Obituary: John Legg – former adult education advisor for Hampshire

A FORMER teacher and adult education advisor for Hampshire who contributed to the work of New Forest charities and was keenly involved in the community has died aged 85.

John Legg, from Lymington, was president of the town’s Rotary club in the 1980s and secretary for Milford Probus Club. He was also a member of Lymington Town Sailing Club.

Born in 1936 to Aldwin and Lilian Legg, John grew up on a farm in Lower Earley, Berkshire, and attended school in Woodley. He represented the county in hurdles and was a keen football player and England supporter. In 1966 he managed to secure a ticket to see the World Cup Final at Wembley when England famously won.

After his National Service, John undertook teacher training, specialising in rural science and geography at a boy’s school in Newbury. He was later promoted to head of science.

John met his late wife Josephine Thompson when they were both doing seasonal work sorting letters at the post office in Reading during the Christmas period.

They married in 1961 and went on to have two sons, Richard and David. Their four much-loved dogs, Whisky, Becky, Lucy and Percy, completed the family.

In the 1970s John was appointed regional officer of the Duke of Edinburgh Award for south-west England, helping to promote the scheme in schools and colleges. He participated in several award ceremonies at Buckingham Palace in the presence of HRH Prince Phillip, founder of the award.

John took on the role of further education advisor at Hampshire County Council in 1979, helping to train adults across the county for employment. During this time, he completed an Open University master’s degree in education through Southampton University.

On retirement John moved to rural France, where he enjoyed gardening and rearing animals. He returned to live in Lymington on the death of his wife in 1999.

Having many passions and countless hobbies, John packed a lot into his life – he was a walker, skier, gardener, dancer, beekeeper, sailor and nature enthusiast.

He had a love for outdoor activities and adventure, skiing into his 70s and undertaking walking expeditions across the globe, including the Alps, Nepal and South America. He also completed the South West Coastal Path with his school friend and later partner Janet Evry.

John was eager to acquire knowledge and skills throughout his life, going on to take up sailing and join the U3A to learn French, guitar and local history.

John’s family said he would be remembered for his “steadfast devotion to his sons and grandchildren, his love of nature and the energy and humour he brought with him in life”.

“He will be particularly remembered for the people he has helped to support over the years in education and training,” they said. “His family and friends will miss him greatly.”

John leaves behind sons Richard and David, partner Janet, sister Jean and his four grandchildren.

John’s funeral is on Monday 22nd November at 2pm at St Thomas’s Church, Lymington. Friends of John are welcome to the service and for refreshments in the church afterwards.

Instead of flowers, the family request donations to the RSPCA or NSPCC.