Sleep well old friend – You will never be forgotten.
By Jim Hollands
It was so nice to see the new Mayor of Rye, Councillor Jonathan Breeds, leading the Town Council to John Izod’s Service of Remembrance on Wednesday 4 May. They honoured their fellow councillor, who has done so much for Rye, by turning out in full force to remember him. The entire Council was present at a packed St Mary’s Church on Wednesday 6 May.
Rye Bonfire Society members were there in numbers, wearing Bonfire ‘uniform’ remembering one of their most valued members. John was a past Chairman of the Bonfire Society, one of the lynch pins of their annual Auction of Promises and was ‘Rye Fawkes” in 2013.
John’s early years were remembered by his younger brother Andrew, who recalled John’s life from childhood through wartime years, education, army life and adventures in Canada. Councillor Ian Potter covered John’s time in Rye, the many friends he made here, the numerous town activities he was involve in, including being a Town Councillor, Director on the Rye Community Buses his art,
his helping hand at the Old Grammar School Music Store and his great work for the Bonfire Boys and local charities. Ian recalled many incidents from John’s life in Rye, many amusing stories bringing mirthful tears to join the tears of sorrow at his passing – You could almost see John’s eye’s twinkle, he certainly made the right choice when he asked Ian Potter to talk of him when this day came.
John Izod was known by almost every person in Rye, a great character who loved Jazz, Art and Rugby – He also came to love Rye, and that fondness was reciprocated by all that knew him.
Sleep well old friend – You will never be forgotten.
From the June 2016 Issue of “Rye’s Own”
All articles, photographs, films and drawings on this web site are World Copyright Protected. No reproduction for publication without prior arrangement. (Hard Copy Back Numbers Still Available)
© World Copyright 2016 Cinque Ports Magazines Rye Ltd., Guinea Hall Lodge Sellindge TN25 6EG