This year, I spent few weeks with John. He was charming, funny and full of love. The world was a better place with John here. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.

With fond and happy memories of a much loved brother who achieved so much in his lifetime. John you will be missed especially at Christmas which was always a time of great family fun. Michael

Lots of memories of John, Margaret, Helen and Rick from my childhood when attending wider family gatherings at their house in Elton, with my parents and brothers. Although you will be missed in person, the happy memories will live on in us all. With love Emma

To our very special friends, the Jillings family at this saddest of times. John was an inspiration to many and a true friend to our family. So many happy memories to cherish, thank you. With my love David and family

To our very special friends, the Jillings family at this saddest of times. John was an inspiration to many and a true friend to our family. So many happy memories to cherish, thank you. With my love David and family

John was quiet, thoughtful and had a mischievous sense of humour. We remember him on our long walks, always finding the shortest and easiest paths, for ever looking for the next coffee stop but never failing to reach the destination. By helping others, he achieved his unsung aims in his life and work. Derek

I shall always remember that lovely, somewhat cheeky smile, John's integrity & the wonderful Old Rams meetings. All the kids sleeping in the attic at the Old Rectory whilst we played charades downstairs & feasted, acting like kids too, such FUN!! John's sailing skills & rescue when the Bakers, Bents, & I were caught in a birini in the Aegean. The time John made pancakes for the Rams & all the chaps dressed as waiters with Italian accents. screamingly funny, as was the ginger wig serving the haggis. Oh how I'll miss him & his & Margaret's hospitality. His labours are now over. Ann Chadwick

A wonderful dad and fantastic role model. Thank you for all your love and support. We will miss you. Rick

Words can't express how amazing it has been to have had Grandpa with us as we have all grown up. He brought such love and magic to our childhoods, with his silly songs and story times. I'm so glad that he left us knowing he'd done truly amazing things and that he was able to share it all with grandma. I love you both to the moon and back. Sending the biggest of hugs to all of you who are missing him - as he would say - 'let us be thankful' xxxx

I fondly remember all the times in Elton and Lythe as kids causing chaos in the Rectory. It was only growing older that I understood a little of John's great career and achievement, integrity and wisdom. Thanks to all the family for the memories.

Good better best never let it rest until the good is better and the better is best johns motto always strive for more my dearest I ove margaretxxx

I have many happy memories from our visits to Elton. Lots of Christmas time magical family visits. Uncle John has always always a happy warm and supportive presence in my life and will be greatly missed. Love Rachel

Wonderful John (and Margaret) , always very important through my life being within the Baker family. We stayed with you all for 6 months in 1979 and had such a laugh in Elton with you, Margaret, Helen and Rick as well as many walks and trips with your old Rams pals and in the Lakes over many years. It was wonderful for you to meet my children a little over the years. I thank you John for your friendship to my dad and mum and our family. You have been a lovely role model to have out there over many years, modelling integrity and massive humour also. many memories, Ruth xxx

The best Grandpa in the world. My childhood was full of laughter, imagination and exploring because of him. We were delighted with the treehouse he built us in his garden, and I have lovely memories of swinging and singing ‘don’t go over the railway line or else you’ll get run over’ because of the train shaped hedge! I have so much respect for grandpa and everything he achieved in his life- he was an amazing man and found himself an incredible wife too! I hope that I can have something as special as them one day. I feel so lucky to have had a Grandpa so special. I will miss him every day but am glad we have so many special memories to help us along the way. Love you lots grandpa <3

I have known John for more than 50 years, ever since Helen and I made friends in our very first week at school in Sheffield. Margaret, John, and all the family were a massive part of our childhood; holidays, Christmasses, my first ever trip to the seaside, so many lovely Sunday lunches, country walks.... John was a kind, generous and gentle person of great integrity. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Very often he would sit watching everyone, smiling, with that cheeky sparkle in his eyes. That's the way I'll remember him. Thank you to you John, and thank you Margaret, for being the most amazing friends to me and my family for all these years.

I have spent 59 years married to a wonderful man thank you, my dear husband. Marvellous memories. Thank you my dearest. We will meet up again in the clouds bye bye for now. Margaret

I'm very sorry to hear this news. John was a true gentleman with genuine kindness and integrity. I will never forget his warm smile and kind words after I had made my maiden speech at the Rotary Club, not to mention the insightful stories of his time at Derbyshire County Council. His presence made Rotary meetings a brighter and a better place to be. My thoughts and good wishes are with you all. Best regards Peter Kidd, The Rotary Club of Matlock.

A funny, warm, kind Dad. We've had so many adventures. The cottage in Lythe, langdale, sailing holidays, Christmas and birthdays. Many shared with family and friends. We will miss him very much ❤️🌹

A well respected colleague and a true friend for many, many years. Thanks for the memories John, RIP. Ted (&Veronica)

A wonderful husband59very happy years forgetter. From your dearest wife Margaret

We hope that you find this tribute to John a place of comfort, support and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.