John Derick Dale

John's story

John was born in 1926 and raised in Buxton Derbyshire where he attended the local Grammar school. On leaving school he joined British Railways as a Junior Clerk. Although called up to the Navy in WWII he was seconded as a Bevan Boy working at Creswell Colliery for a 6 month period before returning to the railway at Gow Holes for the remainder of the war. He then attended Derby railway college and trained as a station master working initially as a relief around Derby before taking up the Station Masters job at Repton & Willington. At that time he was the youngest Station Master on British railways. He met future wife Pauline playing tennis and they were married in 1951. They had 3 sons Andrew, Ian & Robert. His railway career took him to New Mills, Bootle and then to Crewe where he was movements assistant. Promotion to Area manager Stafford followed and he eventually took the post of Area manager North Wales based at Llandudno Junction. He took early retirement as the children had left home initially to universities and then into their own lives. He joined the International friendship League and was Chair of the local branch. This led him to be national Chair of the organisation for 18 months after which he became Chair of the house that they owned for members to visit in Peacehaven London. He organised the eventual sale of the building and raised a considerable sum which was donated to build a school and hospital in Tanzania. He along with Pauline travelled the world to IFL conferences and meetings, they met and made lifetime friends through their love of travel. John was a practical man and enjoyed DIY, he decorated house, installed bathrooms and rewired houses. He once bought a kit to build a boat which he did in the garage, eventually sailing it at Colwyn Bay for many years. He did car servicing and repairs on older models including engine changes on VW beetles. He was a generous man with his time and over the years was a member of many organisations. He either became secretary or Chair and included the Lifeboat charity, Colwyn Bay Sailing Club, the IFL, Midlands VW owners club. He raised 3 sons and had 6 Grandchildren and one Great Granddaughter. He enjoyed sport playing Tennis, Badminton and Squash. On retirement he along with Pauline became avid walkers and spent many hours walking around North Wales, Great Britain Europe as well as Sri Lanka Australia and New Zealand. He always said the air ambulance might have to pick him up one day so it is a suitable charity to make a donation in his memory.

Remembered by Andrew Dale