Obituary to John Rushby

The chairman of Shanklin’s Royal British Legion (RBL) has died at the age of 85.

John Rushby was born in Bawtry, Yorkshire in June 1935. One of four children, growing up he helped his parents on their farm and worked in his father’s coal merchant business. He then joined the regular army and served in the Royal Artillery. A posting to Culver brought him to the Island, where his duties included chauffeuring local and visiting dignitaries. He was the proud father of two daughters, Maria and Tina with his first wife Gay.

John could turn his hand to many things and enjoyed a varied working life which over the years included driving Southern Vectis buses, a managerial role at Trucast and running several pubs on the Island, later working part time at Shanklin Conservative Club. After serving as the vice-chairman of the Shanklin’s RBL, he became chairman in 2010, a post he held until his death. He is survived by a brother and sister, his widow Lyn, who he married in 1987, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
President of the Island’s RBL, Ian Ward BEM said: “John was a tremendous champion of disadvantaged ex-service personnel, and in a year that sees the centenary of the Legion, John will be missed by all that worked and served with him. My thoughts are with his family.”

Shanklin Mayor, Steve Knight, also paid tribute. He said: “John has been a central figure at Remembrance Day services in Shanklin, organised commemorative events at the legion and, as chairman of the local RBL, helped fundraise for the Poppy Appeal. He will be missed by friends, family and the community.”