1st May 1948 – 17th December 2011 – I am saddened to report that John Chalkwright sadly passed away just before Christmas.  Known as Chalky to his many friends in the materials handling and publishing industries, John died at home surrounded by his family in Colney Heath, Herts, on Saturday 17 December.

John joined us here at Grandflame in 2005 as a senior salesman on Warehouse & Logistics News, after leaving Quartz Publishing, where he had worked in a similar position on various trade titles and exhibitions.He was well known and much loved in the warehouse and logistics industry both here and in Europe. He brought to the publishing world a unique warmth and enthusiasm that was all his own, and which even tough economic conditions and difficult clients could not dim.

Chalky was a great storyteller and ‘phenomenal’ joke teller, and the life and soul of any party. Going to trade events and exhibitions was always a joy in his company. A true professional, he was completely dedicated, and went on working way beyond the call of duty.

A sports lover, keen darts player and an avid supporter of both Spurs and his local club Colney Heath, John believed in living life to the full, whatever the circumstances. He continued to take holidays and go caravanning up to the last few months.

John had been undergoing cancer treatment for the last year of his life and kept a brave face and remained cheerful right up to the end. At his cremation we sang the song, “Always look on the bright side of life.” To us that was Chalky through and through.

We at Grandflame would like to pass on our heartfelt condolences to John’s wife Marion, their two sons Robert and Stuart, and the rest of the family.

James Surridge
Publishing Editor

Comments are closed.