Past President John Scott sadly passed away on Friday 25 th August. His much loved wife
Kathleen pre-deceased him, and he leaves a son, Jonathan and a Daughter Joanne.
John had a remarkable career in Sales and Marketing reaching the exalted position of
Marketing Director of Proctor and Gamble.

He served his National Service in the RAF which in later life gave him access to the RAF
Club in Pall Mall which he used extensively when on business. Socially, John Willis reports
that he had a built in radar system which, when in London, automatically guided him there
even when touring with his fellow Alics and alternative hotel accommodation had been
arranged.

John’s introduction to Novos was not by the normal route of playing rugby. He was in fact
an excellent and enthusiastic cricketer, keeping wicket for Dame Allan’s 1st XI and after
his school days at Benwell Hill Cricket Club. His good fortune in life was to be the next
door neighbour of the late Oggie Wright.

Part of the deal of being Oggie’s neighbour was to be an ardent supporter of Novos, so,
John together with two other recruits, started to come to games and the after match social
events. Supper nights were the next event which demanded their support and as they
usually arrived late, due to pre event parties, they were inevitably last to be fed.
Novos has never been short in inviting people of talent into the fold and John was soon
Chairman of our Club, and being a very hard working enthusiast was honoured to be made
President 1996-1997. Among the many tasks he undertook willingly was to unfailingly write
and submit the 1st XV match report to the Sunday Sun. Now this seems a tricky but
manageable task; however, Steve Lawson’s legendary lunches, accompanied by excellent
wines, on away coach trips, sometimes required superhuman concentration to remember
exactly what had happened, what order it happened in and indeed to do it at all! John
always did it magnificently and the club was richer to the tune of £10 each week sent by
the Newcastle Chronicle and Journal.

John was a people person and very much enjoyed the social life of being a Novo. He was
a founding member of the Merry Band of ALICS, all similarly attired in a new Novos
specially designed sweater, who established a tradition of supporting England against
France at the 5 Nations Rugby Internationals. They alternated between Twickenham and
Paris always being highly organised and requiring whole four days to watch 80 minutes of
rugby! John managed to be the only ALIC to attend every single trip.

John had a fine Baritone voice which he was most happy to share at the flick of a switch.
He was a member of Choral Societies and in demand for Weddings, Funerals and Bar
Mitzvah’s.

In later life he thoroughly enjoyed helping his daughter Joanne to use up her air miles by
accompanying her on trips abroad.

John was a committed Christian, a regular attendee at St James United Reform Church
and an active member of Dame Allans Old Boys Association. His further committee work
involved the administration and development of Newcastle Airport and also the
Management Of Darras Hall Estate.

A man of remarkable interests, skills and an obvious love of committees! He will be greatly
missed by his family and all who knew him, but he is now at peace with his wife Kathleen
and many of his Novos absent friends who have been waiting for someone to organise
them.

Rest In Peace John