Tributes to St John stalwart

A MUCH-LOVED Royton man who dedicated over 25 years to St John Ambulance in Oldham has died.

John Taylor (93), formerly of Elmleigh, Royton, died at Archmoor Nursing Home in Middleton on Sunday.

Born and raised in Royton, he first showed his caring ways serving with the Royal Army Medical Corps during the Second World War, from 1940 to 1944.

He had a role on the hospital ships and helped the wounded on the beaches during the Normandy Invasion.

After the war he went on to be an industrial nurse at Osram GEC, in Shaw, and British Vita, in Middleton.

But it would be his dedication to helping others outside his work, giving up countless hours as a member of St John Ambulance, that he will be remembered.

Mr Taylor, father of Janet, John and the late Susan and a great-grandfather to five, could often be seen looking over the crowds at events such as the Oldham Carnival.

His son, John, said: “His claim to fame was that he once was on ‘Match of the Day’, stretchering a player off the pitch at Latics.

“He was a remarkable, marvellous person and he gave a lot of his life to the service. He was a fun-loving and very fit man and would take everything in his stride.”

In 1983 he was awarded the Order of St John for his dedication by the Queen.

Also a talented musician, he played violin as a child and taught himself piano until taking up lessons at the age of 70.

A service and committal will be held at Middleton Crematorium on Tuesday, at 11.10am.