John De-Maine

Mr Accrington Stanley

After a brief but courageous fight against illness, John De-Maine died at home on the 11th of April (aged 70) whilst being cared for by his loving and much-loved family.

John was married to Judy for almost 50 years and together they have a son Gary, daughter-in-law Maxine and precious grandchildren Bobi and Gracie.

John also leaves twin brother Michael, a younger brother Keith and sisters-in-law Jennifer and the late Kath. He also leaves brother-in-law Peter, his wife Bernice, brother-in-law Michael, and Stephanie.

With his wife Judy and his family he spent many happy times on holiday staying in cottages in the Scottish Highlands; his most favourite spot being Loch Carron.

Home from home, however, was their lodge retreat in Tosside. In recent years John could be found here more often than at his house in Huncoat. He loved the peace and tranquillity as he looked out across the fields and valleys towards Pendle. Several family dogs have enjoyed their time with him there too, making the most of the fresh air and open spaces.

John grew up as a child in Church and attended Church Kirk junior school from the age of 5 years until 11 years. From there he moved on to St Christopher’s, then a new school, and left there at the age of 15. After the death of his parents as a teenager at 15, he was cared for by his Auntie May and Uncle Jim.

Following his apprenticeship at Rothwells, John became a time served welder working at Black and Whites, Clayton Tankers and Faircloughs. Later he began his own window cleaning business, which he loved as it gave him many opportunities to chat to people in the village community about local life and events. In addition to window cleaning work, he helped with the maintenance at the Breakaway Care home in Altham, and later assisted with caring.

A humble, caring and gentle man, John ‘was very happy and contented with his lot’. He never wanted to trouble anyone; even when he was in hospital and in need of help and support he ‘didn’t want to be a bother’. He was always focused on his goals and once he set his mind on something he would see it through with 100% determination and effort. He was never envious or resentful and always wanted what was best for others. This brought him many friends and much respect. He gave friends his time and would talk for hours on end with them, especially if the topic was football and particularly if it was Accrington Stanley.

John lived in Accrington almost all his life and was an avid supporter of Accrington Stanley. His generosity and love for the club can be measured by the time he gave freely over many years as commercial director. His ceaseless efforts generated thousands of pounds of sponsorship and income at a time when the struggle for survival was very real.

He is regarded by many of the Stanley Family as an integral part of the effort which saw the football club rise through the ranks of non-league back into the Football League.

Ill health meant he had to relinquish his role, however his fund-raising efforts continued from home where he spent many hours hand writing letters asking companies for sponsorship and donations. Never one to seek praise or plaudits he would have been pleased but slightly embarrassed by the tributes on social media which followed the news of his death. As a sign of their respect and gratitude, the club arranged a minute’s applause from the crowd who chanted their special song for John at last Saturdays crucial home game against Exeter whilst a banner was unfurled encouraging the players with ‘Let’s do it for John De-Maine’.

John leaves a lasting legacy of love and respect and will be sadly missed by all those who came to know him.

The family send grateful thanks to all who helped care for John.

Family Flowers Only and Donations in memory of John to the British Heart Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support.