John Page Raw

John Page Raw

John had struggled with Parkinsonism for the last four to five years. His ability to walk had deteriorated and being dependent on others tried his patience. He had heart failure for some years; two weeks before his death he had a myocardial infarction and haematemesis. He was admitted to hospital, where he developed dysphagia and dysphasia. He died peacefully in his sleep.

John was born in Calcutta to parents who were Baptist missionaries. John was sent home, alone, by sea at the age of eight to live with uncle and aunts in Newcastle. He was educated at Eltham College, which had originally been endowed as a school for missionaries’ children. In the second world war he was a conscientious objector; during the war he remained in London throughout the Blitz, serving his country through medical care for returning soldiers. He also served in the blood transfusion service in Chichester 1944-5.

John was married in 1945. He was a committed Baptist all his life, and church secretary in Sutton for twelve years. He was a sessional doctor for Marks & Spencer for 25 years, and ARC president for the local branch.

Above all he was a very accomplished water colour artist; he was "selected, but not hung" for a Royal Academy Exhibition in the 1980s. He was a keen sportsman who excelled locally in tennis. He loved gardening and he was also extremely keen at winning at croquet. When he retired he took up portrait painting and wanted his self portrait to accompany his obituary. He leaves Margaret, his wife for 59 years; three sons—an architect, a doctor, and an artist; 11 grandchildren; and two great granddaughters, in whom, he always said, he was immensely proud. [David Raw]