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John Mather
July 26th, 1951 - April 6th, 2021
July 26th, 1951 - April 6th, 2021
John Mather, out for 69, but my goodness, what a spectacular performance from an incredible all-rounder.
Sportsman, joker, adventurer, ladies’ man and best Son, Dad and Grandad ever, Mather can leave the field for the final time with his head held high having made the world a brighter place.
Looking in fine form during his innings of 69, Mather pinged several deliveries to the boundary with consummate ease. A 30+ year career at Astra Zeneca, riding John o’ Grouts to Land’s End, running the London Marathon, 2 daughters, 4 grandchildren, a life-long service to others and a wicked sense of humour that would leave any teenage daughter fearful.
The game was mindfully and skilfully played until that final googly that would stump any cricketer. But in Mather’s spirit of cricket, it’s time to hand the game over to the next player.
Thanks to this “bloody covid”, the match unfortunately can’t end yet with a traditional cricket tea, so instead we will postpone our celebrations to a safer time where we can remember John’s remarkable performance having all had a decent haircut.
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Tributes
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Brian M
So sad to have come across the news about John. He was a good friend throughout my time at Brixham, and always had time for everyone. A very kind friend who will be missed by all.
Jo Dunseath
I’ve only just heard this very sad news. Anna and Jonno contacted me and we’ve spent time reminiscing about what a kind, caring, funny, enthusiastic, inclusive and warm person John was…. with a healthy dash of mischievousness thrown in for good measure. We shed a few tears but mostly we smiled as we remembered the innumerable happy times, funny stories and great memories. So very sad to learn of John’s passing but I am grateful that I was able to catch up with him 4 years ago and that my family was able to meet him.... I can only hope that I told him how important he was to his friends and how happy we were to have reconnected with him again…. It really did feel like “old times”. My love to all his family. John, I hope you’re enjoying a long game of cricket somewhere in the big beyond…. and playing a few practical jokes just to keep everyone on their toes ❤️
Anna Palau
I have just come across the sad news today and would like to add a few words. I met John shortly after joining the Brixham Environmental lab (Zeneca) in 1995. I was coming from Barcelona and didn’t really know anyone, except my lodger, co-worker and friend Ross. John made a great impression on me as one of the most welcoming people in the lab. Like me, others were coming to work for a short period of time arriving from a variety of places and backgrounds but that didn’t make the slightest difference to him. He wanted us all to feel included and have the choice to join any or all the fun activities he took part on. I signed up immediately to my first “hashing” experience and I had the best fun. I loved the spirit of enjoying life no matter what. Rain was pouring like there was no tomorrow but of course, nothing got cancelled, specially if John was involved! We run in the woods getting soaked and finding tracks to finish the trail with the biggest smiles in out faces. Then finished up in a pub with a beautiful open fire and the best tasting beer I’ve ever had. He also introduced me to cajun dancing and barn dancing and it was always hilarious. He embraced life and was immensely generous at sharing happiness with others. I will always remember John and how he strived to make everyone feel welcome. One of a kind! We had a little reunion 4 years ago in Devon and of course John prepared a hike for us which we did together. I wanted to share a picture of that day. Thank you John, for all your kindness and your cheerful spirit. We won’t forget you! With much love, Anna
Jo Dunseath
Leading the way, as always x
Jonno Rogerson
Anna and I have just seen this terribly sad news about John. Where do I start with John!? When I first went to Brixham, feeling a little lost, John encouraged me to get involved in the wednesday hikes we used to do around dartmoor and it was from there that many freindships began. Only for that I will be eternally grateful to John. However, he was so much more than that. To use a cricketing analogy, John Mather was the consummate all-rounder. His greatest ability was to involve people, to organize things with the objective to get people together. I worked in the same group as John and I remember clearly him telling me that although he was happy in his job, his real passion began at 16.00 when he left the lab! His cricket, hi running, walking, cajun dancing, his beer, the “ladies”! He was such fun. I loved the 6 a side cricket competitions he organized which (in our case) deteriorated into drunken haze! We had a reunion not so long ago in brixham and of course John organised a walk in dartmoor. He told us he couldn’t run any more but he was still so positive, so cheerful. I am so sorry he has played his last innings. My condolences go out for his daughters and grandchildren - he was very proud of you!
Nicola Mann
I met John a few times at choir practice during our coffee breaks. He was a very pleasant and friendly person. So sorry for your loss.
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