21/04/2026
🌿 In Loving Memory of John Barry Boreham 🌿
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Barry Boreham, a much‑loved husband, father, grandad, great‑grandad, and brother.
Born on 1st October 1941 at Matchless Cottage in Draughton, John grew up in the Skipton area and attended local schools. As a young lad he helped at Garnet’s Farm, and it was during these early years that his lifelong interest in mechanics began — encouraged by his dad, who once told him to strip down his first motorbike and rebuild it from scratch, which he proudly did.
After leaving school, John worked at Waterhouse in Cross Hills before moving on to Johnson & Johnson as a mechanic. He later opened his own garage in Carleton, where many will remember his skill, reliability, and down‑to‑earth nature. In later years he also worked with Jim Butterfield, travelling abroad to dismantle machinery in closed factories in Poland. His final working years were spent self‑employed, doing engineering work he took great pride in.
John and Jean began their married life together in Swan Street, Carleton, before settling in Sutton, where they built a warm and loving family home.
He had many passions throughout his life — deep sea fishing, dominoes, and especially his model railways. He was a proud member of the Skipton Railway Club and spent countless happy hours building his own layout, painting tiny figures with patience and care. He also enjoyed caravan holidays around England and loved taking his grandchildren on weekend trips. Locally, he was known for enjoying a pint or two and for his friendly, steady presence. Ball sports never interested him — but a good railway, a good sea breeze, or a good beer certainly did.
John leaves behind his beloved wife Jean, his grandchildren Misha and Harry, daughter‑in‑law Mandy, great‑grandchild Arley, and his sisters Joan and Christine. He is reunited with his sons Andrew and Patrick, who passed before him.
A Celebration of John’s Life will take place at Skipton Crematorium on Wednesday 29th April at 3pm, where all who knew him are warmly invited to attend.
The family kindly request donations in lieu of flowers to the RNLI, a cause close to their hearts.
We hold John’s family and friends in our thoughts as they remember a man who lived with quiet skill, humour, and devotion to those he loved.
“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”
