News Article
John Bissett (Old School Steeplejack)
Posted Friday 20 November, 2009 | Permalink
It is with sadness we report the death of John Bissett, John was a popular and experienced Steeplejack who worked for WJ Furse for many years. The Industry Training Group was very concerned that apprentices being trained at CITB Bircham Newton should have an experienced trainer / instructor, it was important that the person would have a background in the industry and who could pass on the knowledge and experience to the trainees. John was recruited by the CITB and went on to successfully train over 300 apprentices, including Lorraine the first “Steeple-Jill”.
Many trainees who were under the care of John will have matured into experienced tradesmen by now and Johns influence in their early training years will have stood them in good stead. John was well liked and was an inspiration to all trainees in his care, it was clear that he was held in high regard by the trainees and the loyalty shown to him was admirable.
On reaching 65 he had to retire and leave Bircham, John returned to the Nottingham area to enjoy his retirement and to be with his family. His funeral was held at Mansfield Crematorium on the 9th November 2009 where his family, friends and many industry colleagues mourned his passing and celebrated his life.
John’s wife has sent this message:
“Mary Bissett & family would like to thank all those who so kindly showed their support to them over their sad loss of John. He would loved to have seen you all again and I'm sure you would have had a few laughs chatting and reminiscing about the past. John would have been pleased as punch and very proud to see so many of you paying your respects. Thank You - Mary Bissett".
Our Thoughts are with Mary and her family at this difficult time and we offer the Industry's Condolences and say goodbye to an ‘old school steeplejack’
