John Edward Porcher (BGS 1939-1945)

John Porcher, 74, passed away in Pilgrim Hospital, Boston on 20th November 2003 after a short illness.

John was born on 15th July 1929 in Cuffley, Hertfordshire. His parents, Ted and Maud Porcher, came from the Boston area and Ted’s work brought them back to Boston in 1933 when John was just 4 years old.

John was educated at Conway and Boston Grammar Schools. During the war years a lot of his spare time was spent helping his father with the war effort including the Home Guard and the ATC. He loved music and at that time he was the drummer in a popular local jazz band called the Sherwood Boys Band, notable for playing through the night at the Sherwood Boys Club, in Field Street to celebrate VE day in 1945.

On leaving BGS in 1945 John started work in sales at J.J. Dewhurst in Stamford. In 1947, aged 18 he was called up for National Service, joining the RAF for two years. He returned to Dewhurst for a short time before setting up the Boston Diesel Engine Company in 1950 in the buoy yard on Boston Docks. Expansion resulted in the company relocating to St Johns road in 1977. John continued in business there until his retirement in 1989.

John met his wife-to-be, Janet Clarke, at a dance on New Year’s Eve 1952 at Boston’s Assembly Rooms. They married in 1960 and spent 43 happy years together, during which time they had three children: Clare, Louise and Edward. John was happiest when he had his family around him and was proud to see his children married to Andrew, Christopher and Natalya. He was delighted to welcome Andrew’s children, Laura and Thomas into the family. John had always looked forward to being a grandfather and was thrilled when Daisy and James were born in 1999 and 2002. He was looking forward to being a grandfather again in December 2003.

Janet and John thoroughly enjoyed their retirement. They travelled together for holidays and short breaks both in this country and abroad. They have always been the greatest of companions, sharing many interests.

Throughout his life John was actively involved with various Boston organisations including Round Table, Masons and The Big Dealers as well as being a life long Conservative. After his retirement he was able to devote more of his time to supporting the Conservatives and the OBA, taking on the Presidency for 5 years between 1997 and 2002. As President, John’s major achievement was taking the Association through its centenary year in 2000, having Barry Spikings as speaker at the annual dinner, and masterminding the mini-museum at the school.

A man who lived life to the full, he will be best remembered for his love of his family, his sense of humour, his passion for music and for being one of life’s true gentlemen. He will be very sadly missed.

John’s funeral took place at St Thomas’ Church, Boston. Donations will go to the OBA. If you wish to send a message of condolence, please do so via the OBA officers who will ensure that it is passed on.

John’s motto - “Accept life firmly”.

By John's son, Edward Porcher