THE funeral service took place at Gorleston Crematorium on Tuesday, January 26 for John Hayden Jennings MBE who died at home on January 9 after suffering from Motor Neurone Disease, aged 81.

THE funeral service took place at Gorleston Crematorium on Tuesday, January 26 for John Hayden Jennings MBE who died at home on January 9 after suffering from Motor Neurone Disease, aged 81.

John was born on July 16 1928 and is survived by his wife and four children, all married and had six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He joined Unilever/Birds Eye in management first in Eastbourne, then Lowestoft and then Great Yarmouth. As Birds Eye Great Yarmouth was closing in 1986, John was seconded to set up and run the Great Yarmouth Business Advisory Service with the aim of assisting and advising in the creation, survival and growth of small businesses. Instrumental in the success of his service over 12 years, he won the eastern finals of the TSB Enterprise Agency Award in 1992. In 1994 he asked to be Managing Director of the Lowestoft Enterprise Trust as well and managed both agencies very successfully. He finally retired from his part-time role in 1997 and was respected and recognised for his integrity, modesty, conscientiousness, kindness and dependability. In 2002 he was awarded the M.B.E. for 'services to the community', especially business and had a brilliant day receiving his award from the Queen, followed by a family lunch at an award winning restaurant.

John was a good and well loved family man. He revelled in family parties and found something to celebrate most years! Plus visits to family in Scotland and France.

His hobbies over the years included sailing (with the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club), bird watching and photography, a rambling group, gardening, the Corton Woods project group, his model railway and Tai Chi.

John was an active member of the Great Yarmouth Rotary Club.

John was a loyal friend, held in affection for his twinkle, wry smile and wicked sense of humour.

Chief mourners: Wife June Jennings and children Jane, John, Sue and Pippa and their families. John, Jean and Brian Lee, Meriel Darling, Tracey Darling, Sally Walker, The Murray Family, Michaela Cole, Tim and Liz Thomas, Jenny and Steve Chaudoir, Members of Yarmouth Rotary and all the many other friends, neighbours and former colleagues who attended too numerous to mention.

The family would like to thank all friends, neighbours and former colleagues for their support and the many cards and messages of sympathy received in the loss of John. Also for the beautiful flowers sent to the family at home. Thanks also to the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Marie Curie, Palliative Care Nurses and all carers who provided valuable support and to everyone for the many donations received for each of these groups in lieu of floral tributes, which are still being collected by Arthur Jary & Sons Ltd., 1, Golden Court, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, NR32 3LU. Donation cheques made payable to 'Arthur Jary & Sons Ltd., Donations Account'. Special thanks to the Rev Arthur Bowles for his comforting service.

Please accept this as the only, but most sincere acknowledgement.