BOLTON, John William. Passed 4th Feburary 2020

John was at the school from 1946-1957 and is sadly missed by his friends and family.

We are conscious that many people from this time at school may not be in contact with us and we would be very grateful if you could pass on this information to those that you know.

As is the usual practice, we would like to place an obituary for him in the next OI Journal and would be very grateful if anyone felt they could come forward to write one. Alternatively, if you know of any stories or memories, please pass them on so we could put them together for the publication. Address any contributions to me through oldipswichians@ipswich.school or in the comments below.

With best wishes

Iain Chesterman
OI Chairman

----

James Bolton (OI 1975-86) 

My father John, was quite a serious student at Ipswich school, he learned ancient Greek and for many years studied Latin but his real passion at school was for Maths and physics. John also loved all sports. I didn’t quite realise until looking at all his old photos how sporty he was. He was in Ipswich schools; rugby, cricket, and hockey teams.

On leaving school John first went into the City to work for ICI with a group of young students whilst also studying for an external degree in maths and physics at London University. After a couple of years, he moved back to a local firm Fisons to learn accountancy and then later joined his father’s garage, Boltons of Ipswich which he managed until the late 1980s.

In the 1970s Dad, together with a group of Roundtable friends and the sculptor Bernald Renoylds helped build Rudolf the reindeer that still today, after almost 50 years, tours the streets of Ipswich at Christmas collecting money for Charity. 

Later in Life John greatly enjoyed playing golf with his friends often at the 9-hole course in Stowmarket, he even achieved a hole in one a couple of years ago.

Annabel (also an OI), my sister, developed cancer in 1999 and sadly died in 2000 at the age of just 33. Dad provided great comfort and support to Annabel. Both my mum (Judith) and dad have since had the joy of bringing up my sisters' two children Natasha and Edward Courtney (also OI’s) and surrounded them with the same love and security that they gave me and Annabel. 

My family, Kate, and our three boys William, Oliver, and Thomas then moved back to Suffolk in 2000 so we could all be closer. Our sons along with Natasha and Edward all attended Ipswich School and had many happy and fulfilling years at the school. John would enjoy seeing his grandchildren growing up and participating in school events from nativity plays in the pre prep to sports days and more recently playing rugby for the school's first XV.

John was kind, caring, and gentle. He will be missed by all his family.

----