News Tributes paid to a local 'real country bloke'
Tribute has been paid this week to a "real country" man who sadly passed away recently at his home on the Sandhall Estate, aged 79.
John Akney, known to all as Jack, left school at the age of 14 to work on the Sandhall Estate, near Howden. Apart from three years during the Second World War when he served in the Royal Air Force Regiment based in Palestine, Jack spent all his life working on the estate. His home, Groom's Cottage, was where he was born.
Most of Jack's work on the Sandhall Estate was in forestry, but when he began his career at the estate he worked in the stables and worked his way up, working with the estate's gamekeepers and becoming estate foreman.
One of Jack's greatest achievements was in 1992, when he was presented with the British Empire Medal for his work at the Sandhall Estate.
At the official presentation of the medal at Sandhall, Jack's citation read: "His willingness, integrity and loyalty are an example to any workman."
Speaking of his surprise when he found out that he was to be presented with the medal, Jack said: "I thought my mates were playing a joke on me."
Jack's sister, Val Chaffe, told the Goole Times this week that Jack was a popular man who had never married, and had also been a carer for his parents in the past.
"Jack was a real country bloke," said Val.
"He was really into country pursuits and horses were his big love. He was also very interested in shooting and cricket.
"Jack had a lot of true friends."
Jack died at his home on January 6.
A funeral service will be held at Howden Minster at 12.15pm on Friday, January 25, followed by cremation at Haltemprice.
Jack is pictured, right, after receiving the British Empire Medal for his work on the Sandhall Estate. (17-01-04 SU)
Published on 17th January 2008 in News.
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