JOHN Alexander, a man who gave much to the Vale of Evesham and the town of Pershore in particular, has died at the age of 76. Bellringer, beekeeper, choral singer, Civic Society chairman and all-round sportsman, he also headed the local law firm Alexander & Co for 36 years. Fellow lawyer David Hallmark said: “John was a real gentleman and family man. He lived life to the full and was very kind and full of fun.  He will be sorely missed by all the people whose lives he touched.” John Alexander was born in Pinvin, Pershore in 1947. He briefly lived in Solihull for a few years, then moved to Evesham and when he was 18 to Pensham, Pershore, where he remained until his death.

His years at school were at Wells Court and Well House in Malvern and then St Edwards, Oxford. After graduating in law he was articled to Needham and James in Birmingham, he then moved to Westons in Kidderminster where he met his future wife, Jane. Westons then amalgamated with Thursfields and Adams whereupon he was transferred to the Stourport branch with Roy Dursley, taking Jane with him as his secretary. He set up Alexander and Co in 1975 with the assistance of Roy and his brother William joined a short time later as a partner.  

 

In 1979 John married Jane Lloyd at Chaddesley Corbett church, near Kidderminster. They then had two boys, Thomas and George.

John Alexander had numerous hobbies and began bell ringing at Pershore Abbey in his early twenties and continued to ring for Sunday services, weddings and practises. He had a strong affiliation with the Abbey taking on the duties of sidesman and intercessor. He loved all aspects of the countryside and nature and had a genuine love of gardening, vegetable growing and all wildlife.  In his retirement John took up beekeeping and was treasurer of Evesham Beekeepers.

 

He also had a great love of classical music and latterly enjoyed choral singing, joining Pershore Choral and Worcester Philomusica, where he performed in many concerts.

 

In addition, he was a keen tennis player and represented Pershore for many years in matches across the county. He enjoyed swimming and cricket, playing for Worcester Lawyers.

 

John Alexander loved Pershore and the village of Pensham and being involved with the community. He was chairman of Pershore Civic Society and contributed toward the establishment of Number 8 Theatre in Pershore.

 

He died at home surrounded by his family and his funeral will be at Pershore Abbey on August 9 at noon.