
By: Lee Howard - 3rd July 2011 at 20:43
Bruce
That’s very sad. John was a real gent and, as you say, a stalwart in every sense of the word.
There can’t be many of the old guard left now.
RIP. What a depressing weekend!
Lee
By: GrahamSimons - 3rd July 2011 at 20:31
Having just got back from Old Warden the passing of John was talked about by a number there. I’ve known John, his late father Cyril and even remember when his late mum used to frequent the Moth Club Stall – for many many years.
They were all genuinely nice people and with the passing of John the world is just that little bit darker.
Blue Skies John
By: TempestV - 3rd July 2011 at 19:05
That’s very sad to hear Bruce.
I knew John through aviation circles over the past +10 years, and he will be much missed. His enthusiasm for the several museums he supported was tireless, and I recall him always being a happy soul.
John has been on the phone to me several times per year saying “he’d found an original Hornet part, and would I like it?”, or he’d found some Hornet drawings, or had contact with a former pilot or engineer on the type. He has been responsible for finding some unique items that have gone into the Hornet cockpit.
Condolences to his family.
By: Banupa - 3rd July 2011 at 15:51
R.I.P.
By: Peter - 3rd July 2011 at 12:57
That is sad news Bruce.. Condolences to his family.
By: roadracer - 3rd July 2011 at 12:05
Sad news, May he Rest in Peace.
My thoughts are with his family and friends. If it wasnt for people like this the historic aviation movement wouldnt exist !
By: The Blue Max - 3rd July 2011 at 11:50
Sad news indeed:(
By: buccaneernut - 3rd July 2011 at 07:57
Such sad new indeed, i allways remember him working on the Queen Bee restoration,when i was a young 16 year old helping out at the museum. And when he took over the shop at the museum he really bought it up to date and if i remember rightly really increased the sales. As Bruce states all museums have someone like him.
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July 3, 2011 at 7:47 am