JOHN ORVILLE DOUGLAS GILKES

Published on 23/08/2019

JOHN ORVILLE DOUGLAS GILKES Passed away peacefully, at 80 years of age on Tuesday August 13th, surrounded by family. He was as a devoted family man, a talented cricketer, teacher and mentor. He arrived in England from Barbados in September 1960 and initially settled in London where he met and married his wife of 55 years. John was a founding member of the Leyton Cavaliers Cricket Club, a West Indian team based in Walthamstow, London in the early 1970s. Following military service in the Royal Signals, he followed his interest in electrical engineering with the General Post Office and eventually joined British Telecom Research at Martlesham Heath where he spent the remaining 17 years of his career as a Telecommunications Engineer. John continued his love of cricket in Suffolk where he had many successful seasons as captain and player in teams including British Telecom, Achilles Cricket Club in Ipswich and the Suffolk Over 50s. His opening batting partner for many years and retired accountant, John McNally remembers: “He was a credit to West Indies cricket and the finest batting partner I had in more than 50 years of playing cricket. A complete sporting gentleman.” John was also known for his love of gardening and held a lifelong love of music having been trained by his father, an avid farmer and choirmaster. John eventually lost his battle against cancer but fought bravely and with determination to the very end. In the face of heavy odds, he would simply and humbly say: “Let not your heart be troubled”. John touched many lives during a life well lived which he conducted, like the great batsman he was, with fearlessness, style and grace. John is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter Juliet, son John (Gary) and daughter-in-law Kristin. Also two sisters Iola and Mendelle and four brothers, Owen, Ricky, Terry and Rawle. He will be sadly missed by the family and his friends. The Funeral Service will take place at Seven Hills Crematorium on Friday, August 30th, at 2.45pm. Casual dress with colour most welcome. Family flowers only, by request. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made payable to Macmillan Cancer Support (Suffolk Nurses) c/o. East of England Co-operative Funeral Service, 183 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe IP11 7DT.

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