John Sergeant 1935 – 2020

JOHN SERGEANT 1935 – 2020

John moved to Evington with Dorothy, his third wife in 2003.  They lived in a bungalow in Marydene Road enjoying time together travelling and learning .  Together they joined Evington’s ‘Art in the Park’ group and got to know many local people.  Sadly Dorothy died in 2012 and John struggled for a while, but by maintaining a positive outlook, he continued to keep in touch locally, joined Friends of Evington and got a rescue dog, Jess, which gave him a new purpose.  John was lucky that his local contacts found Pam, who became first his domestic helper and then his carer when he developed dementia.  As his illness progressed he was helped by Julie, Jaya and Nazman.  John died in hospital of Coronavirus.

John led an interesting life.  He joined the RAF in 1953, specialising as an electrical engineer and armaments fitter.  He finished National Service in 1956, but signed for a further four years training in Aldermaston, working on weapons.  He lived first in Reading, but moved to Brighton, Carmarthen, Braunstone and Evington.

John and his first wife Rita raised a family of four children.  When that marriage broke up, John later married Veronica in 1983 and together they bought a pub in Nantgaredig, Camarthen.  This was initially a success, but rising interest rates made the business unprofitable and they give it up and pretty well lost everything.  They were helped by Veronica’s children and for a time made a home in the basement of Rob and Sylvie’s house, with John using his practical skills to refit the basement as a home.  Together they enjoyed watching Gareth grow up.  Sadly Veronica died suddenly in 2001.

John was an important part of three different families and made friends wherever he went and was always happy in the company of others.  He was a practical man, building and making things, full of energy and laughter.  His interests included building and making, rugby, his pets, family and friends.