Joe our mentor l

Joe was more than a mentor, he was a role model, a guide, and a father figure to so many of us in Loughborough. He dedicated his time to helping young people, always offering wisdom, guidance, and lessons that stayed with us long after the conversation ended.

The impact he had on our generation cannot be overstated. His name still comes up whenever we reunite, a reflection of the lasting mark he left on all our lives.

One of my most unforgettable memories with Joe goes back to 2008.
I had stopped by to drop off some food at his house. It was meant to be a quick visit, so quick in fact that I left my car running outside. Of course, anyone who knew Joe will understand what happened next — a “quick visit” was never quick.
Before I knew it, we were deep in conversation, and then Joe insisted I come inside to meet the lovely Jean. How could I say no? We sat chatting away when suddenly we heard the unmistakable sound of an engine revving.

Joe looked at me. I looked at Joe.
We both bolted for the door.
By the time we got outside, my car had disappeared.
What followed was the usual police reports, phone calls, etc, but somehow the whole thing became one of those stories that had us laughing every time we met afterward. It was the kind of tale that never got old.

Years later, after Joe’s diagnosis, those visits became bittersweet. Whenever I saw him, I’d often have to work my way through a collection of old stories before he recognised who I was. It was heartbreaking, but those shared memories remained a bridge between us. In fact meeting Jean I got her to remember me through this story.

Rest in peace, Joe. Thank you for everything. You will never be forgotten.