John Maxwell

21st September 1938 – 2nd November 2006

John Maxwell was known to many and loved by all those who were lucky enough to know him. He was a big man with a big heart and I am sure he would not mind if he was remembered as a good old fashioned copper, a veritable Dixon of Dock Green.

John was born at St.George’s hospital at Hyde Park on the 21st September 1938 and died on the 2nd November last year. He lived in central London until 1947 when his family moved to Mortlake where he went to Mortlake Secondary School. On leaving school he went to work at the Watneys Brewery laboratory in Victoria but joined the Met Police in January 1957 as a cadet.

The following September he became a Police Constable and served 5 years as a ‘Bobby’ on the beat in Barnes; before moving to the Thames Division where he served the rest of his service albeit at different stations up and down the river. He was promoted to Sergeant and finally Inspector and after 30 years service decided to accept retirement.

John was a keen scout and gained a Queen’s award. Through the scouts he met Janet, his wife. They married in 1961 and had 3 daughters who have moved on to enjoy their own families. John’s first move into rugby was courtesy of Ossie Healey at Imber Court. Without doubt Ossie saw the value of having a big bugger in his side – as did the Old Dubs sometime later. Despite being injured in his very first game, with a head wound that required numerous stitches, John was hooked! Through the great game, John made many friends and enjoyed himself for more years than he would care to note. He was to prove to be a vital link over many years between Imber Court and the Old Dubs and his position as Fixture secretary for Imber’s Wednesday side helped establish many a friendship.

As well as rugby John enjoyed playing cricket, boxing, swimming, football, rowing (for the Thames Division of the Police), squash and golf. He played golf and swam, until he became seriously ill and was ever present at the Imber Court Pool. It was at the club that he indulged his passion for gardening, and his presence in the grounds or in the Bar where the corner stool was his alone will be greatly missed. Rumour has it he enjoyed the odd glass of cider!

John’s funeral was held at Randalls Park Crematorium on November 13th 2006 and the service was attended by numerous friends and family. Songs included Vera Lynn’s White Cliffs of Dover, Jerusalem and Abide With Me. His long time friend Maurice Parsons led the tributes and as the congregation left, the soulful sound of the England anthem, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, played. In the true style of the man, a reception followed at Imber Court when his life was celebrated.

John was a gentle giant of a man whose company was always cordial, relaxed and enjoyable, I never heard him say ill of another person or complain of the afflictions he suffered from over many years. John always had time for you and along with many of you I will miss his company.