Many of you will remember my father John Ibberson a former class chairman.

John passed away yesterday having suffered from Parkinson's Disease and latterly Dementia. Following a double pulmonary embolism at the end of August, he was unable to swallow and died in a nursing home with Joy sitting next to him.

I'm sure that many of his friends from his Merlin days are not regulars on here, but if word could spread that would be great. 

I will post details of the celebration service on here should anyone wish to attend.

Jerry Ibberson

Sad news. John was such an important Merlin sailor at South Yorks. Much of the success the club enjoyed particularly during the 1970s was down to him. A gentleman on the water & a great character in the bar afterwards. Joy, our thoughts are with you

Very sad news indeed, John together with his brother inlaw Ross Wilcox added so much value to our sailing.

I am so sorry to read this news. John was a such a good friend and I was so grateful for his advice.

The is very sad news.  I know my Mum and Dad were great friends of John and Joy.  Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.  

Pip

I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I sailed with John in 'Joyrider' and 'Spokflygare' in the period between losing access to the Sheffield University merlins and my acquisition of 'BS&T' from Robert Trickett. He was an excellent sailor and a true gent. My thoughts too are with Joy and the boys.

John was indeed an all round good man, and Chairman of the class from 1973 to 1975. He was much respected as a 'safe pair of hands' as well as being great fun on and off the water.
He actually introduced us to Salcombe as Jilly crewed for him that year and they went to Salcombe. We had just started going out then (about '71 or '72 I think)and when she came back she said 'we are going next year' and we did!
Our thoughts are with Joy and the rest of the family too.
Pat and Jilly

John Skinner Ibberson  

There will be a private family funeral followed by a Thanksgiving Service at Wadsley Parish Church on Thursday 11th October 2012 at 1.30pm Church. Cheerful colours welcome.

Wadsley Parish Church
Worrall Road
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S6 4BB

There should be plenty of parking on the roads around the Church.

Joy, Jeremy and Edward would like you to join them after the service at The Plough, Low Bradfield, S6 6HW. We all have memories and stories about John, and it would be wonderful to share some of these among his friends.

I have such happy memories of John at Sheffield University and South Yorks. He was a father figure to me in the early 70's. John had a wicked sense of humour and was incredibly sociable, kind, and for so long stoical and cheerful against all odds. I had great times crewing for him in Krakawot for a season including success in the Cock of the North at Llandudno, Top Mast team racing and a very windy Pwllheli championships. Retirement was never an option no matter how many capsizes we had.   At Weymouth champs, while class chairman, he had chicken pox and was confined to the hotel. Unable to compete, he still wanted to know everything that was going on. I have the greatest admiration for Joy, Jeremy and Edward who have been so devoted throughout his long illness.  RIP John - we will always remember you with love and affection.