Duffield Rackets and Fitness
23 Town Street • Duffield, Derby • DE56 4EH
Tel: 01332 841702
Club friends and council members have been saddened by the death of John Shoesmith, who was a squash member for nearly 50 years.
John died at home recently, having being diagnosed last year with motor neurone disease. He faced this diagnosis with courage and a determination to maintain his many interests for as long as possible. This included applying his wonderful analytical mind to the new challenges of daily living, often spiced with a dash of his characteristic wry humour.
The club council joins friends in sending all sympathy to Stella, and daughters Wendy, Katy, Caroline and Amy, and their families, including nine grandchildren. Stella and the girls all played squash, with the four sisters representing Derbyshire as juniors at different times.
A member of the social committee for several years, including two years as chairman, John loved the social side of the club, and always enjoyed club parties, walks and group trips.
After a 40-year engineering career with Rolls Royce, retirement allowed more time for his many other interests - sailing, cycling, French classes, art groups, choirs, and an active involvement in environmental issues, on which he was always ready to debate any related topic with quiet passion.
The local community was lucky to have John as a parish councillor for six years. He was a former parish council Trustee of the RJ Weston Charity, which operates the Weston Centre, and became chairman of the council’s Outdoor Management and Development Committee. In the aftermath of Storm Babet, John was keenly interested in future flood defence planning, including highlighting the need for an improved warning system, and was a member of the local flood coordination group.
After his diagnosis, John remained a councillor until September this year, and for as long as possible attended meetings and events using his electric wheelchair. Many will remember that same wheelchair being decked out as a rocket for this year’s space-themed Carnival procession, courtesy of the family, - and “piloted” by John along part of the route. So typical of our brilliant, funny and modest friend.
A sad loss...
08/12/2025
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