John Bell R.I.P

[shiraz kid]

It's my sad duty to tell you all that John passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning after a long battle against his illness; Jayne was at his side.

John was a lovely man, and a true gentleman in every sense of the word.

We will all miss him greatly.

Paul Strange.

[VFK44]

That's "luthervandog" on the forum, who owned the blue CV8.

My commiserations.

[zacmarshall]

Sorry to hear that, Classic LeMans won't seem the same without him, I think him and Jayne did every one.

They also did lots of endurance events on bikes and cars, the one that sticks in my mind was driving an Austin Maestro to Outer Mongolia.


Lord Strathcarron presenting John with a concours award (best C-V8?) back in 2006. Nic Cooper's photo.

[Richie]

Very sad news indeed. John was a tremendous ambassador for the club and also for those who prefer two fewer wheels on their transport.
Will be missed to say the least.
Sympathies to Jane and his family.

[Chris C]

So sad - we met John on the Swiss trip in 2014, as Paul said a true gentleman.

[felixkk]

Also very sorry to hear that. We too had the pleasure of meeting him on their journey through Switzerland.

[Davenewby]

So sad to hear this terrible news.

John was a great guy, full of fun and with an indefatigable spirit. He always knew how to overcome problems, but this one beat him in the end.

John will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Sincere condolences to Jayne and the family

David

[colin7673]

This is really sad news.. John was always interested in what we was doing giving advice as well.. helpful and very laid back.. John helped me once or twice without any complaints ... He will be deeply missed..

Our thoughts are with Jane and the rest of the family ....

[interjen]

I had no idea things were as serious as that, a bit of preparation would have helped take that sort of shock away. I am truly stunned and sadened to hear this.
He visited me here at home several times when him and Jayne were preparing their Austin maestro for the Africa challenge a few years ago and i was able to donate spares for him and Jayne to take with them, we then plotted their every move along the way.

As area reps for Lincs and south Humberside they were founder members and supported the group and Alison and myself entirely.

One of lifes true Gentlemen who could never be replaced.

Our hearts go out to his family.

Simon and Alison.

[shiraz kid]

Dear All,
John's funeral service will be at 2.30 on Thurs 25th June at Blyth church.
Regards,
Paul Strange.

[Martin R]

I've not been reading the forum for a few days and am genuinely saddened to hear of John's passing. Such fond memories of meeting him and Jayne at various events and reading of their antics when they the drove a Maestro across various countries I'd never even heard of! (Was the article in the Institute of Advanced Motorists magazine?)

I pass my sincere condolences to Jayne and John's family. I'm sorry that I will be away and unable to attend his funeral but my thoughts will be there.

[richard 541s]

To Jayne and Francesca our deepest sympathy.
I held John in the highest regard as a true gentleman,its heartbreaking and so very sad to hear of his passing.
A true petrolhead with a passion for all manor of mechanical machines,i will miss you greatly and hold johns good times and thoughts.
God bless you john.
Richard and Louise