John Allan Stott
Family Tribute, by Danielle Koomen,
Early years
We are here today to remember the life and legacy John Allan Stott
leaves on the earth.
John Allan Stott born 9 September 1930. Son of Late John and Agnes,
brother of Molly, Brian and the Late Joan, Husband, Father, Granddad,
friend, wise man and story teller.
Winifred Love
Granddad met his love Winifred (Nana) in 1946 at a local dance
hall 'Finnigans' Manchester and their first date was at the Apollo
Cinema in Ardwick, watching the film 'Devotion'. Saturday afternoons
were dedicated to football at Maine Road watching Manchester United
and Manchester City.
They married in 1951
Father to 7 children Allan, Karen, Janet, Anthony, Peter, Catherine
and the Late Susan; treasured father in law to Barry, Deborah,
Trevor, Christina and Chris, with 21 Grandchildren, 39 Great Grandchildren
and 1 Great, Great Grandchild
Granddad and Nana never asked for much, they had a simple life,
never complex and always with good, honest intentions and never
took anything in life for granted. They put everyone in their
family first. They had a life together that was inspirational.
No matter the issue, they made the most of their life together.
Work
Shortly after Granddad had completed his national service, he
worked as a clerk in a coal merchant's office and then moved up
to be a manager.
He was asked to value a local coal business that came up for sale,
however after a turn of events he wanted to take this opportunity
for him and his family.
He had a meeting with the owner , who was selling the business,
and said ' i have 246 pounds in post office bank and this business
is valued at a 1000 pounds - what can you do to help me'. The
owner said 'tell you what, you have an honest face - i will lend
you the money in the form of a loan against the business wagon
van.
And it was then that J A Stott Coal Merchants was founded in 1953
when Granddad was 23.
The business was based on Morton Street and Granddad and Winifred
moved into the left hand side of Sandfield House, which still
remains the family home and business.
Very quickly Granddad paid the loan off and built up to be the
biggest privately owned coal business in Manchester.
He Bought 10 -15 tonnes coal from Bradford colliery (based in
Beswick) for a period of 18 years. Supplies were mainly to Houses,
and was either delivered by bags of coal carried on Granddad's
back or there was often a never ending stream of prams of carts
on Morton Street.
Times were tough but they worked hard to provide for their family.
And as such when any of the coal men didn't turn up, Nana and
Granddad together would shovel coal to keep the business moving.
Indeed when summer came, and business was quieter Granddad took
on an additional summer and Nana and the children would go to
Southport in their caravan for the 6 weeks holiday -treasured
memories for the children and cousins and friends.
Asked what it was like Granddad said - It was hard work, but he
wished he was doing it now as he met someone new every day.
Use of coal diminished in the mid 60s with North Sea gas was established
and soon began installing central heating systems.
Granddad approached these companies (which were essentially putting
him out of business) and negotiated a contract to manage their
fleets of vehicles from Morton Street, included repair and recovery.
What an example he was setting - he knew the coal business was
no longer sustainable and so diversified - This was when JAS Stott
and Sons was then founded in the late 70s, which went on to become
Breakdown Services. Another fine example of building up a business,
negotiating prestigious contracts with Greater Manchester Police
and numerous insurance companies.
Granddad despite retiring and pretending to be more 'hands off'
was still very much the head of business and the one every turned
to for his knowledge and business advice.
And it wouldn't be a complete picture without mentioning the Pub
Trade. Granddad told us he drank in every pub in Manchester -
he enjoyed his weekend chocolate time with his friends at the
Millgate and the Fairway, dressed up ready for parade. Nana and
Granddads' local pub was the Bulls Head. The Bulls Head saw a
regular turnover in licensees and John Allan Stott saw it as an
opportunity and took over the license in 1980. Following that
other licensees included Failsworth Arms, Failsworth Cycling Club,
Garotts, Cheshire Hunt, Birch Hall, Foresters, Hill to name a
few and all his family were involved.
Granddad worked at what he loved. He worked really hard. Every
day.
That's incredibly simple, but true.
He was the opposite of absent-minded.
Granddad was humble. Granddad was driven. Granddad liked to keep
learning.
I can say that his spirit and work ethic was very much alive to
the very end.
Hobbies and Legacy
Granddad worked hard but also made sure he enjoyed his holidays
in his later years - whether it be in his beloved motor home,
cruising or in Ilfracombe, which always held a special place
for Granddad, Nana and the family.
Granddad joined the Lancashire Fusiliers for his national service
in the Army, and this was a major and loved part of his life.
The mission statement of the Lancashire Fusiliers is this
"To uphold and preserve the proud name of the Lancashire
Fusiliers, and to provide friendship, support and comradeship
to all..."
This was without doubt Granddads ethos through all his years.
Sandfield House has become somewhat of an institution we all
talk about Granddad's garden, Granddad's room and Granddad's
chair.
I sat in peaceful reflection in Granddads chair the other day
and noticed a few things - his room was immaculate - everything
had a place and there was a place for everything. His famous
whiskey collection, his books, his CDs, his photographs of all
the family through the years, his shrine to Nana, his medals,
his stamps and football memorabilia.
Granddad's chair gave him access to a view of Morton Street,
the yard, the gate, the garden path - everything he loved and
worked for in his life to the end. His physical absence is noted
but his spirit will live on through all the things in his special
room.
Ending
Granddad was greatly loved. The simple dignity of his life,
his manly virtues, his sense of duty, his happy nature, his
example in his own family circle, his courage and his knowledge
- these are all aspects of his character which won the admiration
of so many.
We come today to say goodbye to his body, but not his spirit
and love.
Never his love.
You are all a sign of his presence to us.
May the Lord now embrace you Granddad and hold you in his love
forever.
Rest in peace. Amen.
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