John Thompson President 2002 - 2003

A tribute to Rotarian John Thompson by his family.

On September 28th, 2023, Mr. John David Thompson of Old Blackwell, Derbyshire succumbed to complications resulting from cardiovascular disease. He was aged 83.

John discovered his love for animals at a young age and went on to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, graduating with a BVSc, MRCVS from Liverpool University in 1963, during which time he married his lifelong partner, Mary Patricia Thompson (nee Stockwell). They settled in Sutton in 1971 to raise their daughters and establish a small animal practice, where John took care of the pets for the people of Sutton no matter the hour. He also ran branch practices in Kirkby and Bolsover. A skilled surgeon, John was at his happiest when challenged by a complicated operative procedure to restore an animal back to health, frequently rehabilitating injured wild animals, such as owls, badgers, and foxes.

John retired in 1999. During his retirement, he enjoyed taking care of the pets and horses on their farm with his wife Mary and their daughter Samantha and her family. He loved drinking tea and Mary’s cooking; listening to church organ music; and visiting his daughter Lisa and her family in the USA, where he would delight in supersized meals, free drink refills, and the strength of the pound against the dollar.

For 43 years, John was an active member of Sutton Rotary Club, serving as President in 2002-2003 and being named a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his work for the club, which included leading numerous charitable fundraising campaigns and making frequent cameo appearances as Santa Claus on the Christmas sledge.

John is survived by his wife Mary of 62 years; daughters Samantha Jane Stones and Lisa Anne Markowitz; son in-laws Richard Stones and Patrick Markowitz; grandchildren Hannah Louise Markowitz, Bryony Claire Hill, Jonah Warren Markowitz, Joseph Adam Stones, and Jessica Jane Stones; and great granddaughter Evelyn Kate Stones.

A memorial service will be held at St. Werburgh’s Church in Old Blackwell on October 20, 2023 at 11:15am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to  PDSA, Cats Protection League, or Rotary International, three charitable organizations that were close to John’s heart.